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Original poster

Being asked for a donation for teacher's birthday

60 replies

IdrisTheDragon · 07/10/2009 18:12

Today DS has come home with an envelope with a note stapled onto it asking us to contribute a pound to celebrate teachers' birthdays.

Presumably you need to do this for each child in the school (only DS is there so far).

I find it a bit odd - when I was a teacher I would have been surprised to get a birthday present from the class, and done in this way we are being "asked" but it isn't what I would have chosen to do. I am very happy with the school and DS's teacher but don't like the feeling of being made to feel I should be doing this.

I do realise I don't have to do it, but was interested in other people's views, and whether it happens in other schools.

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overmydeadbody · 07/10/2009 21:01

Oh for goodness sake, that is madness!!

I would just ignore it and make a stand tbh.

DadAtLarge · 07/10/2009 21:07

£1? Are we really all in a strop about £1?

If you really feel so strongly against contributing then don't contribute, but when it comes to schools it's worth choosing battles wisely.

FABIsInTraining · 07/10/2009 21:09

This reminds me that the head said there wasn't as many food tins and packets donated this year at the harvest festival today and said there was time to bring in more.

I sent in 3, I think that is enough.

Original poster
IdrisTheDragon · 07/10/2009 21:38

I'm not in a strop about £1 - it is more the principle.

Although as DS's class has two teachers I am wondering if I should be contributing £2. And what about the teaching assistants? No mention has been made about them - do they not count enough?

This is what the letter we were sent said

"Lastly, but most importantly we are also here to appreciate our teachers and the amazing work that they do for our children. We will always arrange something for their birthdays, and do what we can to make sure that they feel valued. We are asking if every child could contribute one pound that will go towards something for the teachers on their birthdays."

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mazzystartled · 07/10/2009 21:42

Isn't it time to stop the madness?

I am sure the teachers would feel just as valued with a homemade card

Bring on the new austerity

This was obviously organised by someone with too much time on their hands and not enough to worry about.

frisbyrat · 07/10/2009 21:58

Count yourself lucky. Our class rep is suggesting a donation for teacher's presents (in reception, so basically teacher, TA, and PE and IT once a week) of....wait for it.....

£25

And this with a class of 18. Haven't dared tell the poor woman that the only reason dd is at this school is because she gets a massive fee reduction, and £25 is most of my weekly shopping budget.

frisbyrat · 07/10/2009 21:58

teachers'

FlightAttendant · 07/10/2009 22:04

Dadatlarge that 'we' is a bit patronising.

Ffs I don't even do birthdays with adults I CARE about

birthdays are for lovers and children

Ridiculous idea.

Oh Gosh harvest ferking festival is almost upon us too. But guess what? They are asking for the usual produce, tins, etc etc but are not donating them or making up boxes. They are selling them back to the parents after school!

???? sorry I am just stupefied.

Katisha · 07/10/2009 22:05

No - I'm sorry - that is ridiculous.
The teachers shouldn't be broadcasting their birthdays.
This woman means well but is being over-zealous.
I used to be a teacher and I would have been horrified. Totally horrified.

It's not an issue of being in a strop about £1. It should not be happening full stop.

Phew!

Katisha · 07/10/2009 22:06

Is the school aware of that letter? I'd love to know what the head thinks of it!

FlightAttendant · 07/10/2009 22:08

I have a feeling our hT would love it

but that is another potentially libellous story

TheCrackFox · 07/10/2009 22:11

In my day we were not privy to when are teacher's b'day was. Flaming cheek and there would be no way I would contribute.

I assume the teacher has her own friends and family. Probably yes so they can buy her a pressie.

Katisha · 07/10/2009 22:14

And frisbyrat I hope you don't feel pressurised into coughing up that £25!
Strewth - I almost hope the Daily Mail is reading this thread...

Original poster
IdrisTheDragon · 07/10/2009 22:16

I don't think we will be told when the teachers' birthdays are - the envelope today was, I presume, being sent to all the school. I think the pounds are going to be kept until each teacher has his/her birthday.

I just don't see how it shows I value a teacher by giving money for her birthday, or how I don't value her if I don't.

I am going to find out what others think, but not mention anything to the perpetrator, as her DS will be in my DS's class for the next few years .

But am bothered about teaching assistants not being included.

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Original poster
IdrisTheDragon · 07/10/2009 22:17

I am glad it isn't £25 though

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roses12 · 07/10/2009 22:19

£25 thought £10 for a teacher's new baby was steep. gave £4 when i picked my chin off the floor.

Katisha · 07/10/2009 22:22

I don't get involved in presents for teachers at end of term or Christmas either.
My reasoning is based on the fact that both my parents were teachers, as was I and one of my brothers and there is only so much houseroom you can give all the toiletries and joke mugs and only so many boxes of chocolates you could face.
Cards - fine.

OmicronPersei8yourbrain · 07/10/2009 22:25

When I was teaching a stupid well-meaning parent took it upon herself to organise a collection for me, the head heard about it and made her pay all the parents back.

While I was a little of a friend who taught 20 children at a private school and got £10 from each at the end of the year, personally I wouldn't expect anything compulsory, and certainly nothing for a birthday. Ridiculous!

atworknotworking · 08/10/2009 07:25

I think its a bit odd, and I definately wouldn't do it, it costs enough at xmas and end of year my DD has 2 teachers during the week and a maths club teacher thats 3 pressies twice a year.

I don't tell my mindees when my birthday is it puts unfair pressure on parents and I would be quite embarrassed if I was a teacher and this happened at my school.

Do you think it's for the gin fund in the staffroom?

MmeGoblindt · 08/10/2009 07:37

Hmm, not really sure what the fuss is about. It was common in Kindergarten in Germany to give a set amount and that was used to buy the teachers a cheap bunch of flowers from the petrol station

Since it is obviously is so unusual in UK then it seems like a kind, if misguided idea.

Goblinchild · 08/10/2009 07:41

"No - I'm sorry - that is ridiculous.
The teachers shouldn't be broadcasting their birthdays."

Teachers are people too, and I'll tell whomsoever I like when it's my birthday.
And distribute chocolate buttons.

piscesmoon · 08/10/2009 08:17

A mad idea! Don't start it.

thedolly · 08/10/2009 08:37

The same effect could be gained i.e. improving relationships between staff and parents (which is a good idea) by the PTA buying a big birthday card and having all the parents and children sign it. It would cost £5 max. and surely wouldn't be any harder to organise than collecting the £1s.

Uriel · 08/10/2009 08:45

I wonder if the teachers will be clubbing together to get the parents something for their birthdays. All that hard work going into raising children needs to be acknowledged, y'know.

Original poster
IdrisTheDragon · 08/10/2009 09:34

This morning saw a few parents giving in their envelopes so obviously not everyone feels like me .

Goblinchild I think giving out chocolate buttons is an excellent idea

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