Real-life MMD: Should I pay fixed contribution for teacher's gift?

scarlet_macaw

elsien wrote: »

Vouchers aren't taxable.

Not true. That only applies to very limited classes of vouchers (mainly childcare and luncheon vouchers) and even then is subject to strict cash limits. That tax avoidance loophole was closed a long time ago.

Tiptaker

When did it become the norm to give teachers presents? Thankfully when my boys were at school there was no such custom - I had enough trouble finding the dinner money each week, where on earth would I have found £25 EACH - heaven help those with a number of offspring at the school. What do other parents at the school feel about this, I can't believe many are happy. Perhaps they are too embarrassed to say anything but a quiet word with some of the more sensible mothers might show support for your position and once it has been acknowledged that this is extortion then other shyer mothers might join in the protest. And as for the teacher who would "prefer vouchers" - s/he should hang her/his head in shame.

I am assuming that this isn't Eton or Harrow or some such where I guess it could be assumed that £25 isn't much!!!!!!:eek:

delv_2

alandbailey wrote: »

"payed" should be "paid". I am 70 but still remember how to spell. But in the 40s and 50s we were taught properly.:D

You're as bad as my dad! I apologise for my error. I am human and what with English being my second language, it's not uncommon for me to make mistakes.

I'm glad I've made an elderly gentleman's day though! :rotfl:

tgroom57

Don't pay it. Make a stand. If possible enlist the co-operation of all other members of your son's class.

How will the teacher feel if she is the only teacher to receive nothing?
Suitably chagrined, I would hope.

Tiddles12

scotsbob wrote: »

Do you want your kid to get good grades or average grades next year??

Bit of a no brainer really, a bargain at £25 I would say.

Fool .

skintscot

I'm sorry for your child but well done for taking a stand. You say you don't want to pay on principle but I'm sure there are parents in your child's class who really can't afford this sum and are paying up rather than admit that.

There are many teachers in my family and they certainly don't expect gifts. If a child wants to buy a small item or make a card or gift then that's fine but it should be entirely voluntary and up to the child and it's family.

Raise the matter with the school governors.

Tiddles12

oldtrout wrote: »

Yet another case of MSE making their MMDs up!!!

Hardly a dilemma is it? £25? NO WAY ... Voluntary, ANONYMOUS contributions fine... the child doesn't need to know the amount their parent has contributed.

Total unacceptable!

Why are you responding to a "made up" MMD?

phoebe03cat

I just don't believe this is genuine. I used to work in a top notch private school and parents never contributed this much each for a class present. Sometimes I would get a 'special gift' of appreciation from a parent but that was always from an individual, usually for personal reasons. Just ridiculous to think that a whole class of parents would conform anyway. I always found that parents that were rolling in it usually were the ones to hang on to it!

Cimscate

quinechinoise wrote: »

Contribute a smaller sum? The child obviously wants to give something, however, I don't see why it must be the sum suggested. If any parents complain, tell them you can't afford more. OTOH... if you can afford more, then it becomes harder to make a stand (assuming you were happy with the standard of teaching that year).

It's not hugely different to tipping your hairdresser or giving your postie a Christmas box.

Personally I think it is outrageous and I don't tip the hairdresser or postie either!! :rotfl::rotfl:

delv_2

tooraloola wrote: »

As a former teacher I am astonished at this practice. Children feel very pressured by feeling different and I really feel for the poor child who is now probably worried sick by his mum refusing (quite rightly) to pay. I am utterly disgusted by this. The teacher who said she prefers JL vouchers is a disgrace.

If children WANT to give their teacher a small token, that's one thing...but this is outrageous. Yes it IS taxable and the teacher who posted should get spelling lessons...it is paid not payed.

I would complain to the Local Education Authority.

Missing comma after yes there, but who's judging ay? :rotfl