letter from school

scheming_gypsy

When kids leave school they'll take a present in for the teacher, some even do it at the end of term when they'll have a different teacher the next term. They do that (or the parents do it for them), to show their appreciation for what they've done.
All the school are doing is letting the parents know that the teacher will be leaving if they want to contribute to a thank you gift. If the teacher has helped your kid and you want to thank them, what's the problem in giving a few quid? especially as the kids might not even tell you themselves.

They're asking if you want to chip in to say thanks, not sending your kids to be slaves in deepest darkest Peru.

Azari

scheming_gypsy wrote: »

They're asking if you want to chip in to say thanks, not sending your kids to be slaves in deepest darkest Peru.

Although at this time of year that might seem a tempting offer to some.

scheming_gypsy

nah, this time of year is easy depending on their age.
If they're babies then they've got no idea, so from about 4 years and upwards just tell them that they're Muslim / Jewish / Jehovah's Witness / Hindu / etc and don't celebrate Christmas. By the time they realise you've been lying to them, you've saved a fortune.

esuhl

scheming_gypsy wrote: »

They're asking if you want to chip in to say thanks, not sending your kids to be slaves in deepest darkest Peru.

Gasp! So that's the kind of life from which Paddington Bear escaped!

scheming_gypsy

that's why they're kidnapping kids... Somebody has to replace the marmalade snaffling bears!

KxMx

Since it is the parents paying tax who pay the teachers wages, I think they've got a flaming cheek personally.

jamespir

maybe the school thought some of the parents might like said teacher and want to chip in for the gift

System

soothyerboots wrote: »

It is strange, but no need to get your knickers in a knot. Just ignore it if you do not wish to donate. Simples!

i wasnt aware i was getting anything into a knot ! sorry i thought this was a vent board !!!

KxMx

jamespir wrote: »

maybe the school thought some of the parents might like said teacher and want to chip in for the gift

I'm sure the parents are intelligent enough, upon hearing that the teacher is leaving through the school grapevine, to think maybe they will get them a small gift.

The school actively soliciting money for that purpose is wrong. Wouldn't the teacher be happier with small gifts from individual pupils where alot of thought has gone into it? Maybe even something the pupils have made themselves?

fluffnutter

I think gift buying for teachers (on leaving or at the end of term) is getting a little crazy. You hear anecdotes about parents trying to outdo each other with more and more extravagant presents. My friends who have small children (infant/primary school) age say it's absolutely the norm now for all the kids to give their teacher a present at the end of each term. Why? This was unheard of when I was at school. Personally I just think it's another way for middle-class parents to compete with each other over who's the most giving/generous/loaded.