lindylou

Great news, Witch - happy Proud Mum Day Was good to see you at the conference, sorry there wasn't more time to natter.

That bar clearly says "More To Share"...and chocolate is always right! Nice to see students with manners.

Woah! - DoS attack System Status Information Service Status >>Update: 15:38 Our engineering teams have identified the cause as an external denial of service attack and are carrying out actions that mitigate the risk of further interruptions in service. The security and integrity of the network has remained unaffected throughout.<< Own up, who's upset who?

Done, 'cos I admire anyone taking on personal challenges. Good for you, and good luck!

MIS support officer at Dorset LA Salary: £19,621 - £22,958 Closing date: 02/03/2012 Reference: SCHMIS Employment type: Full time Location: Dorchester Establishment: Children's Services

That's right, the Sainsbury's is only 10 - 15 minutes drive or so from the airport, especially at 6.30am. It is on a usually busy dual carriageway, with roundabouts at each end of that section of road. A friend of mine lives very close to that store and I've been there several times when visiting her. The store coffee shop is unlikely to be open that early, but you might be able to get a take-away coffee and something to eat at the on-site petrol station.

Oh, that is a shame, what bad luck! Still, keep an eye on their website for more jobs. Groupcall seem to be busy so there may be more work come up soon. The location is almost ideal for you and the type of work is also well suited to your previous experience. Now you just need to get well again and get back out there.

Really sorry to hear you have been in hospital, hope you have a speedy recovery. Keep us posted how you get on with Groupcall or any other job you go for in due course.

No problem, I hope it goes well for you. I'd advise you read up on SIF as a standard, try here Welcome to the SIF Association. Forgive me if you do know about it already, but it would not harm to make sure you have the latest industry info. Let us know how you get on and have a good Christmas - I'm sure you will overcome the challenges of travel and job hunting, you just need to keep at it. I'm glad you found some occasional work with your friend. Cheers from a sunny but chilly Dorset!

Hi Davalav It's not a VLE company, but if your last post had anything to do with SIF agents, (exporting data from MIS to other systems) this job at Groupcall might suit you, and they are in Chigwell. Latest News on Groupcall Messenger, Alert and Xporter applications Product Support Technician Groupcall are looking for a Product Support Technician to join their growing team! This is a technical role based in the Chigwell office, offering a range of support services mainly to UK Education Authorities and Individual schools. The successful applicant will be required to assist the existing technical team, answer support calls, perform remote installations of Groupcall product sets and offer remote training services. Initially this role will focus on support for Groupcall’s flagship product ‘Messenger’. Key requirements include a great telephone manner, technical knowledge of desktop computing, database technologies and a tenacious & proactive personality. For more information on the role, or to apply email: [email protected] or call: 020 8502 7344. There is also a Product Support Manager post - same contact details. I support an RBC learning platform in Dorset (same LA as Witch). I can't think of any VLE firms with HQs in Essex, but if I can, I'll whip through some websites and check out locations. You could have a look at the exhibitors going to the BETT 2012 exhibiton look for VLEs under the Product Area option. There seems to be thousands of results, which can't be right, but you could skim the lists. Good luck!

A box of choccies to stop me telling your schools you're looking! (joking, honest)

Didn't you get the great weather around Easter/Royal Wedding up there in the North? Those were a great couple of weeks. I've be able to get the next two days as leave, so that's me catching some rays! Oh yeah, and it is glorious here, really warm, didn't want to come back in to the office after having lunch outside.

I agree - my RSI was all along my lower arm, into the elbow and it became painful to try and pick up anything. My caring employer (!) did the decent thing and got me one of these which solved the pain after a while. You don't use your thumb really, only to grip enough to move the mouse. If you are able to get an H&S workstation assessment, do so. The assessor can spot where the position of your arms/hands will be causing the trouble and be able to suggest the best kit to help you. I know cost will be an issue, but what price your health and future work capabilities? RSI is miserable to live with.

Some schools I support on SWGfL Merlin also use Google docs, the calendar etc, often embedded into Merlin so the children have a one-stop shop for everything. I'll PM you a contact at a Dorset First School that I know uses, or has used, some of the Google apps with children. He's into all kinds of web tools and apps to try in class.

My pleasure - glad it will cheer up somebody's day!