Count down to launch date

[Akasully2]

Great to hear you are settling in so well.

 

The drink driving laws are 0.05 which is about the same as the UK. However, here what they do is bring out the "booze bus". This is basically a bus, but fully kitted out to do booze tests and even has cells. Then they close a road and stop all traffic.

 

Speed cameras are moved constantly - if you google them there is a police web site that gives approximates for where they are on a particular day. Be aware, there is no leniency - I was fined for doing 103 on the Kwinana in the middle of the night on an empty road - limit was 100.

 

Speed limit on unmarked roads - the ones that would be 30 mph in the UK are 50kph here.

 

Thanks VS. As usual, you know your stuff. Much appreciated!

[Chardy]

You are settling well.

I like the line about it being mild weather - you won't say that next year once you've acclimatised !

When you see a booze bus you'll be shocked how many they get.

Speed cameras are often hidden in the centre reserve bushes on the freeways or handheld guns behind signs etc

Most schools don't put their catchment online so you will need to visit them in person which at least gives you a chance to get a feel for the school.

[Zebradeb]

Just a little update now we are coming up to two weeks in. After all the upset and guilt of leaving family, I now find I currently don't feel any. Skype is an amazing tool that has allowed me to sit and chat for free to my mum back in the UK. The only draw back is I have to wait until the evening to do it but that's fine, eat dinner and then call. My 78 year old mum initially pined a bit, I was told that she was feeling down and tended to sit in front of the computer waiting for a message or a Skype call. I was calling but couldn't get through. This has been rectified now as if I can't video her as it is turned off at her end, I just do a Skype phone call directly to her home telephone for a few pennies, then she turns it on. The Skype credit upload has been fantastic for us. Every time we have needed to call the UK for banking, etc we google the number and then dial it through Skype. You just talk through the computer but it costs hardly anything. The sound quality is great.

 

Since we moved into the current 4 week holiday let in Ocean Reef we have been focussing on job hunting and buying a car. We test drove one yesterday and bought it! The next big push is going to be looking at areas and viewing schools. When I was in the UK I had a folder with loads of info I had collected on good website resources and areas to view. Unfortunately the packers wrapped it up and it is being shipped over, not much use to me now. Can anyone recommend a general school web site that shows the catchment areas for each? We had one but I can't remember it.

 

hopefully driving out to the hills today to get a feel for that area. OH is keen to go fishing. He has a serous bit of kit he brought over with him but was been looking round the huge fishing stores they have out here, with relish. Kid in a sweet shop!

 

my general observations so far it that it is an easy place to make home. The language and culture is so similar. The people are friendly and keen to offer advice. We went to view one car and the salesman who was English, offered to invite us round his house so we could meet his family. He gave us his home number and told my OH to phone his wife as she was in the same industry and could offer some advice. This seemed like an OTT sales approach but he was genuine. You would never get that in the UK.

 

the weather is much milder than I was led to believe by some. I alternate between wearing shorts and flip flops to at the most a pair of jeans and a fleece. It did chuck down yesterday but the sun comes out in between.

 

As for driving, I asked what the speed limit was for unmarked roads and was told that they had no idea. Admittedly they are marked on most roads. Also told that they drink driving limits were vague. Someone knew someone who worked at the Dept of transport and apparently they often had a big drink with their work colleagues then drove home! However, we were also told that cops hide the jump out and get you for speeding. No advanced warnings of speed cameras like in the UK.

 

We need to get out and do some more fun things because so far it has been all about jobs to do. So far, so good. Perth has made a good impress on us.

 

 

Hi Sully. I've been catching up on the posts and watching your adventure unfold with interest! How are you getting on with schools? How are you finding Ocean Reef? We shall be there in 6 weeks eek, renting in Mullaloo initially so around that area. Our children are enrolled at St Marks. How is the job situ going? we are teachers too so will be interested to see how you get on. Good luck with it all! We have the car to sort too, have a rental initially so will see what we can get hold of when there! Can you PM me the phone place you used and the garage for the car. Word of mouth is always a bonus! Hope to catch up with you at some point, and look forward to your continued posts

[SusanFrako]

Hi Sully. I've been catching up on the posts and watching your adventure unfold with interest! How are you getting on with schools? How are you finding Ocean Reef? We shall be there in 6 weeks eek, renting in Mullaloo initially so around that area. Our children are enrolled at St Marks. How is the job situ going? we are teachers too so will be interested to see how you get on. Good luck with it all! We have the car to sort too, have a rental initially so will see what we can get hold of when there! Can you PM me the phone place you used and the garage for the car. Word of mouth is always a bonus! Hope to catch up with you at some point, and look forward to your continued posts

 

Hi zebradeb

 

we arrived a couple of weeks ago too, and have just moved into a long term rental in hillarys. We have two girls aged 5 and 2. Our 5 year old starts hillarys primary next week but we too are interested in St Marks. Its just around the corner from our house and looks amazing. I've heard though that there are huge waiting lists so I'm just wondering if you managed to get a place from the uk? Also how old are your children? I didn't think I wanted private school until I saw it and the fees are really reasonable.

 

Thanks

Susan

[Akasully2]

We are going to see Ocean Reef SHS and Duncraig SHS tomorrow. Once we know which of these we prefer we can then start to settle on areas to rent. We will then work backwards and find a primary school. The private schools are much cheaper than in the UK but I have heard that the public schools up this way are really good anyway. I really like the idea of them receiving a religious (with a small r) education, as this is what the had in the UK. However, at the moment we do not want to commit ourselves to footing out an additional $11k plus per year as we are just setting out. Also, at the moment I don't intend to work initially until things are more settled. I want my family to feel secure and for the children to have the reassurance of knowing I will be there for them before and after school. If I was at work and one of them was sick or I had an INSET Day I would be stuck for child care. Of course this will change as they get older. Who knows, this may all change.

 

As for living in Ocean Reef, I must say I really like the layout of the roads and the style of houses. The Ocean is very close too, all be it behind huge sand dunes with access via impressive Tarmac pathways. There is no beach here, instead the land is limestone covered in bushes with snakes in. This is fenced off thankfully but it has been done really well as it is kept as a nature reserve. It feels wild and natural. I am drawn to its beauty. We saw an Osprey carrying a fish last week. Further down people fish off the pier/jetty/harbour thing. Really a man made area of land with boulders around it to shelter a little harbour area. The area is quiet and smart. No walking to any shops though, everyone drives to malls that have everything in them.

 

Visited Kalamunda and Hellena Valley which are in the Hills. I was always VERY keen on this area when in the UK but once we visited I realised it is just not for us. A mix of houses ranging from impressive structures built on stilts to something that looks like a scene from the Walton's. The village centre had a parade of shops and a museum which I'm sure would be nice to wander around. It just wasn't for us. It felt too far out. I love rural but rural Oz style is not the same as a rural idle UK style, obviously. Horses for courses.

 

We drove up to Mindarie / Clarkson to visit a fishing tackle shop. It felt quite far up. If you had to drive from there to CBD I guess it would be a fair trek. The area is very new and had a different feel to O.R. Less parks and open spaces, more like a UK housing estate but it was smart. Water features and limestone columns with ball on them. Felt very Floridian housing estate too in parts.

 

Obviously, we are all different and these are just my opinions. What suits one, won't suit another.

[aligard]

We are going to see Ocean Reef SHS and Duncraig SHS tomorrow. Once we know which of these we prefer we can then start to settle on areas to rent. We will then work backwards and find a primary school. The private schools are much cheaper than in the UK but I have heard that the public schools up this way are really good anyway. I really like the idea of them receiving a religious (with a small r) education, as this is what the had in the UK. However, at the moment we do not want to commit ourselves to footing out an additional $11k plus per year as we are just setting out. Also, at the moment I don't intend to work initially until things are more settled. I want my family to feel secure and for the children to have the reassurance of knowing I will be there for them before and after school. If I was at work and one of them was sick or I had an INSET Day I would be stuck for child care. Of course this will change as they get older. Who knows, this may all change.

 

As for living in Ocean Reef, I must say I really like the layout of the roads and the style of houses. The Ocean is very close too, all be it behind huge sand dunes with access via impressive Tarmac pathways. There is no beach here, instead the land is limestone covered in bushes with snakes in. This is fenced off thankfully but it has been done really well as it is kept as a nature reserve. It feels wild and natural. I am drawn to its beauty. We saw an Osprey carrying a fish last week. Further down people fish off the pier/jetty/harbour thing. Really a man made area of land with boulders around it to shelter a little harbour area. The area is quiet and smart. No walking to any shops though, everyone drives to malls that have everything in them.

 

Visited Kalamunda and Hellena Valley which are in the Hills. I was always VERY keen on this area when in the UK but once we visited I realised it is just not for us. A mix of houses ranging from impressive structures built on stilts to something that looks like a scene from the Walton's. The village centre had a parade of shops and a museum which I'm sure would be nice to wander around. It just wasn't for us. It felt too far out. I love rural but rural Oz style is not the same as a rural idle UK style, obviously. Horses for courses.

 

We drove up to Mindarie / Clarkson to visit a fishing tackle shop. It felt quite far up. If you had to drive from there to CBD I guess it would be a fair trek. The area is very new and had a different feel to O.R. Less parks and open spaces, more like a UK housing estate but it was smart. Water features and limestone columns with ball on them. Felt very Floridian housing estate too in parts.

 

Obviously, we are all different and these are just my opinions. What suits one, won't suit another.

Hi! Love reading all your news, makes it all seem real! What a journey you're having.....have you come down to earth or are you still buzzing?? Know you're not planning to teach yet but have you any news on teaching because of the freeze? Would be grateful for any news. X

[cocolevi]

Sully sounds like your really getting things sorted now . How are you boys liking it in Aus are they excited about new schools my girls keep asking where they'll be going ( have no clue !) have you found it hard liking an area when you were Back here then finding it's not for you now that your out there .love all the updates keep them coming

Toni x

[Akasully2]

Hi! Love reading all your news, makes it all seem real! What a journey you're having.....have you come down to earth or are you still buzzing?? Know you're not planning to teach yet but have you any news on teaching because of the freeze? Would be grateful for any news. X

 

No news re teaching. Only thing I saw on the news was the budget announcement that the government intend to reduce their deficit by cutting back on education, healthcare and welfare benefit. How that actually pans out I have no idea. Sounds very much like the UK. It also said that it would cost more to go to Uni as they could charge more for courses. Uproar here, but sounds just the same as UK.

[aligard]

No news re teaching. Only thing I saw on the news was the budget announcement that the government intend to reduce their deficit by cutting back on education, healthcare and welfare benefit. How that actually pans out I have no idea. Sounds very much like the UK. It also said that it would cost more to go to Uni as they could charge more for courses. Uproar here, but sounds just the same as UK.

Hi thanks for the info. Guess will just have to get over there and see. Positive thinking!! Glad everything going well for you. Hope the schools are great and you have a choice between the two! Take care x

[Akasully2]

Sully sounds like your really getting things sorted now . How are you boys liking it in Aus are they excited about new schools my girls keep asking where they'll be going ( have no clue !) have you found it hard liking an area when you were Back here then finding it's not for you now that your out there .love all the updates keep them coming

Toni x

 

We are getting there slowly. It amazes me how much we have achieved though in two weeks. The boys are excited but daunted by starting a new school. We discussed it tonight. My 12 year old said when he walks round tomorrow he was going to be less interested in the exam result statistics and more concerned what the pupils were like. He wanted to get a feel for how they acted and if they were welcoming. I think he has got his head screwed on right!

 

As for seeing an area after reading about it so much, well that has been weird really. I think it was important to have a very good over view of the positioning of an area, it's general profile and how much it would cost to live there. No point dreaming of living somewhere you can't afford. However, it is true that you can't judge it until you are here. Some areas have seemed fine on paper but when we have driven past they just seem a bit tired or the neighbourhood seems scruffy. Equally so, I had discounted O.R. and around here as I was told it was little Britain and they all wear football shirts. I had images of Blackpool and chip shops selling pies and gravy (well may be they do, but not been in one yet but want to). I can honestly say, I have not seen one football shirt. Where we are it all seems upmarket. Yes, loads of English voices but lots of Ozzies too. They may be English but so am I, and I guess you are too. Nothing wrong with that as long as they are not foul mouthed, rough yobs. Completely the opposite from my experiences so far. Everyone seems to be hard working, respectable and friendly.

 

One thing I have discovered though from an agent, off the record was this...they only want to employ Brits, Irish and South Africans. They do not entertain other nationalities with ease. These nationalities form their heritage on the whole and this is who they trust and want to work with. It is not just a race thing but that does come into it, but they said they wouldn't even entertain a Yank or a Canadian. If you came from a different country to those mentioned, I think they would find it very hard to get a job.

[aligard]

We are getting there slowly. It amazes me how much we have achieved though in two weeks. The boys are excited but daunted by starting a new school. We discussed it tonight. My 12 year old said when he walks round tomorrow he was going to be less interested in the exam result statistics and more concerned what the pupils were like. He wanted to get a feel for how they acted and if they were welcoming. I think he has got his head screwed on right!

 

As for seeing an area after reading about it so much, well that has been weird really. I think it was important to have a very good over view of the positioning of an area, it's general profile and how much it would cost to live there. No point dreaming of living somewhere you can't afford. However, it is true that you can't judge it until you are here. Some areas have seemed fine on paper but when we have driven past they just seem a bit tired or the neighbourhood seems scruffy. Equally so, I had discounted O.R. and around here as I was told it was little Britain and they all wear football shirts. I had images of Blackpool and chip shops selling pies and gravy (well may be they do, but not been in one yet but want to). I can honestly say, I have not seen one football shirt. Where we are it all seems upmarket. Yes, loads of English voices but lots of Ozzies too. They may be English but so am I, and I guess you are too. Nothing wrong with that as long as they are not foul mouthed, rough yobs. Completely the opposite from my experiences so far. Everyone seems to be hard working, respectable and friendly.

 

One thing I have discovered though from an agent, off the record was this...they only want to employ Brits, Irish and South Africans. They do not entertain other nationalities with ease. These nationalities form their heritage on the whole and this is who they trust and want to work with. It is not just a race thing but that does come into it, but they said they wouldn't even entertain a Yank or a Canadian. If you came from a different country to those mentioned, I think they would find it very hard to get a job.

Hi, thanks for the info. I guess you have to be there to get a feeling for a place. Bit like buying a house! Your son sounds like he's got his priorities right..it's not all about exams but the whole person. Hope he finds the right place where he's happy

[aligard]

Hi again....just out of interest what's been your family's favourite food so far. Just had a discussion with my boys and they hope the sausages..snags are good!

[odies]

Oh great Sully, good read, I always think the brits are bound not to be rough as it costs so much to get there and they want to better themselves.Anyway your eldest seems to have his head screwed on and look forward to more posts.

[Guest Guest6235]

Sully, You can get equally as good state schools as private and sometimes are better just like in the UK. We have state schools near us in the UK which get outstanding results so I wouldn't even explain your reasons for not sending your children to private.

Your lad sounds like what I would be thinking at that age going to a new School. I would be more bothered about what the other lads are like and if I'm going to fit in, rather than worrying about exam results.

Glad things are coming together for you and it's interesting what the agent told you, although a lot of Kiwi's also go to OZ for work.

Edited May 27, 2014 by Guest6235

[Zebradeb]

Hi zebradeb

 

we arrived a couple of weeks ago too, and have just moved into a long term rental in hillarys. We have two girls aged 5 and 2. Our 5 year old starts hillarys primary next week but we too are interested in St Marks. Its just around the corner from our house and looks amazing. I've heard though that there are huge waiting lists so I'm just wondering if you managed to get a place from the uk? Also how old are your children? I didn't think I wanted private school until I saw it and the fees are really reasonable.

 

Thanks

Susan

 

Hi Susan, we have older children in years 11 and 7, and a 2 year old too! We wrote to a few schools and looked around lots. For specific reasons best placed off an open forum we needed to evidence a school from the UK. We couldn't do that without a rental agreement which obviously couldn't happen a few years in advance in a particular sub for a state school, though we liked both Ocean Reef - lovely Headteacher, Duncraig great results and Churchlands SHS fantastic results and lovely HT. The fees are reasonable, I couldn't entertain it in the UK, so all in all Private route for us worked best. We had set up lots of visits before arriving for the validation trip. The kids preferred St Marks so we applied there are then, and we did manage to secure places. I only now realise that there is a waiting list from what I've read on here, but we fell very lucky! I think because the oldest had places that they do not often fill being a year 11, their policy is that siblings get first priority. So I think that for any school its horses for courses and I wouldn't rule out state schools, there really are some fab ones around. For us, we had hoops to jump through and things fell into place. Have a look around and see what you think and keep us posted.

Would love to meet up when we arrive and share notes! Be nice to know someone! all the best.

[Walkabout]

Hi Sully, always good to hear your updates. Really interesting to hear your way of looking for a secondary and working backwards, whilst we gave some thought to secondary, for us our kids are a good few years off going and we are very aware that all schools go up and down so we tried not to let that influence us too much. I guess with a 12 year old, secondary is going to be quite key for you guys and I would be really interested to hear your views on the 2 schools, woodvale also has a good reputation around here if you wanted another school to consider. Rents are slightly cheaper than Duncraig as its an extra 5 minutes to the beach! good luck and let us know how you get on!

[Akasully2]

We visited both schools today and learnt a lot. We were very impressed by Duncraig SHS. We were met by this enthusiastic lady who gave us the guided tour and answered all our questions. We got a good vibe from the place. It seemed to cater very well for both academic and more practical, hands on type of children. It had an impressive pastoral care system, the kids were well behaved and focused in lessons. A high percentage of kids go to Uni. It had a new build happening for next year when the intake enter at year 7. We walked out of there feeling confident that our son would have a good experience if he enrolled.

 

Next we went to Ocean Reef. We were shown round by a very pleasant and articulate year 8 boy. Whilst he was very good, it would have been helpful to be given the opportunity to talk to a grown up too, so they could fill us in on other stuff. This wasn't offered. The school buildings were smart and the kids behaved well. One thing that I found off putting was the amount of litter around the place although they had bins everywhere. Admittedly this was just after lunch and we saw cleaners going around picking it all up, but still, didn't make a great impression. They had fantastic oceanic course that the kids could sign up to where they go diving, snorkelling and learning about the Ocean. It was very over subscribed and places were limited. (Duncraig offered something very similar in year 9).

 

So in conclusion, I think that OR missed a trick by only using pupils to show the parents around. I appreciate they may not have time to do the whole tour but they could offer to meet up at the end. So based on our experiences, we would put Duncraig in first place and OR in second. Both good, just D felt more right for us. This has now led us to focus our rental search in a specific area that will lead into that school.

[Arwen]

We visited both schools today and learnt a lot. We were very impressed by Duncraig SHS. We were met by this enthusiastic lady who gave us the guided tour and answered all our questions. We got a good vibe from the place. It seemed to cater very well for both academic and more practical, hands on type of children. It had an impressive pastoral care system, the kids were well behaved and focused in lessons. A high percentage of kids go to Uni. It had a new build happening for next year when the intake enter at year 7. We walked out of there feeling confident that our son would have a good experience if he enrolled.

 

Next we went to Ocean Reef. We were shown round by a very pleasant and articulate year 8 boy. Whilst he was very good, it would have been helpful to be given the opportunity to talk to a grown up too, so they could fill us in on other stuff. This wasn't offered. The school buildings were smart and the kids behaved well. One thing that I found off putting was the amount of litter around the place although they had bins everywhere. Admittedly this was just after lunch and we saw cleaners going around picking it all up, but still, didn't make a great impression. They had fantastic oceanic course that the kids could sign up to where they go diving, snorkelling and learning about the Ocean. It was very over subscribed and places were limited. (Duncraig offered something very similar in year 9).

 

So in conclusion, I think that OR missed a trick by only using pupils to show the parents around. I appreciate they may not have time to do the whole tour but they could offer to meet up at the end. So based on our experiences, we would put Duncraig in first place and OR in second. Both good, just D felt more right for us. This has now led us to focus our rental search in a specific area that will lead into that school.

 

Just one piece of advice. when you are looking at primary schools don't be misled by the term 'feeder school' for Duncraig SHS. You will still have to live in boundary for the high school and sometimes all the catchment area for a feeder primary school may not necessarily be in the catchment for the high school. Hope that makes sense.

[Lou8670]

Schools if it weren't for our children our search for where to live would be so much simpler

[Sideshowdeb]

Schools if it weren't for our children our search for where to live would be so much simpler

 

Beautiful waterfront apartment?

[Akasully2]

Just one piece of advice. when you are looking at primary schools don't be misled by the term 'feeder school' for Duncraig SHS. You will still have to live in boundary for the high school and sometimes all the catchment area for a feeder primary school may not necessarily be in the catchment for the high school. Hope that makes sense.

 

Absolutely. As we are working backwards by considering the HS first, we have been given a clear catchment area to work to. The next step is to get the rental sorted in that area. After that, we will view the primaries in that area! Phew, they never show you all this hassle on TV. Speaking of which, have you all got the TV ready to record/watch the new series of Phil Spencer in Australia. On tonight around 8:30pm.

[cocolevi]

Sully hope you get the boys in the school, that will be one less worry for you to deal with . How soon are they able to start school, can they go mid term x

[cocolevi]

have you all got the TV ready to record/watch the new series of Phil Spencer in Australia. On tonight around 8:30pm.

Argh it was on here last night missed it see if I can get it on 4OD

[Lou8670]

Absolutely. As we are working backwards by considering the HS first, we have been given a clear catchment area to work to. The next step is to get the rental sorted in that area. After that, we will view the primaries in that area! Phew, they never show you all this hassle on TV. Speaking of which, have you all got the TV ready to record/watch the new series of Phil Spencer in Australia. On tonight around 8:30pm.

 

Finding the right school in an area you like and can afford to rent or buy is probably the most stressful! There are so many areas to choose from and not enough time to be sure you're making the right decision with children in tow!

[Akasully2]

Finding the right school in an area you like and can afford to rent or buy is probably the most stressful! There are so many areas to choose from and not enough time to be sure you're making the right decision with children in tow!

 

Tell me about it. I feel thankful though at least I know where to focus our attention now. When I started this I had no idea where we would live. What is funny though, is that the fact that 12 months ago 'straight to the Point' PP member, had a bet with me for 10p that he reckoned I would end up in one of two places, based on my needs and character. He doesn't seem to be on here anymore but he got it spot on. Clever man, hats off to him.