How can parents show teachers (primary) that we appreciate them

[AbstractDot]

More than ever I really want my child's primary school to know I understand (as someone in the profession) their workload and the demands being placed on them now.

I'd love to arrange something as a thank you, but not sure what is allowed in terms of 'gifts' and declarations. The last thing I want to do is cause more work for my child's school where I know the head is running the school very well on top of covering any staff absences (including cleaning and dining staff!).

Organise vouchers with all the other parents. Get a PayPal going where everyone chips in £2/5 or whatever they can afford or not for an M&S or John Lewis voucher.
That is really appreciated.

That or booze, lots of Prosecco.

Send a heartfelt email/card (cc the head in too). Vouchers etc are very much appreciated but nothing beats a card! That's the kind of thing you hang on to.

Mind you, I wouldn't turn down a nice bottle of something...

Reasonable gifts are allowed. But a message to the head saying how good this particular teacher is, is a very valuable thing

If everyone put in £2 in a class of 30. That would be a super voucher and much more hygienic in these covid times.
I hadn’t really though through the bottles of booze idea but l would say presents are probably a no go at the moment.
It’s sad.

I'm going to suggest something like this on our class group chat. DS's teacher has been brilliant throughout all of this, the whole school has actually.

We are all chipping in for a voucher

Everyone in my school is freezing at the moment. I would suggest things for hot drinks - herbal teas, hot chocolate and some nice biscuits.
That may not work for everyone but certainly in my place of work would be most appreciated.

I'm a teacher. Email the Head and say how wonderful I am please

I love presents, not going to lie but I never expect anything. They are always a lovely bonus.

I'd like to know this too. I was thinking something a bit more personal than a voucher? Just because the class are already planning the Christmas gift of a voucher with parents giving £10 each so another voucher near Christmas would be a bit much. I'll probably write an email and cc in the head.

Send an email to the head.

Organise a joint voucher between the whole class. (A bit more easier to quarantine an envelope than 30 x boxes of chocolates)

Also send something like a moonpig card through the post directly to the school. They are always a joy for the teachers to pick up. (I work in a school office)

@fallaciousreasoning

Everyone in my school is freezing at the moment. I would suggest things for hot drinks - herbal teas, hot chocolate and some nice biscuits. That may not work for everyone but certainly in my place of work would be most appreciated.

I really like this idea - thank you!

Email to the head
I feel like we are so despised right now. It would mean a lot to get positive comments.
Thank you so much for this. I’m struggling and it’s helped a little.

I'm a primary teacher and have to agree with previous posters that an email to the head singing my praises has always been the biggest boost! The gifts are always lovely and very welcomed, but the hand written notes in cards or emails sent into school are the ones I always keep and remember, and share with my mum!

Just a note to remind people that due to COVID most schools aren't allowing things from home to be sent in, which would include gifts, so if you do really want to get a collection together, a gift voucher would probably be the easiest way around it.

Email/card to teacher and to Head. Can always ask the school if there are any resources they need. I’m not talking vast sums of money but there are always small things that teachers would love for their class but there is no budget for.

I'm a TA
an email to us cc the head is always lovely ....we do keep them !!
To be honest anything I've ever been given I've loved...spring bulbs...a tree decoration...posh chocs....Sainsbury's voucher ...fluffy socks....but I'm easy pleased !!!

Omg, £10 each?! So £300?! 😲

Email head and copy in everyone you can think of (my head doesn’t pass on praise, so I never know about it unless her PA or the receptionist or someone else tells me!).

As an ex-teacher, a simple yet heartfelt thank you is so very welcome. It’s not something we hear very often! How about a card with messages from the class and parents if you wanted to do something really special?

An email to the head would also be really appreciated.

My dc primary teacher is much appreciated. And so brilliant during all this.

We just recently did a spontaneous note from dc in books (pta organised it) which went down well.

Otherwise usual ideas below.

I really don’t get this worshipping teachers culture which I strongly feel should end. Lots of professionals do a great job- police, social workers, nurses, doctors etc. They get paid a decent salary. And not all families can afford to chip in for vouchers or presents, some children are barely getting enough to eat. If you happy with a service someone offers tell them.

Worshipping teacher culture??

We are hated by the media, politicians and a large chunk of the population.

I'm exhausted by all the hate and would absolutely love a message of support from our parents.

As a teacher I can say that threads like these are very much appreciated We’ve had a couple of really nice emails from parents and that’s honestly been such a boost.

@AbstractDot
Wanting messages of support is very different to extravagant and costly give giving imo.

@Leobynature

I really don’t get this worshipping teachers culture which I strongly feel should end. Lots of professionals do a great job- police, social workers, nurses, doctors etc. They get paid a decent salary. And not all families can afford to chip in for vouchers or presents, some children are barely getting enough to eat. If you happy with a service someone offers tell them.

No it doesn’t need to be costly. Not everyone can do that anyway. Especially atm