Teacher Xmas collection

[Switch82]

Just a quick one I’m doing a collection for the TA and teacher. I will write on the card it’s from class 1 and not write the names of the people who contribute so it’s from the whole class. Is that ok? I don’t really want to write individual names. As I don’t want the teacher to think some people couldn’t contribute etc

If you did contribute would that bother you.

It depends whether it's been a class decision or you taking it upon yourself to do it. You would be far better asking the people who contributed to vote and decide what they want to do rather than decide yourself.

I hate class collections, they really put people on the spot and get everyone gossiping about your finances if you don't contribute. Much better for individuals who can afford it to put in a box if sweets or whatever imo.

The dreaded class collection

Ok thanks for that - why dreaded class collection?

I much rather have a class contribution then have to think about buying token gift. Ours suggests anything from a £1 - I’m feeling generous this year and putting in a £5. I don’t give a shit if sad bitches who haven’t mentally left school gossip about what everyone contributes. Tbf I’ve never heard such things and the amount contributed is never published on the group and you get a private message confirming money received. I think most bank transfer but the organiser accepts cash so penny pot can be raided if need be. As for cards everyone’s name gets put on as it’s not a childs thought if there parents can’t or won’t contribute so why leave them out?

We’ve gone for a tenner (it’s the norm and gets split across TA & Teacher) but people can give what they want. Thanks yes I want to write from the whole class. Seems unfair otherwise

Yes, just write "From Class One" or whatever, otherwise it's tricky knowing whether to put the names of any kids whose parents didn't/couldn't contribute. Personally I'd be so grateful to you for organising it I'd be happy with whatever you wrote really!

Bloody hell, a tenner? £300from a class of 30 is a crazy £150 each. I work in a school and think that that is an insane amount to give, seriously.

I really wish that people would realise that teachers don't expect gifts at Xmas, or any time. So you never 'have to think of a token gift', it just isn't necessary.
If you want us to feel appreciated, just send us a nice email. We would be delighted to receive one, since most of the emails we get are giving us more work (school staff) or complaints about something.
Please, please don't feel that we 'require' anything.
It's very kind, but completely unnecessary.

@Afonavon

Bloody hell, a tenner? £300from a class of 30 is a crazy £150 each. I work in a school and think that that is an insane amount to give, seriously.

I agree! £150 each is a massive amount. When mine were in primary (oldest is only 15 so not that long ago), it used to £6, split between teacher and 2 TAs, so about £50 per person. And we would do a bit of research and find out what they liked within that budget. £150 would be more than my DH, kids and parents spend on me all together!

God I hate having to find gifts for teachers so would welcome a contribution instead! Last year I had 3 different teachers plus 4 TAs. I know they really don't want another mug or keyring with 'world's best teacher' on it so tried to avoid those but my god the stress of finding suitable gifts. I also wrote a lovely card and 2 of the teachers messaged me to say the gifts and cards were lovely but that the words in the cards had meant so much to them.

This year I don't think I am going to do gifts but will do cards.

You may want to check the teacher can accept a gift worth that amount. Some LEAs won't let teachers accept gifts over a certain amount. I think the local one here the limit is £20.

I think it's fine & nobody is obliged to contribute.

Yes I know teachers get paid & don't expect a gift. But honestly they're with your child many hours a week & the majority make a huge effort.

People tip a taxi driver or waiter but seem to resent this. I've not come across this in real life - MN is just a snapshot of people who seem to dislike teachers.

We always used to buy for head, caretaker, all TAs, music teacher & other helpers. So it never worked out as £150.

£10 each is crazy, there's no way a teacher or TA would expect a gift of that value.
I'm honestly happy with the homemade Christmas pictures & the odd box of Maltesers.

As a primary teacher this sounds crazy! Especially for a Christmas present! I wonder home many from your child's class will contribute willingly (or just feel pressure to contribute?). I'd say £1/£2 contribution would be more than adequate and could get a nice gift. I plan to send my son in with a nice tin of shortbread for the adults in his year group. They can enjoy that with a cuppa in the New Year. I will think a bit harder at end of year but Christmas buying is quite a new trend and something not everyone wants to do. It's an expensive time for so many!

A fiver max and only at the end of the school year. Not for Christmas.

@Afonavon @birdling ever stop to think that people actually want to give presents because they feel it's the right thing? Besides, some teachers want presents, especially after working themselves nearly to death the whole year. You may not want them but so be it. Let people enjoy things.

And £150 per person is completely fine if the parents agreed to it. It's better to get a present that's actually useful instead of trying to wrangle meager ideas out of £5 - £10. I'm guessing only so many boxes of cheap chocolates can be eaten at some point.

I wouldn't contribute as disagree with collections, I would have no problem if you wrote on the card "From everyone in P1 except Wings".

You are overthinking it.

@Switch82

We’ve gone for a tenner (it’s the norm and gets split across TA & Teacher) but people can give what they want. Thanks yes I want to write from the whole class. Seems unfair otherwise

Bloody hell!

I’ve got 5 children. There’s no way I’d have bern able to afford £10 each for all their teachers.

I was on the receiving end of a spa weekend one year. Seriously, I was mortified. I ended up giving the gift tokens to a local food bank to raffle. The next year and every year after that I had a box at my classroom door for food donations for the foodbank. I love getting cards but if parents want to so something then I’m more than happy with something for my foodbank collection instead of gifts, it also puts no pressure on parents.

Why would you even ask/suggest £10 when you must/should know many people won't be able to afford that amount (and you have put them in the embarrassing position of offering up a couple of quid instead)?
It's absolute stupidity.

Trust me every class has gone for £7.50 to £10!! Every Xmas! And end of year

A tenner is ridiculous! Why not a few pounds. People with multiple children are unlikely to be able to keep up with that! Even those with one children £10 is a lot. I actually can’t believe that’s the suggested amount. I dread this being a think when my child starts school.

I’ll be putting from the whole class

I was really stunned when asked for £10+ For my DS’ teacher and TA last year! And then the organiser just chooses whatever, so random. It seems so impersonal to get one expensive gift and shove a mass-signed card in there rather than individual considered token gifts. Luckily that mum has left so this year I think no one will organise anything 😄

[quote JingsMahBucket]**@Afonavon* @birdling* ever stop to think that people actually want to give presents because they feel it's the right thing? Besides, some teachers want presents, especially after working themselves nearly to death the whole year. You may not want them but so be it. Let people enjoy things.

And £150 per person is completely fine if the parents agreed to it. It's better to get a present that's actually useful instead of trying to wrangle meager ideas out of £5 - £10. I'm guessing only so many boxes of cheap chocolates can be eaten at some point.[/quote]
Honestly, if I’ve ever seen a mn post that inclined me less towards buying a teacher gift, I don’t remember it. You come across as very entitled and grabby with your “meagre ideas” and “cheap chocolates”.