Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1513303
14 NEWS maltatoday | SUNDAY • 17 DECEMBER 2023 Weird, funny, best and worst: What From dancing plushies to half eaten chocolate boxes, educators spill the beans on unusual Christmas presents they have been gifted by their students. MARIANNA CALLEJA snoops around the classroom Christmas tree. AS the school term wraps up, parents start pondering the age- old question of what gift best befits the teachers and LSEs who have nurtured their children throughout the school year. While not obligatory, Maltese parents have made a tradition of sending their little ones to school on the final day armed with small treats, beautifully wrapped presents, or thought- ful vouchers as tokens of ap- preciation for the boundless patience, respect, and love be- stowed upon their children. As the children eagerly await the chance to dash from their classrooms adorned with tin- sel and baubles to kick off their holidays, we turned to their mentors to explore the intrigu- ing array of gifts they've re- ceived over the years. From the downright weird to the sidesplittingly funny, and the surprisingly touching to the not-so-spot-on, these teachers had stories to share with us. Armed with curiosity and a touch of playfulness, Malta- Today spoke with a group of primary and secondary school teachers to ask them about the presents they've received. Join us as we unwrap these gifts with them and discov- er the festive surprises that brighten up a teachers' holiday season. The questions we asked 1. What is the weirdest present you've ever received? 2. What is the funniest present you've ever received? 3. What is the most surprising present you've ever received? 4. What is the best present you've ever received? 5. What is the worst present you've ever received? Grade 5 female teacher Weirdest: "The weirdest gift but in the best way, is a handmade key chain of my name that a boy told his mother to make for me. It's still with my key bunch till this day." Funniest: "A dancing cactus plushie." Surprising: "A long time ago in the beginning of my acting and teaching career. I got a sweet Christmas mug and a lovely note from a student who really appreciated the little but numerous things I did for their production." Best: "A gold necklace with my initials on it. It is so lovely, and I still wear it often. Worst: "The worst is probably a home- made jam tart, although I appreciate the effort it wasn't the tastiest thing!" Male drama teacher Weirdest: "A woman's perfume!" Funniest: "A blade for my beard, because according to this student I don't look good with a beard. Later I got the suspicion it was her father's blade." Surprising: "A personalised mug, with my name on it and pictures related to drama." Best: "A framed picture of myself with a particular Form 5 class. They gave it to me to keep as a memory of them." Worst: "A small wooden deer. It was broken, and visible wear and tear clearly showed it was used."