Hi wendy,
Sorry I don't know the number of the student visa now, we came over nearly a year ago and OH is half way through his bricklaying course. OH had previous bricklaying experience so hasn't really found it too hard to get a job. As his wife I can only work 20 hours a week throughout the two years, where as OH can work 20 hours a week in term time and then in the holidays can work full time. On the bricklaying course they have just finished having three months off, so he has been able to work full time for that period.
Also with the school fees we paid for 6 months Oz School fees from England. Then in each January you are billed for the following year and are asked to pay that in full. So the school fees are paid a year in advance.
I can only speak for Queensland, but we are definately charged $8,000 per child per year and one of mine is at Primary and the second is at High School.
Hope this helps, but please feel free to PM me if you want more information.
Heather
PS. We are absolutely loving it over here and it is the best decision we have ever made.
PR isn't guaranteed, but by christ we will give it a blooming good go!!