Debi

To celebrate 10 years of the East Dulwich Writers' Group, we've published an anthology consisting of short stories, novel extracts and poems by 18 members of EDWG. The title, Hoovering the Roof, was chosen by a poll publicised on this forum and elsewhere. Some of the contributors are published authors, some yet-to-be, and we have at least 2 people who are winners of prestigious competitions. This eclectic collection reflects the diversity of the EDWG members and should contain something for everyone. Ideal as a seasonal gift! The book will be available from next week at local bookshops and online at Amazon or via our website (with a discount). See www.edwg.co.uk for details. We're holding a launch event at the Crow on the Hill bookshop next Thur (see What's On for details). To be entered into a lucky dip to win a copy of the book signed by all the contributors, please email me at [email protected]

Jack's in Pellatt Rd.

Thanks, Kel. I hadn't spotted that other thread. Have PMed you.

This year, Kingsdale School is celebrating its 50th anniversary. A group of parents and teachers are putting together a commemorative book covering the last half a century which will include reminiscences and anecdotes. If you are an ex-pupil, staff member or local resident with memories of the school you would be happy to share, please PM me or email [email protected] Thanks!

Yikes - only just realised that's THIS Friday. Which means I won't be able to make it after all (rare for me to miss one). Hope it goes well.

Yep. If they get bored, they can play on the computers on the side - there are usually a couple on. Lots of them hang out together in the atrium or play on the computers in the entrance foyer.

It starts at 7.00pm in the Upper School Library (behind the pod) and usually lasts 1.5-2 hours but depends on how many people want to speak. It only takes about an hour to work through the agenda but the AOB can stretch. As it will be the first meeting for many people, I expect there will be a large turnout. Luckily, refreshments are provided!

It's on Friday 18th - 3rd Friday in the month. And I'll be there.

Yes, just dropped off my youngest. *sniff*

But I thought dinner money is on a pay card?? yes, there is a fob system for cashless catering which is also used for lockers etc. No reason for kids to carry money at all. I doubt anyone will get in without getting a scholarship! no - 15% places are allocated to those with scholarships, but having one doesn't guarantee a place at the school (tho it might help if you don't get a place and need to appeal). Core hours are 8.45-3.20 on Mondays and 3.05 the rest of the week, tho there are lots of after school activities and also Sat morning school. Hope that helps ...

... reading sessions, library help, etc. I don't know if Kingsdale runs any such schemes? As well as the forum, I'm also part of a small group of parents who meet monthly with members of the English dept with a view to supporting literacy and encouraging a culture of reading in the school. We've organised events and we also have a rota of parents who go in every 3-4 weeks on a Sat morning from 10-12 to work 1-1 with children who are struggling with literacy.

Good luck to her and to you. I also suggest you come along to the parents' forum if possible. We meet on the 3rd Friday of each month at 7.00 pm in the Upper School Library. The forum is run by the parents for the parents and there are always members of the Senior Management Team in attendance. It's a good place to exchange info, be consulted on new developments, air any general concerns and stay involved. The school is very parent-friendly and actively welcomes input - it's far better to be on the inside working together to build on improvements than on the outside (possibly) complaining.

I think that if you do a search on the forum on Kingsdale, you'll find the overwhelming response from parents of children currently there is extremely positive. I have a child going into Yr 10 and another starting in Yr 7 next week. It never would have occurred to me to look elsewhere. I won't bother repeating what has been said in detail on other threads, but would just point out that the previous gender imbalance no longer exists - I believe the current intake is approx 45/55. Also that so-called 'challenging behaviour' exists everywhere - what is important is how it is dealt with and we have always found Kingsdale's response to be exemplary.

It's really close! Vote, people, vote!

You and lots of other, Louisa. Thanks!

Nice one, Skewriff. C'mon, Forumites, how many times do you get the opportunity to help choose the title of a book pre-publication? The anthology will be a celebration of local talent and creativity - and there's plenty of it out there, believe me ...

At the open evening yesterday it was mentioned that they are looking into the possibility of arranging transport from certain areas eg Lewisham and East Dulwich. Meanwhile, whenever I go there (I have a son in Yr 9 and another starting in Sept) I walk through the park. Takes me 30-40 mins from Friern Rd.

Oooh - count me in please, Monica. You're a star. I'll PM you.

We got 6 (yes, 6!) letters from the council yesterday. 1 for the flat, 1 for the shed in the basement and 1 for the garage - duplicated as they sent the identical 3 to my partner at the same address as we're joint tenants. All have increased but only the garage and shed by 25%. Maybe if they made savings on postage they wouldn't have had to increase the rents so much!

Our pressure is way low, barely a trickle (Friern Rd, Lordship Lane end). Saw massive burst on Overhill Rd/Lordship Lane junction on Sat - water pouring from ... lamp post!

Count me in on the Friern list.

Oh me! Me, me, me! My blog. And then check out all the ones on my blogroll, some of them familiar names in this area ... And then curse me while blogging eats your life, as it has mine. *evil laugh*

I've just done a post on my blog re the malarkey. I STILL think everyone's missing the point ...

Kingsdale has abandoned the distance/catchment area as criteria for entry. They also have scholarships in music and sport that are in great demand. As has been said before, what suits one child won't necessarily suit another. It's vital to visit any school yourself as you will always get a wide range of opinions from other people. I would be a little wary of basing a decision purely on what you see at an open day event, when everything is prepared for visitors. You will learn much more if you can visit during the school day at another time. Some schools are more open about this than others. Kingsdale, for example, are happy to show people round at any time and only ask that you ring first so they can arrange for someone to be available to look after you.

jerher - sorry to take so long to respond to your question. Kingsdale is in Alleyn Park Their website is here. Sillywoman said re Charter: As with all state schools there's probably a bit more need for parental input than there may be in the private system but they've been overwhelmingly good experiences for us. Personally, I consider a parent-friendly attitude to be a major plus! Good luck with the move.