Bruce McNicoll is a grade 7 and 8 teacher at York Street School in Ottawa. Like many teachers, he receives gifts from a few of his students at the end of the year. "I never expect gifts," he says. "But when they are offered I always accept them and I am always very pleased."
But what if that gift is alcohol? The Liquor Control Board of Ontario is running an ad on its website saying "Thank your teacher for a great year with an LCBO gift card."
It may be a gift many teachers would appreciate, especially at the end of the year. But is it appropriate for young students to be giving their teacher alcohol, even in the form of a gift card?
McNicoll says that sends the wrong message. "As a health teacher I'm trying to discourage drinking, he says."
York Street School Principal Laurel Tye says any gift that is too expensive or too personal is probably not a good idea. And she points out, "Not every educator is an alcohol drinker."
Retired high school teacher Sara Sidebottom says she might appreciate the thought, but it depends on who actually gives the gift. "If it came from the parent it would be fine. If it came from the student it would not be appropriate," she says.
The LCBO says its ad is intended for parents who are often the real givers behind the gift. Spokesperson Heather McGregor says the end of school is one of the busiest times of the year for gift card sales. "We know that customers do buy gift cards for teachers at the end of the year. And the advertising is meant to keep the LCBO at the top of mind for people who have already made the decision to buy."
Still, the feeling at York Street School is there are better, and cheaper ways to thank your teacher. Suggestions range from chocolates and flowers to a home-made card or journal. And Laurel Tye adds “it’s certainly not necessary.”
