Is it normal for schools to ask so many things?

[Foxy800]

My dd is in Year 1 and so far since September they have been on 2 school trips which we paid for, had to give money for Harvest. THese were fine as were given notice. But since Thursday last week we have had a letter asking for jars with sweets by Friday for christmas fair, toiletries etc by next friday for school fair then the following friday they want cakes. We then got another letter today asking for some food so they can have a picninc in their class on Friday!!

Sounds competely normal to me - especially in the run up to christmas and summer fairs. That's how they they make money through donations and then getting you to buy them. All children benefit from the money raised so it's not all bad!

What, no letters about Christmas lunch (£££), Christmas party (cakes, crisps), Christmas concerts (volunteers for teas/coffees), sponsored Christmas bounce (more £££), mums' night out (more £££)?

If Im honest I dont even think it is the fact they are acking for things because as you say the children benefit, it is more the short notice for the things. Just wish they would give more notice.

And don't forget school discos, raffle tickets, Friday tuck shop, christmas dinner, come to school dressed in the colours of the Spanish flag / Australian/ Indian, early morning gymnastics club badges etc, school swimming stuff, donations at school plays............!

My DDs school is q large and they spread out what they ask for for the Christmas fayre through the different year groups, but the rest sounds about right to me.

Guess I am just not used to it being my only child.LOL

Don't forget this Friday is Children in Need - they'll probably be after more £££'s for that

We had a letter home in DD's bookbag today that has to be signed and returned to school no later than this morning :o shirley shome mishtake? I don't have a time travel capability...

Surely most of it is voluntary though? Especially if you can't afford it / can't actually get the stuff in time.