KazzKing

Hi Ruth, My daughter attends MGSC and she loves it,it is a very good school. We live in Mentone, Parkdale end and it's 10 mins drive away. Parkdale Secondary college is mixed and seems to be fine. A friend's son goes there and no compliants. Within Mentone, Parkdale, Mordi and Aspendale you'll find decent schools. I agree with Petals that as long as kids are happy in school they will learn. As for Primary, I'd recommend Parktone PS which is in Parkdale. My youngest attends and she's encouraged to get involved in anything and everything. The teachers are very approachable and all kids seem to thrive there (in different ways). Hope this helps. Kx

Hi, I have two girls, my 13yo goes to Mentone Girls Secondary College. She started in Jan. She was 12 when she started and should have been in year seven but went straight into year eight. Her enrolment was straight forward and completed while we were still in the UK as much as it could be. Many emails and calls with the school staff but I wanted the reassurance of knowing her enrolment into a good school was underway. I manage to complete a lot of the paperwork from the UK Oh, I had heard about the school from friends and then started my own research. When we arrived in Nov we visited the school, copies of passport were taken and that was it. We needed proof of address and references which we provided twice _ short-term accomodation details and longer-term rental.

Hi, My daughter goes to Parktone and loves it, she's five. I find the teachers totally focused on the kids and ensuring they have a well rounded education. I managed to get both my daughters enrolled in their schools from the UK, visited as soon as we arrived and completed the essential paperwork. It wasn't easy but can be done. PM me if you'd like more info. ​K

Hi, Thanks for arranging another meet-up munchkinpie, we couldn't make the last one (me, hubby and two girls, 5yo and 12yo). We're in Mentone but happy to travel up to an hour (in whatever direction) so count us in. Will keep an eye on this thread for further details. Ta K

Hi dmjg, Thanks, that's great. I love strawberries and champagne so Sunny Ridge has to be added to the 'day out' list. Thanks again. K

Hi, Petals - thanks, I've checked out the Dan Murphy website but it was more about getting out to try wines and learn a bit more. Will check out the locations you've suggested. DBC - thanks, I will definitely look out for some tour deals, the horseback tour would be great. Also happy to have some days out and hubby can do the driving as he doesn't drink anyway. Thanks again K

Hi all, I'm new to Victoria, live in Mentone and I'd love to visit some wineries over the next few weeks. I don't like dry wine (Chardonnay a definite no-no) and don't do reds (probably because I don't know enough about them and the ones I've tasted are too heavy - and I'm guessing good quality :biggrin:). Whites I have liked have been Sauvignon Blanc's and I like most Rose wine as they have been light and fruity. So can anyone recommend some wineries I should visit considering I'm a novice? I'm good at drinking certain wines but that's about it. Any recommendations much appreciated. Ta K

Thanks for the update, glad you're all settled and happy. Kx

Thinking of you and your family. K

Hi Fowler Family, Re: getting my 5yo into school, I researched all the schools in the area, and then started contacting my favourites (via email first then phone). A lot of paperwork had to be scanned and sent to complete the application process, but after a fair few phones calls and the emails, she was enrolled (we have PR visas). She starts the transition classes in Nov, and then Term 1 early 2013. A couple of days after they land in Melbourne, my hubby has the official school tour and meeting with the principle etc, and luckily when I'm over (3rd week Nov), we'll both attend the school's formal parents information evening about uniform, fees, books etc so the timing has worked out well for us. The school looks great on the website and after speaking with the principle and assistant principle (a few times) I'm confident my daughter will be happy there. It's not an easy process to do the enrolment from overseas but it can be done. Good luck and keep in touch! K

Hi, My hubby and our 5yo daughter arrive in Melbourne on Sunday (28th Oct) and we need to sort out childcare for her asap. Initially they will be based in Mordialloc, and she is already on the Kingston council waiting list for their main childcare centres. She starts at Parktone Primary School in Jan (Parkdale) so will attend the Camp Australia sessions during term time. She'll also attend the summer sessions they have, but what's required is care during November (until the 22nd to be precise). Does anyone have any thoughts on Camp Australia, and also any ideas for childcare until 22nd Nov? A couple of places have been suggested but these have no spaces (Kingston Kids, Mordialloc Community Centre). Thanks K

Hi, You'll be fine and as others have said, you're not alone and how you feel is totally natural. My hubby leaves with our 5yo on the 26th Oct, and then I'll join them along with our 12yo in March next year. Luckily we have a holiday booked in Nov so that breaks up the time for us. Other than that it's Skype all the way. Best of luck with everything. K

Hi Jo P, Good luck with everything. My husband and 5yo leave in two weeks, then I'll follow with our 12yo March 2013 (we have a holiday to validate visa's in Nov). We're hoping to be based in Parkdale or Mentone long term, but have also considered Berwick. It is a v scary time but also v exciting and you'll find the little one will cope fine. As long as Mummy is ok, I'm sure he will be (and he'll have his favourite toys at hand which always helps). Try and remain calm and get that checklist ticked one by one, it seems endless but you'll get all the jobs done - look how far you've come already! Best of luck with everything, keep us posted with your progress. K

Hi all, Quick question - has anyone booked flights only from London to Oz using HolidayGenie? Most reviews aren't great regarding their customer service, but they are affiliated with the major governing bodies. Prices are better for flights from what I've seen (than booking direct with airline), and they show up in searches via skyscanner etc. Thanks. K

Hi all, Firstly apologies if this has been asked recently, but are Templestowe and Templestowe Lower good areas for families? From the info I have (which isn't much) they seem lovely - nice houses, good schools and shops etc. My family (hubby and I, and our two girls, 5 yo and 12 yo) are thinking of moving there. We'd be renting, $450 - $500 pw for at least the first year. Are the areas culturally mixed or prominently white? I'm asking as we're a mixed-raced family, but to be honest it doesn't really matter (we'll get on with anyone :smile:). Any opinions on what the areas are like would be much appreciated. Ta v much K