If you have a teacher who you think is doing a great job, it is lovely to thank them. If you want to be generous, email the class and try to organise a collection for a group gift. The upside is you then have a substantial amount of money to get them a voucher or something tangible with (though we tend to go with vouchers so they can choose the perfect thing).
The upside of the group gift is that they don't get 30 x boxes of chocolate/soap/wine (they may not drink). My SIL gives most of her teacher gifts to charity - an organisation that makes hampers for families in the country. While that is a lovely gesture, it means the parents that gave her the gift really gave her nothing.
Don't set an amount. Don't harass people. Just email the class with your bank details, or ask for cash in the playground. It means those with little spare cash can contribute what they are comfortable with. Those that want to make a big donation also can. And those that want to give nothing can also do that.
To me, this is the perfect gift to the teacher. You then sign a group card or the kids draw a picture to be in the group card. If the teacher has been extra amazing for your child, write a detailed note separate from the gift and let them know.
Our high school organises a morning tea - you can donate food for the morning tea as a way of thank you. I think it's a lovely idea. It takes pressure off cash strapped parents to thank 8-10 teachers that may have helped their child throughout the year.
The ultimate gift, in my opinion however, is to protest against this government's attempt to shut down the unions. The teachers union is instrumental in pushing for their meagre pay rises. It protects their very few entitlements. It attempts to get better funding for our children. If you really want to give a gift to teachers, write to your MP about this disgraceful Integrity Bill. Please note work related asbestosis sufferers and cancers the firemen get as a result of their job will all risk being not covered by workers compensation if this bill passes. The Fire Union has a massive campaign about it last year, and only managed to get a few of the cancers covered. (Shame on us). It is the thin edge of the wedge to take work place entitlements off people in industries that all ready have few. (I am not in a union represented job. This personally will not impact me if it goes through. I just believe occasionally you have to stand up for other people and what is right). You can outline clearly the level of corruption the bill can target if you think you support de-unionising this country. State criminal activity under the crimes act only, or some such description.
Christmas is a time to say thank you, and help the less fortunate. Unfortunately, that latter group is growing at a rapid rate in this country over the last 12 months. We must do better.
Linking with #Lifethisweek #OpenSlather and #XmasLinky
I love the idea of signing a group Card for the school teacher. It's a thoughtful gift and you can personalise what you say in it :)
ReplyDeleteLydia, excellent point about the aim of unions and why they need to exist. You are right, we do need to stand up for others and what is right and in a meaningful way.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
SSG xxx
That morning tea is a most excellent idea and I love the idea of a group gift too. I had no idea about the state of the unions/teachers pay and agree that standing up to the government and to fight what's right would be the most meaningful gift of all. It's a shocking state of affairs and I had no idea so thanks for enlightening me.
ReplyDeleteI will admit I'm not up to date with what the Teachers Union is working on at the moment (I had a better idea when the teachers were striking quite regularly back in the Gonski push days). I became more aware of the Firefighters Union when our station was one of the 'rolling closures'. I thought it was a joke and rang a firefighter friend who explained to me what must be the stupdiest cost saving exercise ever. Then I heard all about the funding cuts and then last year the fight to get the cancers covered. I am quite disgusted that the PM chose the day that most of QLD and NSW were ablaze to try and push this through. Jackie Lambie and Pauline Hansen paused it.
DeleteA personal thank you note or verbal is always appreciated. #lifethisweek
ReplyDeleteirstly, good ideas, especially re the morning tea. Secondly, you raise and important point that needs to be raised regarding the unions.
ReplyDeleteThey aren't perfect but it needs to be noted that more often than not, it's not about money and hours. They are fighting for safety standards and less risky conditions, or apporpriate medical coverage and compensation for those unavoidable hazards (like fire, smoke and chemical retardant).
DeleteI taught for over 30 years. I like your suggestions! The gift I got most often was a gift card to some local restaurant, ice cream shop, or even Starbucks. We live in a very conservative area, so my students definitely would not have given wine. I still have some of the handwritten notes that accompanied some of the gists. They are priceless!
ReplyDeleteI imagine the effort of the words (and their meaning) is usually better than the gift itself
DeleteWhen my kinds were young we used to make peppermint creams at home for the teacher. It may have gone out of fashion, but a homemade offering does actually 'mean' something. It certainly stops any competition with gift giving.
ReplyDeleteUnion member through and through - only stopped being in 2018. NSW Teachers have their union to thank for all changes in conditions and pay. The thing now, howver, is many of the current crop say 'it's too expensive' to be a member and I'd agree. BUT...also, from my long retired aspect, we have not done enough on the fighting front at all. I have attended and been part of strikes (even as a principal) and marched on Macquarie St. The next NSW Teachers Federation president is former Union leader (and has been around forever as he was working when I was) is Angelo Gavrielotis and HE will be more active. It's nothing like the culture it was years ago and I believe 'we've" been beaten into submission by the fact that we answer to state and federal governments...sadly. Off the soapbox now but so appreciate you pointing it out. And as for your SIL's idea..I am with you!! Thank you for linking up for life this week. Next week's optional prompt is 47/51 Do You Celebrate “zero” Birthdays? 25/11/19 Hope to see you there. Denyse
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