Starjumper

Hi Ema I'm not sure I can be as helpful as Akasully2, with so much relevant experience of the schools you're considering, however... My 2 boys have attended several schools here and in the U.K., private and state in both countries. I have to agree with Arwen's comment, because one of my boys just doesn't seem to be cut out for private school. He was bullied both here and in England in private. We have just moved him from an Anglican School to a state primary and he absolutely loves it. On the flip side, my other son had a terrific experience at the Anglican school, with the most wonderful teacher you can imagine. His time in state school in England was dire. So bad that I removed him from school entirely, which I know is extreme, but that's how bad it was! However, he is also really thriving his new state primary here. I guess what I'm saying is that the right school for your particular child may be private, or maybe not. Given our son's negative experiences at private school, we decided to move into Churchlands Senior High catchment, as it's a state school that enjoys a good reputation. As I say, that's just the solution our family has arrived at. Lots of our friends have kids who are very happy in private, or plan to send their kids private for high school. The best of luck with your decision.

We've had a lot of trouble with iinet.

Hi jo and scott. Our situation was a bit different to yours, as we had sold and moved out of our family home and into a city centre apartment for 3 months. We homeschooled for a while (the catchment school was appalling) but when I took the kids out (then aged 6 & 8) it activated an automatic response from the Local Education Authority. It felt like quite a lot of hassle, because there were two home visits (one for each child) from an education officer. It would depend on your particular LEA's approach to homeschooling, as some are more accommodating and others more hostile. It was the best thing for us in our situation, with younger kids though. Just to warn you, in case you're interested in going that route. It's probably easier to send them back!

That's great info, Druid. Thank you!

Good luck to you all! Make sure you touch base with Lou - she's the knowledge South of the River and a lovely lady. I'm sure you'll love it when you get here.

Hi gar374, We got our children into the local primary with a six month contract, no problem, and it's a popular school too. I think it might be High schools that would cause difficulties, especially the ones Scot01 mentions!

I was just talking about this very phenomenon this morning with a friend who's also been here a few months. All that (massive!) effort and focus on one thing disappears once you are here and have arranged your life to the point where you can get into a routine and get on with normal things again. We're not a bit disappointed with life here - so it's not a 'come down' as such, but reaching the end of that 'to do' list can result in you feeling a little bereft. Speaking for myself and my OH, we suddenly feel very tired. All the adrenaline is gone and now we need a bit of a rest. But we'll soon recharge and be able to take full advantage of everything Perth and WA has to offer. The limbo part is difficult, but hang in there!

Congratulations and good luck. Hope you love your new life!

My husband I have got the Bose Quiet Comfort ones. They are expensive, but I think they're worth every penny. I couldn't believe how noisy the engine seemed when I took them off! Compared to upgrades, it's a cheap way to a more comfortable flight.

Good thread! It's interesting to hear how much people's lives have changed. This time last year we were just selling our family home in the UK, having decided to come to Oz 2 months before. What a hectic time that was! Now been in Perth for 8 months already and settling in nicely. Take heart anyone packing up their lives this year

Looking forward to the tea morning tomorrow. Hoping to see you all there! And save me a scone PomPenny!

I take it you won't be able to make it Akasully2, as it's before the school holiday?

Hi PomPenny! I'll see you at Sorrento for the Tea Morning next week. I believe that ShirleyT is planning to attend also. Are you interested in coming along LouiseF and odies? It's for charideee - and there's cake!!

Hi zozo03, in answer to your question, we have brought 2 kids aged 6 and 8 when we came out, and my husband already had a job which he started a couple of weeks after we landed. If you think you want to make the leap, don't wait too long. My hubby didn't think of coming to Oz until he had just passed the age 45 cut off for independent visa points. This means we've had to come on on a 457 visa, which as everyone on this site will tell you can be very risky! We are both ok with the choices we've made and accept the risk. Everyone's attitude to risk is different, but with these types of decisions I think both partners must be singing from the same hymn sheet!

Good for you, elfie! Wishing you happiness in your new place .