Hi everyone,

All are invited to the AWE AGM on Tuesday 24th from 11am. On this day we will be open from 10.30am with coffee and teas to get off to as early a start as possible.

New committee members need to be voted in and we can make some decisions about future workshops and activities.

Cat will be running her excellent and inimitable scrap workshop for the children throughout the day... so fun to be had by all!

Looking forward to seeing you there,
Saran

Hi guys,

A great many thanks to all who helped out this week and made the smooth running of group seem flawless.

Our annual AGM will take place on the 24th Novenber during the day at group.We will be organising a workshop for the children so that as many families as possible can take part and have a say in how AWE will be run for the next year. We will be voting in a new chairperson, secretary and treasurer , ready for 2010 .All very exciting stuff!!

Next week Lilian will be cooking, we will start making some Christmas decorations, ready for both our annual fund raising stall and our very own Christmas party. We will also be having salsa classes for everyone to join in with at 11.30 each week from now until the last week of term- all good fun!

Lilian and Louise are visiting the scrap project this week.So next Tuesday we will be putting our a range of resources for families to take home and use in educational activities ( i.e fabrics, paper ,card e.t.c)

Next Thursday Saran has organised a 'Keats day' with a visit to Keats house and a film screening afterwards.Please check out our website for information ( awe.gn.apc.org).

On the 4th December we will have a fundraising stall at the yoga centre in Stoke Newington.We will be making things to sell there over the next few weeks- so please, get involved, helping to make or helping out on the day .

Our end of term party will take place on the 8th December at group. We will have gifts for all the kids and a great Christmas feast, music, salsa dancing ,possibly a show !!!

Have a great week ,
I look forward to seeing you all on Tuesday,

xSaska

Bright Star is showing only from November 13th at the Rio, so the Keats Day trip has been rearranged for Thursday November 19th - same plan as before:

11am: meet at Keats House, Hampstead

3.15pm: Rio cinema showing of 'Bright Star

-Saran

Hi everyone,

We are back at the Adventure Playground Tuesday November 3rd, hopefully a bit earlier now the clocks have changed.

For the older children I shall be making igneous rocks from sugar (honeycomb/toffee..) to explore rock structures. We also have more woodworking bubble-maker kits to make with Gill and Fela, who have now thoroughly got to grips with the complex OPITEC instructions. If you think your child may enjoy this, please come along - it would be good to see some more older children again having fun with their friends.There will also be craft activities and lunch.

Hope to see you tomorrow,

-Saran

I have planned a 'Keats day' on Thursday November 12th. The idea is to visit Keats House in Hampstead (free to under 16s) in the morning and then go on to see the film 'Bright Star' about John Keats inspiration for his poetry at the Rio cinema in the afternoon.We can have a tour of the house, which is good.

http://www.keatshouse.cityoflondon.gov.uk

http://movies.nytimes.com/2009/09/16/movies/16bright.html (a review of the film from the New York Times)

So, provisionally the plan is:

(10.15: Train from Hackney Central to Hampstead Heath)

11.00: Meet at Keats House for visit, then a packed lunch on the Heath if its nice

2.30: Train to Dalston

3.15: Rio cinema, 'Bright Star"

It should be a lovely day, of interest to anyone interested in poetry and/or history, particularly for the teenagers. It will give lots of insight into the poems, useful for those studying them for pleasure, exams, or both!

Let me know if you'd like to join us, so I have a rough idea of numbers.

-Saran (saranfeldman@yahoo.co.uk mob:07503 181930)

Hi guys,

A bit of a different group this week as some of us went to The Houses of Parliment to Demonstrate against new education law proposals and to lobby M.PS.There was a good turn out ,with groups attending from all over, and the kids seemed to be having a great time waving banners and getting public support.I have collected some pre-worded post cards for everyone to post to parliment and will give those out next week. It is important to get our voices heard in this matter.

Many thanks to all those who made banners and attended the demo, to Jill and co for clearing up all the mess left behind(sorry), and to everyone who helped cook pasta and pesto for lunch ,provided activities and cleared away afterwards.

I won't be around until later this coming week ,Saran will be opening up, Fiona will be providing lunch(i think), I thought as its our last group before Halloween , we could get all the fabric out and make some halloween costumes and masks.There are some bat shapes in the container which the kids can decorate as well.

For those children who made vases a couple of weeks ago i have left some clear varnish at group , so they can be finished and taken home.

Hope you all have a great weekend and i look forward to seeing you next week,

xxsaska

To all home-educators,

We can review and comment on the Badman Report on elective home-education until Monday October 19th. The more home-educators giving an opinion, the more the government will have to listen to us when they make a decision regarding implementing new policy on elective home-education. THIS IS DEMOCRACY.(!)..YOUR OPINIONS MATTER...please take some time to follow the link and make your views known via the on-line consultation.

http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/consultations/index.cfm?action=consultationDetail...

On Tuesday many home-educating families went to Westminster and lobbied their MPs to challenge the Badman directives. Some of us talked to a researcher on behalf of Meg Hillier, MP for hackney South and Shoreditch (Meg's on maternity leave until Monday). She was very interested in our views and seemed to agree that the Badman directives are over-bearing and interfering in our choice in how we educate our children. We are planning to meet with Meg Hillier some time in the future to continue putting pressure on our MP to act on our behalf and not lend any support to ill-thought through legislation...(let's hope).

All the best,
Saran

Hi everyone,

It was a lovely relaxed AWE session last Tuesday with a delicious dinner cooked by Somer - thanks. Gill and Fela are nearing completion of the bubble machine, working on it solidly for the past few weeks. Now they have made the prototype more children should have a go doing their own one if they want.

For all the children who missed the swings, we just need a tall person to volunteer to put them up at the start of each session - hopefully not a problem.

This week Saska's back (hooray) with glass painting and other wondrous things.

There is also a mass lobby of Parliament in Old Palace Yard outside the Houses of Parliament from 1:00-2:30pm against the ignominious Badman Report, which is being put in front of a parliamentary Select Committee (see www.education-otherwise.org for more details). Some families may wish to meet at AWE and travel down together from Shoreditch for an educational, fun and useful day out.

We're planning to have an AGM in the first half of November, so send any burning issues to discuss to Saska to put on the agenda.

See you soon,
Saranxx

To all AWE members,

We'll be having a planning meeting for this half-term on Tuesday September 29th. in the Pembury Tavern (Amhurst Rd., E8) as soon after 8pm as possible.

Everyone is welcome to discuss activities to run over the next few weeks, our relationship with the Learning Trust and the contract for the Adventure Playground.

See you there (if not earlier in the day)!

Saran

Hi everyone,

It was lovely being back at the playground this week-and it was great to see everyone again.

Many thanks to Saran for collecting and bringing in all the woodwork equipment, Thanks to Fiona for all her washing up ,thanks to Lilian for introducing new families to the group, Thanks to Bud and Poppy for running a great juggling ball making workshop.And well done to all the kids who managed to win prizes for juggling! Thanks to Jill for agreeing to do some woodwork with the kids, and everyone else who helped set up, and clear away.

I am trying to get hold of some hollow bamboo sticks so the kids can make bee houses- so if you have any lying around , or know where we can get some ,please let me know. If i can get hold of some then we will be able to make bee houses next week and give out wild flower seeds to the kids.

Next week Jill will spend an hour or so running a wood workshop.The kids will be making 'bubble machines'. These will take a few weeks and the kids will have working bubble machines at the end of it. They are quite complicated to make ,so she will probably work with a couple of kids at a time.

Lilian will be providing lunch next week ( which will, no doubt be far better than my pasta/pesto concoction) .And we will as ever have arts and crafts going on and possible story time if anyone is up for reading..

There are a couple of trips on the notice board and on the website awe.gn.apc.org. So check them out and book places if you want to. Our child protection policy is also on the notice board for those of you who want to have a look.

We have also successfully negotiated a contract with the learning trust which we expect to sign in the next couple of weeks.This means that we will have keys to the building , which should help the smooth running of the group.

Look forward to seeing you all on Tuesday,

Have a great weekend,

xsaska

HI everyone,

I hope you have all had a great summer .AWE is back at 11.15-3pm this Tuesday 15th September.

We will be following a ''save the bee'' Theme this week. So lots of 'bee' making things. PLEASE BRING A PLASTIC BOTTLE WITH YOU TO GROUP. We will me making '' bee houses'' for the kids to take home and hang. With packets of wildflower seed to give out to all those who make a bee house. I will need some help to do this if anyone is up for it!

We have renewed our membership to the scrap project and have stocked up on equipment for the coming term.

We have a couple of trips organised for this term, including spooky halloween boat rides at the Canal Museum and Puppetry and Mechanical toy making at the childhood museum. Details of these are on the website and will be on the notice board.

We also now have a child protection policy in place which i will put on the notice board for your perusal.

I will be providing Lunch- i have no idea what yet. We also have bought some science equipment and need an interested adult to look at it all and kindly offer to do some with the kids at some point, Please let me know if your interested in doing that ( there are rockets and other mechanical toys i think).

Over the next couple of weeks we have a number of new families coming to look around, if anyone would like to help introduce new people to the group then please let me know.

I look forward to seeing you all on Tuesday ,

Have a great weekend,

AWE TRIP
19TH NOVEMBER
MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD
BETHNAL GREEN

11AM-12.30 PM PUPPETS

A JAPANESE SHADOW PUPPET SHOW FOLLOWED BY A 'MAKE YOUR OWN PUPPET ' WORKSHOP.
COST IS 2 POUNDS PER CHILD

1PM -2.30PM MOVING AND MECHANICAL TOYS

LEARN ALL ABOUT MOVING AND MECHANICAL TOYS.tHIS SESSION WILL INCLUDE A HANDS ON TOY MAKING WORKSHOP.

LIKELY COST IS 3 POUNDS PER CHILD

THIS TRIP HAS BEEN ORGANISED ALONGSIDE SEFLAGS ( A HOME ED GROUP IN EDENBRIDGE) TO BOOK A PLACE AND ARRANGE PAYMENT PLEASE E-MAIL:

beckyrob@googlemail.com

30TH OCTOBER
HALLOWEEN AT THE LONDON CANAL MUSEUM (INCLUDING A SPOOKY BOAT TRIP)

A FUN DAY WITH STORYTELLING, COSTUMED STAFF, DECORATIONS, MYSTERY MONSTER IN THE ICE PIT, UV COBWEBBY PLAY SPACE UPSTAIRS E.T.C

COST IS 7.50 PER HEAD ( THEY DO, IM AFRAID CHARGE FOR BABIES).COST INCLUDES ALL DAY ADMISSION TO MUSEUM, ALL ACTIVITIES AND A SPOOKY BOAT TRIP.

THIS TRIP HAS BEEN ORGANISED ALONGSIDE SEFLAGS ( A HOME ED GROUP IN EDENBRIDGE) TO BOOK A PLACE AND ARRANGE PAYMENT PLEASE E-MAIL:

beckyrob@googlemail.com

BATWALK
17TH SEPTEMBER
6.40 PM

FREE

LEARN ALL ABOUT BATS IN THE ENVIROMENT, GO ON A BAT HUNT USING SPECIAL BAT HUNTING EQUIPMENT.

NO NEED TO BOOK, JUST TURN UP AT MILE END CEMETERY PARK, BURDETT ROAD, MILE END. MEET AT THE SOANES CENTRE (NEXT TO THE PARK ENTRANCE)

To all home-educators,

Please sign this on-line petition against the Badman report. Let the government know how many people are just not up for it.

http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/EHEreview/

More information can be found here: http://www.freedomforchildrentogrow.org/heconsult.htm

Hi there everyone,

After a fabulous talent show this weekend we've our last AWE at the Adventure Playground before September.

Please bring some food to share on Tuesday and also CDs, musical instruments, games...anything fun... as well as enjoying Mabel's play, and any other children's performances who couldn't make it on Saturday.

Saranxx

Many thanks to all the kids who took part in making the banners for the talent show this weekend, Thanks to Lucien and Becky for a lovely lunch, Dave for outside games and Every one who helped wash up, clear away e.t.c .

I left a little early today so am unsure of anything else that went on- but i hope you all had a lot of fun.

OUR TALENT SHOW AND DISCO IS THIS SATURDAY 4TH JULY 2.30-6PM

Kids do not have to take part -but it is a great chance for all to come and watch some of the amazing talent that the kids have. And of course the disco afterwards will be fun .So if you want a great time , get your glad rags on, bring a dish or bottle to share and make your way down to St Peters Church ,De beauviour Rd ,N1. Parking is free and every one is welcome to bring any family or friends along to enjoy the show and disco together .

We will also have a fundraising stall at the event with various crafts made by the kids and Lilian will have a great Photo display of many of the Groups events over the last year.

Next week at group will be our last of the term, Marcia will be providing Lunch, we will have an end of term cake, Mabel will be showcasing a play which she has been rehearsing over this term ,after lunch and i hoping we can organise a group sports game. If any one wants to organise an activity -feel free.I will put the suggestion box out so that ideas for workshops/trips for next term can be placed inside .

I hope you all have a great week in the sun and i look forward to seeing you all this Saturday!

xxsaska

AWE TALENT SHOW AND DISCO

SAT 4TH JULY

ST PETERS CHURCH

DE BEAUVOIR RD, N1

2.30-6PM

TALENT SHOW 2.30- 4PM, FUN DISCO 4-6PM.
COME ALONG AND BRING ALL FAMILY AND FRIENDS WHO ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THIS FABULOUS END OF YEAR EVENT.Bring along a dish for sharing or a bottle of drink and join in the fun and games. It is a great opportunity to see some of the children showcase their diverse talents.we look forward to seeing as many of you as possible.

What a great day!

Many thanks to Saran for website discussions, Louise for story time, Joy for washing up ,Louise again for giant snakes and ladders, Rosealine for a fabulous lunch ,Dave and Gareth for doing the swings, everyone who helped clear up and everyone for coming and making the day a success.

Next week we will have AWE sports day .This will take place after lunch 2-4pm in the park next to the playground.Sports day will take the form of some team races ( including parents 3 legged races!) and a more general game like cricket or volley ball.We will be providing juice and snacks for the event and children will receive a badge for being there and/or taking part. It should be a fun event and you are welcome to bring friends/family along to share in the afternoon.We may need a little help setting up the sports area with cones e.t.c at lunchtime- so if you are able to do this then let me know next week, thanks.

Next week we will also have some arts and crafts in the morning, Louise will be providing lunch, we may make some ice cream and or smoothies ready for the afternoon activities.

Have a great week, look forward to seeing you all soon,

xSaska

Many thanks to whoever did arts and crafts, me for cooking up a storm at the last minuite, Saran for arranging a great 'great debate', Bud for making delicious jam tarts , And Fi and others for washing up and clearing up, and lets not forget the wonderfull massage session with Rosaline. It was lovely to be back in the newly painted building.

We are still disscussing terms with the learning trust- but will keep you all updated with information as it occurs. We are also now formulating a more specified 'child protection and behaviour policy', as agreed at our last AGM.These guidelines are necessary for the smooth running of the group and are essential if we are to recieve funding from external bodies. I f you would like to suggest items for incusion or have any specific views which should be considered in the formulation of policy then please feel free to let me know.

Next week we will have recorders, t-shirt printing.Lunch will be provided by Rosaline.There will be arts and crafts e.t.c as well. I think there is a trip being planned to a street festival in Brighton- so keep your eyes on the notice board.

Hope you all have a wonderfull week,