to expect a thank you after a school trip?

[KingscoteStaff]

We got back today after a week's residential trip, camping with Year 6s.

Out of 60 children, 3 said thank you, one mother asked why her child's sleeping bag had not been rolled properly into its bag and one dad complained that we were late. This was true (30 minutes), but we had called the school office regularly throughout the journey back, giving up to date news about the shocking traffic.

It's my job, I know, but I haven't been paid any extra for the nights or been reimbursed for the extra childcare needed for my own children while I've been away.

We had a fantastic time, and I loved watching our classes pushing their limits when abseiling or canoeing, and just hanging out around the tents in the evening.

So should I just accept that the reward is the job and not expect a thank you from the children or their parents? We got a big one from our Head Teacher, by the way.

It's rude for only that many to say thank you, but don't give up on todays youth and their parents just yet, maybe some will get in contact and thank you by email/card/when you see them?

It's exciting getting back, and probably a bit stressful for the parents which made them forget themselves and take it out on you only think of the things they had to check were there?

Did you go abseiling?

You should have been thanked but some people are and will always be gobshites.

Our head doesn't even thank his own staff for running residential trips burt very quick to bask in the glory.

Don't hold your breath.
I've done half-a-dozen residentials and I can count on both hands the number of thank-yous.
And they were pretty intensive London trips with lots of trains and walking and 24/7 supervision.

Did appreciate the big tin of chocolates we got once tho!

My year 6 DS just got back from his residential. I know you didn't do his trip - there were 17 kids on his trip. But in the absence of his teacher being in front of me, may I say.

Thank you for putting the time in, he is knackered. So you must be too. He keeps messaging his pals even though he left them an hour ago. I love the fact you make the effort because it makes going to secondary school that bit easier.

Oh, and I was so pleased to see him I forgot to remind him to say thank you. Enjoy having wine. Enjoy your family. You deserve it for teaching him something about growing up.

I think teachers are brilliant!

Do you think that there might be a rush of cards on Monday from MNetters whose poppets have been away on school journey this week?
Maybe we should just bump this thread through June.

I cried once, when, about a week after we had returned from a 2 nighter, a parent brought each adult who had gone, a bottle of wine. She was really puzzled and I explained that it was the first time in 15 years, that any parent had given me a present for taking their child on a residential. ( to be fair, I think I was still tired!)
I even had a conversation with some of out TAs once( they were also parents) about Overtime pay. They were stunned that the teachers don't get paid extra for residentials.
I can usually count the thank yous on one hand.
My dd has been on 3 so far and always takes some packets of biscuits to give to the staff on the first night!
On the other hand, they are usually great fun and a brilliant way of seeing the children in a new light.

Thank you for flowers, whothef, and you're right about them probably being too excited to see their children to remember to say thank you.

I didn't abseil, but spent 15 minutes up on the platform persuading one child to give it a go. I did go on the zip wire, though, and helped paddle the dragon boat!

I always make sure my ds (14) says thank you to leaders when he comes back from scouts/school residential trips!
(Sometimes he doesn't even need reminding!)

Yanbu to expect to be thanked. Unfortunatly some people just dont appreciate the work involved in making sure they/their child is safe and has a great time

In the school I work in they were taken to France. A strongly worded letter was written to the Head as the leaders had failed to find a childs sock.

Apparently it's heinous to return a child with one of its socks missing

Apparently my DS1 stood up at the end of his ski trip and made all the kids do a round of applause for all the staff who had taken them.

I bet none of the parents realises you don't get paid overtime for doing school trips. They probably think you are "just doing your job". Of course they should thank you anyway, but sadly lots of people have no manners.

A bit shocking that so few said thankyou but don't give up hope! My DCs have done several residentials over the years and I usually try to thank staff at the time, but it can be a scramble getting them off the bus, collecting luggage from coach boot or minibus and it is often late at night or early in morning. I often give the DCs a small gift to take in the next day, or after the weekend when there is less of a bunfight going on.
But thanks for doing a great job and giving up your time - my DCs have gained so much from these trips.

Yes, it was a bit busy unpacking.

Actually, I am probably most cross that the 'You were late' dad nearly ran me over in his 4 by 4 as I dragged my bag to the bus stop!

'I didn't abseil, but spent 15 minutes up on the platform persuading one child to give it a go.'

...and whose parents will be onto the school on monday saying you've pressured their DC into doing something they didn't want to do

Also, keep in your mind how pissed off you'd have been if 60 children and their parents had crowded round you to all say thank you when all you wanted was to collapse in a heap at home

Another parent said to me that they wanted to know who paid for the teachers and was it us subsidising them going 'on holiday'?! I was utterly gobsmacked! (And I am not a teacher). My two ALWAYS go and thank and so do I. I would take presents but would feel a bit OTT.
(PS. Got to ask - wasn't Kingscote the Marlows' school? Or is that too obscure?)

Yes, I wanted to be Miss Cromwell but some bugger had bagged it first.

Oh, so you are one of the mistresses? Yes, alright ginty, staff?

I used to work at one of those camps and we'd get the kids thank their teachers before they even left. I have a lot of respect for you going on one of those trips especially remembering how we used to treat the teachers! ;)

I can't believe that the parents were so bastardised when picking up their children, surely they should be welcoming you all home? :( So many people are without manners these days, I hope that you get some thank you cards next week!

To be honest, I always thought that teachers who went on residential trips were paid extra because of the responsibility of looking after kids for 24 hours a day.

I am really shocked this is not true.

I do say thank you and do appreciate everything the teachers do but as someone said it is a bit mad at the end of a trip when everyone is pouring out of a coach.

I really thought teachers on trips were earning something extra both money wise and career wise.

Am amazed this is not the case but they do it for the good of the children - thank you all teachers!

I so so know what you mean- It's a huge commitment taking children away and being responsible for someones most precious posession for 24 hours a day for a week.

A thankyou/ little note afterwards is all that is required as the rewards (as you said) are the way you often see pupils grow on a residential trip.

I have always gone out of my way to either send DD with some supplies of chocolate biscuits for the responsible adults or greet the bus with a bottle of wine for every adult helper/ teacher.

I can remember when dd went on a residential in year 6... She wasnt going to go despite me trying to persuade her to.. Someone dropped out last minute and she took the place

She had the most amazing time and took part in things she would prob never do again.. The week after I sent biscuits and chocs in for teachers that went on residential so they knew I appreciated the time and effort they put into the week that DD still says was the best week she has ever had!!

Your students will remember it forever

It just won't happen. It doesn't mean they had a shit time, or don't appreciate you. They just don't think. I force them to thaenk the coach driver though!