Am I being weird ?

[boredsoscrollingonMNagain]

I’m a supply teacher and have been on long term supply in the school for 5 months .

I have bought gifts for the other two year group teachers and the 2 TA’s. I didn’t spend lots but they’re quite thoughtful - some jokey things ( like glue sticks as they’re always lost , paracetamol for headaches , sanitiser for germs … all based on little ongoing jokes ) along with wine and chocolate. I’ve also got the head some fancy biscuits and wrote some cards with lovely messages for all . Along with that I’ve got cakes for the staff room and a thank you card for everyone.

Everyone has been lovely to me , so I wanted to show my appreciation. I was also offered a job and declined as I am moving out of teaching , so I know I am valued . However, there has been an announcement for everyone to attend a small gathering at the end of the term as 3 teachers are leaving - one to another school and 2 on maternity . Also messages about collections for them. It seems there is one of this for me - and that’s absolutely fine, I don’t expect that at all - I’m only supply and only been there part of the year .

But my question is - is this too much ? Am I going to look like I expect gifts etc ? I will be bringing them in on the morning of the last day and I don’t want people thinking I expect something , I also don’t want to look like I’ve bought all this in then nothing for me and will people think I’m affected by this ? I don’t know if I’m being nice now or weird ?

Im a massive overthinker !

I'd like to think your department would get you something even if the school don't.
That's what happened to two long term supply.
They weren't included in Head's speeches (I think they ought to have been personally) but the department bought them something.
They bought in cakes and a general card.
They also bought me flowers and vice versa as we were close.

The TAs is a lovely gesture and will be much appreciated.
The two colleagues I'm sure will also be thankful.
If they miss you out, no biggie, just do it last minute or if you think it will be awkward for them if unreciprocated, give them the day before.

You sound lovely btw
Gold star
Flowers

It sounds like you’re being lovely and thoughtful, but also overthinking things. I’m sure the others will appreciate what you have bought them and won’t think there was an ulterior motive.

And no, you're not weird. You're awesome.
If you really feel it will be awks or deemed OTT or there'll be a misbalance then you could always take it into work in your boot and possible give just the wine or the chocs, rather than both (unless mini-bottles). Up to you.
I'd have thought the HOD would get you one card signed by the whole dept and one bunch of flowers. If not, they're thoughtless/tight and it's no reflection on you at all!

I just wanted to update .

I did the gifts I planned and they went down a treat ! They loved them !

Also , I came out today unable to carry all of the gifts I had received and had to take 2 trips to my car!! I had beautiful gifts from the teachers and the TA’s I worked with , after school I was given a huge bouquet of flowers , chocolates and a collection from staff - with a lovely speech about the difference I’ve made etc . I also had a gift from each child , every single child in the class . I had a lovely card made with pictures from all the children that the TA somehow managed to get them all to do without me knowing and a gift from the SENDCO .

I did not expect all this , I was absolutely laden with gifts and it’s been an emotional day ! ❤️❤️

Wonderful update- think I have tears in my eyes!

What a lovely update, Op!

Oh OP, fantastic! So pleased for you sweetheart and you will have made a difference to the kids. Bloody well done.