Arkybones

Unfortunately, our headmaster is a "tight a--" (can I say that in here?) and refuses to bend any of the rules since education comes first in his view. My son may only be 6 years old (entering into year 2), but his marks are "above expectation" and he manages to go to karate practice 5 times a week (plus swimming and football too). Now with him being accepted on to the GB Team, I am afraid the headmaster will cause complications by denying him leave. I plan on talking to him when school goes back next week, but I would like to be prepared with rules and regulations governing attendance! [i will let you guys know what he says if you are interested!!!!]

Hi all, I have a quick question that I haven't been able to find the answer to and thought you would know: I heard that if your child is on a national sport's team and has to miss school for a competition or attend an important training day before an event, s/he is exempt from school attendance. Is this correct? As some of you may know/remember, my son is on the GB National Karate team and there are some important competitions coming up. The first will be in Paris at the end of November. He will need to miss 2 days of school. I am worried that his headmaster will refuse his leave or dock it from his allotted 10 days holiday time (which I don't want either!) Your help is greatly appreciated!!!!! THANK YOU!

My son is 6 years old and just won a place on the National GB Karate Team which travels to national, European and International Karate competitions throughout the year. He has won many trophies and medals, and is very proud to have gained this achievement. Unfortunately, most of the funding available is directed towards "priority" sports like football, tennis, gymnastics, sailing etc... and we've had a difficult time getting money for Karate related activities. The Karate Team will be competing in the Dominican Republic in January 2006 against the some of the world's best karate Teams. Regrettably, it is going to cost each competator over £2000.00 to attend!!!!! (and this is just ONE of the many competition fees!) My question is this: does anyone know of any businesses or governing bodies who might be willing to sponsor my son? Or furthermore, his karate team? Without this funding, he will not be able to go to the Goodwill Games in the Dominican Republic. (website is http://www.wcoaa.org/). I am not asking YOU personally, just asking for help locating possible avenues for funding. I have tried the National Lottery, Sport England and UK Sport, but again the money often goes to the priority sports. Your help is greatly appreciated! Thank you so very much for your time!!

Yes, Bia Hoi has a market menu in which customers pay around 4 pounds for an all you can eat buffet between 12:30-3:30. They also do another buffet between 4:30-7:30 with a pint of Kirian (sp?) for a slightly higher price. The menu mostly consists of rice and noodle dishes, but they also have some great tasting baguette sandwiches and appetizers.

Thanks everyone! As always, you guys come through for me! I will indeed be checking out these companies. Thanks again

Hi everyone! As some of you might remember, I am a Canadian moving my family to Sheffield so that I can do my Masters. I just got a house there in July (thank-you all for you suggestions and advise, I couldn't have done it without you! ) but am now faced with the almost overwhelming task of chosing phone/cable/internet etc companies. As I don't know any of them, could someone please recommend something? At this stage, my only requirements are cheap international calls and a FAST internet. Thank you!

Thank you Monk. I appreciate the explination!

Hi Everyone! I am moving to Sheffield from Canada and have heard mention "council housing"....what is it exactly? I probably am aware of what it is, but might be using a different term for it. The general response on the forum seems to think it is a bad thing so I would like to know before I buy something in a coucil housing area. Thanks so much!

Thank you everyone for all of your help! It is greatly appreciated!

I have been accepted at the University of Sheffield to complete my master's and will move my family there sometime in July/August. I live in Canada and therefore have NO idea about the neighbourhoods/communities around Sheffield. I have been reading your forum for the past several days, but I still have a few questions! 1. Could anyone recommend a decent estate agent? Or do you recommend that I deal with vendors privately? I emailed 16 estate agents 1 1/2 months ago and not one has responded! I would prefer to buy rather than rent (mostly because I am bringing a cat and dog with me...and was told it would be difficult to rent). 2. Could anyone recommend a really nice school? My son will be starting school this fall. 3. I don't mind a commute into Sheffield...so if there are any areas anyone can recommend to me, I would greatly appreciate it! I prefer a small community with trees/views, friendly people and low crime rate. I have made a list of previously recommended areas (ie, Hillsborough, Stannington, Loxley, etc) but only have a price range of max. 75,000 pounds (our Canadian dollar does not go far in England! ) 4. Any other information that you would like to give would be GREATLY APPERCIATED! THANK YOU ALL!!!!!!!!!!!! [/b]