Kentish Express Ashford & District
Advice offer in family troubles
More couples are divorced or separated in January after financial troubles and relationship pressures highlighted over the holiday period, according to a Kent charity. The family dispute specialists, Kent Family Mediation, prepare for a rise in calls in the new year and offer support in separation.
The charity’s Debbie Hillman said: “Professional mediators are highly skilled third party negotiators with experience in helping families create longterm solutions that work for their particular circumstances.
“Rather than leaving it to a court to decide who will live where, what happens to the money, debts, and pensions, and arrangements for the children, mediation empowers families themselves to decide these things.”
For more information visit www.kentfms.co.uk Ashford’s Norton Knatchbull School has launched a new school magazine.
A team of eight pupils from the Hythe Road school handed out the first editions of NKM magazine before the end of term, in time for parents, staff and fellow pupils to read over Christmas.
The publication aims to celebrate the school and its students, demonstrating what goes on outside lessons, including fundraisers and short, fun interviews with teachers and students.
Sixth former Serece BoxallRoye, who has helped co-ordinate the magazine, said: “The last few days before deadline were hectic, but we got there in the end.
“I’m so proud of our team because in the beginning we didn’t know each other at all but we really pulled it together well.
“I really do believe that the magazine will be an asset to the school and will be carried on after the current team leaves. It’s safe to say we’re all very excited.”
The magazine features interviews with teachers, as well as ex-pupils in high profile jobs to show other careers outside of strictly academic ones.
Richard Scarr, assistant head teacher, said: “It has been a real team effort by a relatively small but enthusiastic and talented group of our Year 12 students, bringing together a range of articles to appeal to our whole range of students, from Year 7 to 13.
“As a school, we are both proud of their achievement and excited by this new venture. We now look forward to issue two!” With help from staff, each team member reported on a different subject area of the school that appealed to their interests and also ran a poetry competition for younger pupils.