What would a PTA do/give for Head teacher leaving?

[youllneedthisfish]

I find myself chair of the new PTA at my sons' primary school. The very much loved and respected Head Teacher is leaving in the summer.

I wondered what good ideas you all had - or great experiences you have had - for a great send-off?

We have a good amount of time as its in the summer, and I thought now would be a good time to consider whether we should do an event, get a gift fund together, get the kids to do/make something - whatever.

Ideas and suggestions welcome
many thanks

I wouldn't support buying the HT a present from PTA funds, we raise funds for the benefit of the children. I think we would lose support of the parents if we spent PTA money on the head.

Oh no, definitely wasn't suggesting from funds.

I just realised we need to think about doing something for her and wanted suggestions. I will be asking the deputy, but any wonderful gifts and such retiring heads have had would be welcomed.

When head left at our primary school a letter was put into the book bags of all the children along with an envelope. The letter outlined everything he had achieved for the school along with a request for donations.

A special assembly was arranged so the Head could say goodbye to everyone and that is when he was presented with a photo of all the children outside the school and a photo of the school door that the governers and PTA had thought appropriate to spend the donations on.

Personally I think the photo is a good idea along with a huge card on which the children could all be encouraged to write one good thing that they will remember about the Head. A couple of the older children could draw a picture of him on the front.

You can also get a personalised bottle of wine/spirits from the parents. There's a website called UtterlyPersonal that do personalised bottles of wine.

Does the head plan on travelling in retirement? New suitcase? Travel guides? Any other hobbies?

thanks, nice ideas. I am thinking the teachers will arrange stuff too, but wasn't clear on how much I should try and organise on behalf of the PTA.

We asked for donations, then bought our head a posh coffee machine and gardening vouchers. There were also cards from parents and pupils. He still comes back to help out on school trips!

I don't think the PTA needs to do anything really.

The Governors should, and the teachers will probably do something between themselves, just like any office would do when someone leaves.
Teachers will probably organise for kids to do thankyou/goodbye cards etc, but I don't think it's approprite to ask the parents for money.

Ok not from PTA funds, but I still would be cautious about doing anything under the banner of the PTA. I'd be worried that people would be confused and think we're dipping into PTA resources, which Would Not Go Down Well.
As Phylis said, the school will probably organise stuff for the children to do.