Akasully2

Hi, Does anyone have any heavy duty, cardboard packing boxes that they don’t want anymore? We are packing up the house in December and moving in early January. I am also trying to find 2 empty, wide screen TV boxes that will fit 55” TV’s. We are based in Ocean Reef/Joondalup. It wasn’t that long ago we had masses of them that we couldn’t wait to get rid of. Now we are back to needing them again! If anyone can help, it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

Hi, I used to live in Hillarys and had a son who went to Duncraig. I am a teacher at LJBC and have friends with children at St Marks. My son was in the academic extension program at Duncraig and I was very happy with the teaching and his progression. When we moved out of our rented house in Hillarys to another suburb I found the logistics of school runs and getting to and from work, too much to cope with. I therefore changed schools so the children could walk to school. I went private and haven't looked back. Mine go to Prendiville Catholic Collage. Great place. Very nurturing but also push for for high standards of behaviour, respect and academic performance. He is still in extension classes and is very happy and doing extremely well. Only now does he say he say that in comparison, Duncraig kids mucked around more in class compared to Prendiville, where it wouldn't be tolerated. He says that he feels that he is getting a better rounded education and enjoys feeling part of a community that values everyone and supports each other. Positive atmosphere. LJBC is great too. Very caring and well organised. The staff and the kids are lovely. High standards of performance a constant aim. Positive atmosphere. St Marks also probably have the same as the other two. I have heard from a couple of parents who kids were struggling a bit that they felt that if you weren't academic they didn't really cater for them/not interested. This could be just the views of a few. Best thing to do is arrive and look around each place. You'll know as soon as the tour is finished which is right for your family. It's the things you can't put your finger on, the gut feeling that is the decider. GCSE's count for nothing here. Students do non exam classes up to Y10. After that they take their options and are advised if they should go the General route (less likely to go to University) or ATAR route which is a direct access to Uni after Y12. I hope this helps.

Hi, I posted a new thread in the 'Jobs' section. Not sure how many people will see it there as most like me, probably only look in the 'Welcome to Perth' bit or home page. Anyway, there is a real job going and they are finding it hard to fill at such late notice. I gave my notice in yesterday on the last day of term, after having a last minute interview elsewhere for a permanent job. It's is a great place and I would like to help them out. The ad is below. [h=2]Relief teacher needed Ocean Reef[/h] Hi, Just to to let any teachers out there know that Ocean Reef SHS is looking for a qualified Food Technology Teacher. The role is covering sick leave for the first two weeks of term 3 (starts 21/7/15). The role may be extended for longer. If you are interested please call the school ASAP. Someone will be there over the hols. This position has come about as I am leaving to start a new job elsewhere. They are a great team and I would love to help them find a suitable replacement to start after the hols. Thought my fellow POMS may like a break. Tell them you saw the mention on here. Post me if you apply. Good luck!

Hi, Just to to let any teachers out there know that Ocean Reef SHS is looking for a qualified Food Technology Teacher. The role is covering sick leave for the first two weeks of term 3 (starts 21/7/15). The role may be extended for longer. If you are interested please call the school ASAP. This position has come about as I am leaving to start a new job elsewhere. They are a great team and I would love to help them find a suitable replacement to start after the hols. Thought my fellow POMS may like a break. Tell them you saw the mention on here. Post me if you apply. Good luck!

Not a problem. When you validate the account in Oz, you tell them you haven't got one yet. Just drop it in at local branch later.

Wow Ann, that is so lovely. Thank you! Been at work all day and feel knackered. Tried to be an 'inspiration' to my students but think for some I was just a strict moaning teacher. didn't let them get away with anything. Hence why I feel so exhausted. However, I know I connected with many of them and had a laugh and a bit of banter whilst they learnt new skills. They make teaching so rewarding. Still early days. At the moment I have Thursday's off which great as I am desparate to get the house sorted. Once things calm down, I'll definitely be back on the socialising with the girls. Ann, I'll meet you for that coffee soon. Xx

Just wanted to update this thread as I started it just before we left the UK and as of today....we have been here for 1 year exactly. Our first year anniversary! So much has happened in that time. Recently we bought a house and are now just waiting to move in. A wonderful feeling to be able to make decisions and changes to the property you live in, unlike the rental we have had so far. Will be a relief to stop having rental inspections every two months. Also, I started work last week as a High School Teacher! Signed a contract today. I think the work thing felt like the final piece in the jigsaw. I have to pinch myself sometimes as I drive around as just take this all for granted. We made our dream happen, we live on the other side of the world beside the beautiful Indian Ocean, have happy children in fab Oz schools and a contented, settled life. It's still early days in the bigger scheme of things but my word, we have done pretty well so far on ticking things off the list and are not regretting it one bit. Cracking open the champagne on Friday. Need a clear head for work tomorrow.

Ditto! I used to go and re-read the grant notice letter in case I had misread it. Wasn't even 100% certain as we were entering the country, wondered if they would stop us and say there had been a mistake!

Cheers annjean. When things are a bit more settled, we must meet up for that coffee. See you soon. X

Blimey Odies, you've certainly packed it all in! Can't make it tomorrow now after all. Sorry. Got a few things to do in the morning and know I'll be busy next Thursday too. I'll have to do a rain check for now. Other may be there tomorrow. The lovely ladies will make you very welcome.

We are moving from our rental in Hillarys to our own house in Ocean Reef. Can anyone recommend a removal company that can move us? We had Pickfords out to quote but even they said that they would be higher in price as they charge by the hour and include travelling time from South of Perth and back again. Anyone more local to us? Not sure if I want them to pack or just do it myself to save the dosh. Mmm...probably the latter. Thank you.

Unfortunately, I'm not going to be able to make it tomorrow. Now the relatives have flown back I thought I'd be clear for a good old natter. Not so.

What do you do?

Or a regular subject specific degree plus a recognised PGCE. Needs to have a satisfactory amount of classroom practice.

Thanks @Arwen, much appreciated. Minefield, got that right!

Thanks @Scot01. Good to finally understand that 75% means an A and 65% means a B. So if someone does a TAFE course/practical subject, does that mean that leave at the end of year 10 and go to college or do it at school? But if they only do level 1 subjects for two years at school, what can they do after that? Better to leave and get trained? When do they get the WACE certificate, end of year 10 or 12? How many subjects do they have to take in year 11/12? What does it mean in the tables when it says 'pairs of subjects'? Feel daft aft asking all this but it is so different to what I am used to in the UK. Cheers.

Thank you all for your contributions. Lots to take in, lots to think about. We have been here for nearly a year now and the boys have settled happily into their schools. However, we are about to move. The eldest is happy in his high school but it would be a bit of a drive in the morning, although I am happy to do it. He is in the academic extension program, definitely heading for uni. The youngest would need to start at a high school nearer our new house, so sadly would be leaving his friends anyway. He's currently in year 5. Questioned whether it would be better to keep him settled at his primary or move him sooner so he can make friends in a feeder school. He's much more practical, but saying that, things change. Whilst high academic achievement may not be the be all for him, I do want a school that will value his abilities and nuture him in a supportive and encouraging environment. Does prediville cater for both ends of the spectrum? @Scot01 where do you get your stats from? I have looked at various sites that rank schools on the 65% thing and I find them confusing. How do they compare on TAFE levels? Is TAFE's level 1 higher or lower than level 3? What is each level equivalent too? Is is it also hard to get into Prendiville? Name down early??

Hi, could anyone who has experience of these two schools give me some reviews on them? It would be good to hear from people who have their children there. How are they perceived in the community? Do the children seem well cared for, supported and happy? Do they cater for all abilities well? How do they perform in terms of results? Are the parents pleased? Any other constructive comments welcome. Thank you.

It poured down today, so we used our scoupon vouchers and went ice skating. The boys loved it. I thought it was hilarious to see the dozens of Zimmer frames lined up for the beginners to use. Not a granny in sight. Tip: wrap up warm if you are just watching as its blooming freezing. Defo be back soon. Did lovely chips too!

Great. Very busy for the next month or so, but after that we could meet up. Keep me on the backburner. Good luck on the job front.

Hi, can't make the BBQ but just wanted to say hello. We live in Hillarys and my son goes to Dungraig too. He's in year 8. Have another son who's 9 years old. Maybe a meet up after school in the park would be good, homework shedule permitting (seems to get loads!). So what brought you over and what work do you hope to do? Well done for being brave and putting it out there, not easy. FYI, a group of us (all women but men welcome) meet on a Thursday morning at Mullaloo at 9:30am and walk along the coastal path for 2 hours. It is very chatty and social. You and your wife are welcome to join us. There is a thread for it under meet ups. Check who going by posting. Will be back on after the school holidays (a few of us are busy for the next month).

Good point. I won't be there for a whille as my in laws are visiting from the UK.

Not sure if you are working but on Thursday mornings a group of us meet at Mullaloo by the Dome and go for a walk and natter by the ocean. Starts at 9:30am and return around 11:45am. You are very welcome to join us.

Yeah, we know who we are! Ozzies are great and very welcoming. Agree with SJT, you start with those that have something in common. However, recently after pet sitting for our ozzy neighbour's dog, we have got friend with them. Last week we were invited to a 40th birthday party at their house and we were the only Brits! How refreshing. They were fantastic, very entertaining and gave us their view of areas and types of visas people come over on. Had me in stitches. I asked about different areas to settle in. They said Mandurah should have the morning after pill inserted into the kebabs. I've never heard that said on this site!!

Ah ha, I know why this is going to be! That's great, we went out looking for some of the places you suggested and I got so muddled we ended up on a wild goose chase. Did find Matilda Bay though and drove past the Crown Plazza hotel complex (well the car park actually). Look forward to reading it. I doubt I'll make it Thursday. Probably running around cleaning or baking lemon cheesecakes and apple pies as part of the welcome greetings. I'll look knackered by the time they get here! x