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TracyC

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  1. TracyC
    I am flying my cat back in October. he is having his rabies jab tomorrow and that still gives us the 21 day period before he can enter the UK. (not sure about the 5 month time frame from the other poster.....hope that is wrong or i'm in trouble!!) Prices: $120 rabies jab Animal travel $2154 Jet Pets $3020 Sky Pets $2200 hope this helps
  2. TracyC
    The course was worth doing! The first 2 days in Blacktown were run by a really lovely lady, who new her stuff and had answers to all sorts of questions that were put to her. There wasn't any information that was a complete surprise to me but it was good to get confirmation about things that I "thought" were the case. The placement for me was in a High school 5 mins drive away (they place you in a school near to where you live). The Head of PE was really nice, all VERY laid back. I only had to teach 3 lessons over the 5 days (can do more if you want). I made the most of my time watching lessons to get a feel for how they teach in Australia (very different from what I'm used to!) and asking lots of questions. I got a bit bored to be honest and ended up rather than just watching, getting involved, talking to the kids, team teaching really. The biggest difference is, at home, I always did: quick talk about aim of lesson, warm up, skills, maybe into small game, quick plenary, whereas here there was very little structure. The vast majority of the lessons were straight into games. As i was being "assessed" I felt I had to do everything properly even though the kids were obviously not used to that kind of structure. Anyway (I waffle on - sorry), it all went really well. Very straight forward, nothing scary about it. Got a very good report from the school. Had a 20 min interview with guy from DET the following week, my DET number came through within days. I contacted the school I was at and have had a few days supply with them. Dropped a mini CV into some other local schools (as suggested at the course) and one in particular has put me on their books regularly. Have had between 2-5 days for the last 6 weeks. I'm happy doing part time but I'm sure if I had contacted more schools, especially further West of here I would be able to get pretty much full time. Hope this has been useful, I would recommend doing it (it's free) Tracy
  3. TracyC
    Hi Barry Welcome to Australia then! How are you finding it? If you are going direct to schools (independent and Catholic as you can't do state without the DET approval) I would probably turn up in person, with a cover letter and CV and looking smart. I think it really depends on what areas you are looking in as to how successful you'll be. I am on the PEP course, starting Thursday and Friday, with the whole of the following week in a school. After I've completed this I should get my DET Approval to Teach, which will allow me to do Temp or casual in ANY school (independent/state/primary/secondary). However, I still couldn't apply for a permanent PE position because I still only have PROVISIONAL eligibility. To be honest I can't see me doing the extra units to gain full eligibility either. I saw a job on seek the other day looking for a football coordinator, but I don't know if that was Ozzie football or Soccer, or even if thats your sport! I would assume that even coaching they will be looking for their own Coaching Qualifications!!!!! Good luck, if you want to find out more about the PEP course I'll let you know after next week Tracy
  4. TracyC
    Hi Barry No, not been on the course yet. There is one on the starting on the 24th May which i may try and get on (assuming I can find childcare!) Supply REALLY depends on the area. I'm in the 'The Hills' and because it's a nice area there is not much supply. I've been told that older teachers semi retire and then pick up any casual/relief that's around and of course the schools already know them. I've applied for a couple of independent schools, but no luck. Understandably, in a country where so many people are sporty, they are not desperate for PE teachers, especially as we don't have the PDH bit in our degree and don't know the curriculm. Sorry to sound a negative, but to be honest it has been harder than I thought it was going to be. Hopefully you will have more luck and be able to get yourself out and about on courses and into schools. Tracy Tracy
  5. TracyC
    Hi. We rented in Castle Hill (Waterside Apartments - no water in sight though) for 3 weeks and we were probably lucky that we found something in that time. I think that company (Waterside) would allow us to extend the rental period if we had needed it. When you know what furnished apartment you are staying in I would check whether they let you extend, and with how much notice. It is really impossible to stay how long it will take you to find something you like. It's possible you will find something but it won't be available for a few weeks. Good luck
  6. TracyC
    Hi I too am a PE teacher and NSWIT wanted me to do extra courses (Personal Development Health bit) in order to get Full eligibility. However, having taught for 19 years, all of which included PSHE or Citizenship, I was feeling a little "peeved" at the thought of going back to Uni!!! Have since found out you can do the PEP (pre employment programme) with DET, without doing the xtra courses, and that will allow you to do temp/casual work in state schools (just not permanent). I believe you can work in Independent schools without any of this? Still trying to get my head round all the bureaucracy and sort out child care in order to even look for work! Good luck.
  7. TracyC
    Hi Lynne I hope they are big tables, as I would like to join in too! Tracy
  8. TracyC
    Hi Australia94, I am the same as your wife! Content at home in the UK, security of home, job, family, friends and knowing how much we earning every month to live on (even though knowing it was getting harder and harder). My OH was born in OZ and left when he was 10. He has wanted to go back for years and years and has tried to convince me for years. Last year, I agreed. It was more difficult in the UK, wages were pants, we had no money left each month, we were starting to feel we were on a treadmill in terms of work. I think in the end it was me thinking 2 things. 1- there has got to be more to life than this, where has the excitement and fun gone? and 2) If I don't go...how will I know what I'm missing, if life is better? and do I want look back in 3,5,10 years time and say " I wish....." So, I gave up my job (teacher) last Summer, came over in November and so far things are working out OK. It's not easy starting a new life and I know it will take time. So we are giving it a couple of years and then seeing what we think. I have my house in the UK rented, so I can go back to that if i want to. We have 2 girls who are having new experiences.... and at least I won't ever regret NOT trying it. Depending on your subject there are lots of teaching jobs (make sure you have transcripts). Not sure what Childcare Assesor entails, but loads of jobs in Childcare area and recent legislation means increasing numbers of people wanted in this area. For me, it was my husband constantly going on about Australia (but not pressurising too much) and then me coming to the realisation myself that I needed to give it a go. I can completely understand how she feels, I do miss home, family and friends but I don't regret coming here and trying it. Good luck and be nice to her!
  9. TracyC
    Hi everybody. Finding this thread is great. I moved here (Baulkham Hills) a few months ago with husband and 2 daughters (7 and 2). I am not working at the moment so meeting up during the day with some other mums who have young ones would be great. Although I have meet some friendly Aussies I find myself listening for English accents so I can start a conversation with someone I have something in common with! My eldest daughter (7) is at Jasper Rd public school and has been finding it a little hard being the new girl. If there is anyone else Baulkham Hills based with a daughter of similar age it would be great to hear from them. I know there are a couple of people on this thread with twins around this age. Tracy
  10. TracyC
    Sam C, yeah!!!! Many congrats - after your long wait. You must be so happy. No more checking of emails every 5 mins. Good luck with everything from here on in. Tracy
  11. TracyC
    Hi Sam. We had hoped to be off Sept/Oct (as I handed in my notice at school and have no job come Sept!) But now, I guess before Xmas would be good - it ALL depends on selling the house. lots of viewings but no offers. What about you? When do you plan to go over? I know you were Sydney way as well, we might end up meeting.
  12. TracyC
    Hi Sam. I keep looking out for you to say you've got your Visa - it must be any day now !!!! I've got my fingers crossed for you.
  13. TracyC
    Best wishes for your new start in Oz and good luck with the flight. I will also be flying with a 2 yr old (when we sell the bloomin hose!)
  14. TracyC
    Hurrah.Many congratulations!
  15. TracyC
    Hi Mr Ausie We had WP as our CO, and got our Visa last Tues. She quoted us the 5/6 months - but it was actually 4 months. Was very helpful on the phone and returned emails on the same day. Good luck.
  16. TracyC
    Many congrats! We are also heading to Sydney (when the house is sold!) Good luck with the next steps to emigrating. Hope everything goes smoothly for ALL of us that have got Visa's in the last week!!!:biggrin:
  17. TracyC
    Big congrats! That must have put a smile on your face! Everything now in place for you - hope it all goes smoothly and good luck.
  18. TracyC
    Congratulations Mrspotatohead! you can leave the email's alone now! Best of luck on your move
  19. TracyC
    So hopefully yours will be about 4 weeks from now! I hope the house all goes through on time, the less you need to worry about the better. The house is my sticking point at the moment!
  20. TracyC
    Thank you - and yours has GOT to be through soon!
  21. TracyC
    Hi paintpotty. We're heading to Sydney. Possibly The Hills area. I'm sure yours will be soon! If they allocate a certain number every so often - then maybe this is the start of next few 'grantings'! Good luck
  22. TracyC
    Visa granted today! Not expecting this quick, thought it would be another 2 weeks at the earliest (subclass 100. CO was WP) Now I need to sell the house! Thanks to everyone who answered my questions when I first applied and good luck to you all in getting your Visa's soon (especially Enaish, SamC, Attypodian, Jomac all on a similar time frame) Tracy
  23. TracyC
    Hi Dracona, We have WP. Who turns out to be a 'she' . Like most of the CO's - she is very straight down the line, won't commit herself to any definite time frames other than the '5 - 6 months, earlier if possible' line. Good luck. Tracy
  24. TracyC
    Hi Enaish, Yep there's been a few people recently who have been approved in 4.5 months- so fingers crossed for you! By the way, if you've already sold, have you made it a condition of sale that you don't move out until Visa is granted? One of my worries is IF we do sell - that our buyers won't hang on until we are ready to move out/visa granted. Tracy
  25. TracyC
    Hi Enaish, We are going to Sydney suburbs (hopefully Hills area) depending on finances. What about you? I see you mention 'schools issue' do you have children or are you a teacher? (we have 6yr and 2yr old girls) I have given in my notice and finish end of August, the house is on the market - which we will have to sell before being able to move, so we have not booked flights yet. Our C/O is WP, who's yours? Fingers crossed they come through quicker than the 5-6 months!
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