the cost of christmas school concert.

meritaten

OMG Atrix - when your wife rang me earlier (Atrix is my son), I didn't realise that the Dress Code was so specific or extensive.............!!!!!! are the school playing at? it was just announced on the news that this area is the most 'deprived' in Wales! and they think you can cough up over £100 for costumes for an hours performance?

jaylee3

meritaten wrote: »

OMG Atrix - when your wife rang me earlier (Atrix is my son), I didn't realise that the Dress Code was so specific or extensive.............!!!!!! are the school playing at? it was just announced on the news that this area is the most 'deprived' in Wales! and they think you can cough up over £100 for costumes for an hours performance?

:huh: :huh: :huh:

Am I reading this correctly? Are you seriously having a conversation on the moneysavingwebsite with your son, about issues at his child's school?

Do you not have a phone? Landline? Mobile? Email? etc etc... Or is it not possible to ask him in person.

I think I've seen it all now. :rotfl:

meritaten

I just happened to be on here - and I spoke to his wife on the phone earlier. I hadn't realised the extent of the schools wishlist! whats the difference between a chat on here or effbook?
whats your problem?

jaylee3

meritaten wrote: »

I just happened to be on here - and I spoke to his wife on the phone earlier. I hadn't realised the extent of the schools wishlist! whats the difference between a chat on here or effbook?
whats your problem?

I don't have a problem. I just think it's a bit strange.

sulphate

wiogs wrote: »

I wasn't being rude. I was pointing out what was posted was rubbish in as much as it was factually incorrect.

If I wanted to be rude I would have been.

I don't think it's unreasonable to suggest that a lot of kids at private schools are more likely to have parents that can afford to spend a lot of money for outfits on a school play. Not all of them will, of course.

jp1964

maman wrote: »

I'm amazed at this!:eek:
Unless your school is private/in a very wealthy area I can't believe they think this is a reasonable thing to do. I say this because schools with well-heeled parents are used to parents shelling out for ready made costumes or getting dressmakers to run them up.


For the schools I'm familiar with Victorian themed days/Oliver has (for boys I assume) asked for some raggy trousers (cut off school ones), a collarless shirt (old school shirt or old one of dad's), a waistcoat if poss (usually from charity shop or run one up cheaply), perhaps a scarf/muffler, a cap and daps (love the word and not heard it since I was teaching in South Wales). The daps are to avoid clunking about on stage although barefoot is often acceptable. Definitely no colour scheme or fabric specified.


For a smart outfit then it would be school trousers and a shirt (trying to copy a winged collar) and tie or cravat. Then perhaps a top hat and a jacket if possible. Only Oliver himself might have a velvet jacket and that would be provided by the school.


I'd put it to the school tomorrow (and call in, in person if you possibly can) that you're happy to get a Victorian style outfit together but it'll have to be a home made version. If you can talk to other parents for support then that would help too.

Good Luck.

I think your ideas for costumes sound sensible, but the statement in bold - are you serious, surely not!

Believe me, when parents are paying school fees, that means they are less likely to waste money on elaborate costumes, let alone having a dressmaker run one up!:eek:

I am amazed that the costumes requested are so specific with colours and styles etc, we always hit the charity shops for bits and pieces or made/customised things with what we had, quite frankly if the school want such specified things they ought to provide them.

lulu_92

When I was at school my mum used to make all of the costumes for the kids (I'm assuming she was given some money from the school for materials - not too sure). She did everything, including making my fairy outfit out of her old wedding dress, and my Puss in Boots costume for the year after. Poor lad playing the ogre had two pillows stuffed up his shirt!

kingfisherblue

The list is ridiculous. I've never heard of any school dictating such a specific list, and if they want velvet jackets etc, they should provide them.

Three of my Brownies are being the kings and the other girls are being shepherds in a Nativity play performed mainly by the Guides. I didn't think to ask the parents to provide costumes. Instead, I've asked family if there is anything suitable that we can borrow. My mum was given a silky dressing gown a few years ago and never worn it - perfect for a king's costume.

OP, I agree that spending so much money on costumes to be worn once is not acceptable. I hope at you manage to make the school understand that as well.

ETA, I meant to add, I hope that your children enjoy their performance, no matter what they are wearing.

meritaten

I should have said that I normally make or adapt the kids costumes if needed. and yes, charity shops are usually great for finding clothing you can adapt or cut up and remake into something else. But that only works if the school just give a 'general guide'......................oh and have they tried to buy 'daps' this time of year?
(Daps is Wenglish for plimsolls)

Broadwood

atrixblue.-MFR-. wrote: »

lol I forget welsh terms are not known in genral.

[IMG]https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn<img src=http://static.moneysavingexpert.com/images/forum_smilies/angel-smiley-002.gif border=0 alt= title=You are wonderful smilieid=16 class=inlineimg>Nd9GcRg3sfR5NC0Lm8AEkA0CP99TbVAh7EKzpqYGbNiIRFOHHHgZ71h[/IMG]
a flat cap

Is this Albert Steptoe in posh clothes or just a look-alike?:rotfl: