The Southeast Cornerstone Public School Division has apologized to its community for the Christmas production put on by children at Oxbow Prairie Horizon School in grades K to 5.

Social media reflected dis-satisfaction by some community members who felt the school play may have anti-oil industry sentiment.

The school division says the play, entitled Santa Goes Green Christmas play, which referred to melting ice caps and surfing reindeer, was not meant to be disrespectful. Officials contend the play was chosen because it gave all the kids a chance to participate, the music is described as “peppy” and the overall theme focused on recycling and sustainability.

Summary of the play’s plot from the publisher Hal Leonard:

Melting ice caps; global warming; surfing reindeer! The North Pole is going green this year and everyone is excited – everyone; that is; except Santa who likes things just the way they are. Solar panels; LED light bulbs; new power sources? It all sounds a bit inconvenient to him. Mrs. Claus; the elves; toys and reindeer have their hands full!