Hi all, we are all set to leave for Canberra in April 08. We have 2 sons aged 12 and 13. It is difficult to look at housing and areas when we are unsure of which school our boys will attend. My husband went out for a recce and it did help a bit, but all the schools were on holiday. He was very impressed with Canberra grammar (does anyone send their kids there that could offer an opinion?) but also liked Amaroo school. Our boys have been to 7 different schools so far (moving with hubby's job) and we know that by sending them to a private school they would be able to stay until they finish their education compared to a state shool where they would have to move again to a college. Any advice would be apprecited as I am sure there are many good schools throughout Canberra.
I am a paediatric nurse and will be looking for work. My husband has a job to go to. Any contact from other nurses would also be appreciated.
Hope you are all enjoying the sunshine!
I'm not in Canberra yet, but I've had the same worries about school as you. My son will be 13 in March - I've been looking into the schools as much as I can, but the websites can only give you so much information. I have had some advice from a lady from this site (Hi Quoll!!!) who has lived there for a long time about schools and areas, and I had the same thoughts as you about Canberra Grammar School, and she has confirmed that that school is very very good (her children went there). Albeit the school isn't cheap, but the way I see it is because we will be having to pay school fees anyway (being on a temp 457), we may as well pay that little extra to have him getting an excellent education with hopefully more opportunity.
I'm not sure about the other school you mentioned, but most Government schools want you to be living in their catchment area.
Hi ViknMark
we know it will be expensive but I suppose it will allow us to live further out and perhaps get a better house when we are ready to buy. When are you planning to go?
That's the million dollar question lol. We should be hearing any day now - I've been saying that now for about 2 weeks. Our medicals were finalised on 14th Jan, so it's just waiting now. As soon as we get it, the next day we'll be handing in our notices, having the relocation agent (OH's company arranged) to book the flights and the shipping company will be in to take all of our possessions. Those few weeks will be very hectic, but very worth it.
I totally agree with what you say about the area. The further out you go, the better value house you get for your money, and it's still not far to travel anywhere.
Have you seen any areas you're interested in yet? It's so difficult to get an idea of the areas isn't it.
Gee it is great to see more people coming to Canberra!!!
I would be happy to talk schools with you in pm if you like! You do need to be aware that in ACT we have a College system so kids go to HS from 7 - 10 then to a different college for 11 & 12. Canberra Grammar (and Radford and some of the other private schools) go through to year 12. CGS does the NSW examination, the HSC, whereas the ACT year 12 assessment is a moderated continuous assessment process. If you want stability for your lads for the rest of their school career that could be an issue for you.
Choosing where to live is such a difficult thing - as Vikki said you get more bang for your buck housewise the further out you go (generally but there are exceptions). I live in Ainslie (great suburb!!!) which is an established area, gradually being gentrified, but we have a little 3 bed weatherboard with 1000sqm block (almost twice the size of the new blocks). Cant beat it for the access to everything though. Just as well neither DH or I are into macmansions. If I had unlimited money I would opt to live in Reid I think - some really nice 1930s and 40s homes on generally quite big blocks and close to the centre of town whilst not being IN the centre of town. I take it you have seen allhomes.com.au & allclassifieds.com.au ? That is the best site for Canberra homes, I think pretty much every one will be advertised there. I would steer away from Narrabundah, Charnwood, Chisholm and Richardson as a general rule or at least be very careful to check out the neighbourhood before you commit to them!
Other factor of course is where you will be working. Paediatric nursing you are going to be pretty much limited to Canberra Hospital as Calvary doesnt have a paediatric unit AFAIK. I dont think our private hospitals do paeds either - many of our kids are actually sent to Sydney for treatment.
Looks like we could be up for a big coffee morning in the not too distant future!!!
Unfortunately I can cover the pead nursing as my ds has been in hospital 3 times in his first 6 months of his life, most recently only last week. The Canberra Hospital is the only hospital with a Paeds ward (and a day surgery ward) and the only one with Paed specialists. The ward treats both private and public patients. If children go to A&E in Calvary and need specialist attention they just get set to the beginning of the queue at TCH. The Paed ward also has a 2 bed HDU, if they need more specialist care (e.g. Paed Cardiology) children get sent to Sydney.
Unfortunately I can cover the pead nursing as my ds has been in hospital 3 times in his first 6 months of his life, most recently only last week. The Canberra Hospital is the only hospital with a Paeds ward (and a day surgery ward) and the only one with Paed specialists. The ward treats both private and public patients. If children go to A&E in Calvary and need specialist attention they just get set to the beginning of the queue at TCH. The Paed ward also has a 2 bed HDU, if they need more specialist care (e.g. Paed Cardiology) children get sent to Sydney.
HTH
So sorry to hear about your DS. I hope things are better now and that you wont have to head off to TCH for a long time to come!
Me too! Since he was born at John James in July we have had "lost count no." trips to A&E, 3 admissions, 1 in HDU, one ambulance ride, a narrow miss with a transfer to sydney, 8 or so Paed apps, loads of tests etc. i reckon I have had more contact with the health service here than most Australians!! Here is to not going again.
Hi shula we are moving to Canberra around the end of May we are spending first 3 months in Sydney(husbands work) we leave the uk on 24th Feb I cannot help with the schooling as my children are grown up and staying behind. But its nice to have contact with people who are moving to the same area, whilst we are in sydney we will start looking at real estate and be popping down to Canberra to have a look at differents areas, My OH will be based in Queanbeyan just outside the city. We are very excited about the move but so much to do in 3 weeks. I work with adults with learning disabilities and hope to find work . My main concern is that my OH will be meeting people at work and it will be harder for me as when you have school aged children you get to know other mums at the schools and playgroups, and I am a fun person and don't want to miss out . Good luck with school hunting.
I'm not in Canberra yet, but I've had the same worries about school as you. My son will be 13 in March - I've been looking into the schools as much as I can, but the websites can only give you so much information. I have had some advice from a lady from this site (Hi Quoll!!!) who has lived there for a long time about schools and areas, and I had the same thoughts as you about Canberra Grammar School, and she has confirmed that that school is very very good (her children went there). Albeit the school isn't cheap, but the way I see it is because we will be having to pay school fees anyway (being on a temp 457), we may as well pay that little extra to have him getting an excellent education with hopefully more opportunity.
I'm not sure about the other school you mentioned, but most Government schools want you to be living in their catchment area.
I hope this helps.
Vikki
thanks for your reply, first chance I have had to respond. My husband is on his way back from his recce and managed to look at a few different schools, Darmalan, St Edmunds, and a few of the state schools. He also had a good look round Canberra gramar which was by far the best. I think we can just about afford to send them there as long as I manage to get employment. We are thinking of putting their names down for a few of the schools and letting them have a look around when we arrive. Good luck with your move also.
Shula
schools and areas to live in Canberra
