Comments on: Choosing a primary school

By: Grant

Grant — Sat, 14 Dec 2019 09:40:51 +0000

Hi Roxy,

We’re planning to relocate to 91��ý in the new year, and we need a primary school suggestion for our 2 year old son.

By: Ana

Ana — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 07:13:53 +0000

In reply to Renuka. I'm a bit late but for the older one I hope you started her in 91��ý at year 10 for the best transition. Although if not, that is fine. I know one of my daughter's friends who came to 91��ý from overseas at the 4th term of year 11 and she did a fantastic job in year 12! Hope all goes well for you.

By: Ana

Ana — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 07:10:03 +0000

In reply to Roxy. Would just like to comment on the catholic school option. My family isnt catholic either but I still sent them to catholic school and it turned out fine. They won't force your kids to do anything if you let them know your boundaries. Other than that, it's merely just a typical private school.

By: Renuka

Renuka — Wed, 13 Sep 2017 09:48:11 +0000

Hi,

I have 2 daughters 15 and 11 this year. We are planning to migrate to South Australia probably by Aug next year.
She will be doing the last 3 months in Primary school and then moving on to high school the following year.

How will the process be as she will be missing the process of enrolment or registering into high school the transition from Year 7 to Year 8 .

We are from Malaysia . Is it advisable for her to finish her primary school here in Malaysia and then move on to the first year of high school in 91��ý , or should she be doing one last year of primary school before moving to high school?
How will she adapt in terms of friends in the above two situations?

And for the older one , will it be better for her to start Year 10 or Year 11 in 91��ý?

Please advice

By: Dani

Dani — Wed, 10 Aug 2016 19:30:22 +0000

I sent my son to well known private school in the city, thinking it would be good for him but when he started to struggle with reading and writing they had no help for him just kept saying he will get there. I was at the stage I wanted him to repeat the year because looking at him he was not grasping the basics of reading to the stage he was in year reception, year 1 and year 2 getting D’s for them. As had no luck with assistance with helping him we moved him to a little local private school around the corner, and in this year alone they have really made leaps and bounds with him. I did advise he was struggling with reading and writing and they came on board with me straight away, sending home extra little activities to help him. I guess what im saying is look at what programs are in place in case your child is one of those children who might struggle and need extra help.

By: Roxy

Roxy — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 09:39:28 +0000

In reply to Catherine.

Hey Catherine, thanks for your comment. Catholic school is definitely not an option personally for us, because we’re not Catholic.

As for the state school thing, I’m hoping that getting into our local state school is guaranteed, but I have heard conflicting reports even into that. What happens if the school is full, as in, not enough classrooms or not enough teachers?

I have come to the conclusion that I’m possibly over thinking it and I need to just enrol her at the local state school, which is fine, and then MAYBE consider some out of zone options that I really love. But if we don’t get it, we always have the local backup…….

Story to be continued anyway so will let you know how it all pans out.
Thanks again for your comment. x

By: Catherine

Catherine — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 20:18:34 +0000

Hi Rosy, a couple of things about enrolments- Catholic schools priorities for new students go like this: siblings of existing students then Catholics in the area then Catholics out of the area, then others. Depending on their enrolment numbers, you could absolutely get in there.
State schools are obliged to accept all students in their area, regardless of numbers, so if you’re in that school’s area you don’t need to line up at 4 a.m. which is crazy anyway! You can enrol your child at a state school any time, not just ‘enrolment day’.
Out of zone enrolments are often taken on a first come basis, but other factors are considered to ensure best classroom makeup- sex of child, temperament, connection to the school community etc.
In addition to your excellent list of questions, I would suggest getting a feel for the culture of the school- are you and your child likely to fit in and feel comfortable with the norms and values of the school and wider community? I’ve seen kids struggle simply because the school just wasn’t the right fit.
And: how is student wellbeing ensured- counsellors, pastoral care, wellbeing within the curriculum and so on?
Hope this helps!