Allyozuk

None of us are Australian citizens or PR. I grew up in Aus until 21, left many years ago. Too long ago for me to get any kind of return status, plus I'm now over 45. We discussed with a couple of lawyers and agents and established that. So, we've accepted that, moved on. We realise that we need to select from the list, thus the long discussions and decision making. Very tiring.... Sorry, not really clear on what you mean by, Principals of schools will have no discretion. The EQI told us that, after receiving our application, they then contact the school principal on our list to check for availability.

Hope you are all holding out there in this terrible hurricane! Take care! Thanks for the list Roberta! Our eldest, K, is still English proficient. Although they will have both been in the Japanese education system for 5 years, I have kept up with their English study at home. Youngest, T, is probably first language Japanese now. He can converse in English, but he would be behind well educated Australian kids. I'd imagine it would take him only a couple of months to catch up, not requiring a full on English class. I'll supplement teach at home a lot too. I am native English so we use english at home. Mr T responds mostly in Japanese but is able to understand English very well. Not too keen on them going to a school near the military camp. Really like the look of The Gap High School as they focus on technology and appear to have a progressive outlook on computer study. Spoken to EQI several times now. My, are they so disengaged due the problems of overcrowding etc. there in Brisbane as everyone wants their kids to go to BSH, Indo or Kelvin? They clearly said we MUST select the schools on the list. No chance of BSH, Indo and Kelvin are to capacity (although happened to talk to the Indo Principal (very nice!) who said "sure, come and see them, they have openings). Very confusing? I get the feel that they are having a surge of certain nationalities, who as one said, do not integrate with the other kids and community, therefore wonder if that is why they are being cautious and negative over the phone with me. EQI explain they can't answer as they need to see our paperwork, however, once we submit the paperwork, that's IT!! They give us what they decide. No changes after that. Unless we pay $500 and go through this awful process again. We really can't make such an important decision on paper and will try to go and visit the schools when we come over for a holiday March 24, next month. Feel I have three criteria to consider, in order of importance: Study focus for HSer: Technology, Aviation Program, Computer (English is not a big factor for him, nor do we need a path that leads to law, doctor etc) Integration: Welcoming environment with like minded academic students (preferably in a school with a lower international student ratio) Living: Rentals are fairly spacious, with large yards or a park very close by. No unit, apartment living, concrete jungle. Easy access to schools by bus. For Mr T, Primary Study Focus: Basic all round curriculum seems to be across the board with all State Schools, which is great. Integration: Nice kids, love sports. (he is very happy go lucky, a soccer fanatic, eldest is GATE registered but he is even sharper) Living: Need space for soccer. So, after talking with K, 12yr old, we've come to this list. (oh, found Kelvin Grove also have their own aviation program) K (HS) T (Primary) Indooroopilly SHS Kelvin Grove Kelvin Grove College Kelvin Grove ( if not, Jindalee) The Gap Kelvin Grove (if not, Mitchelton) Miami SHS Varsity ????? ????? I'll be coming over on my own with the kids and will look for a rental house probably nearer to the HS as T. has only 2 years left of primary, driving him if too dangerous or far. My husband wants them to attend the Saturday morning Japanese school, which we found is facilitated at the Indooroopilly school, operated by a Japanese government affiliated group. The lure of beach, spacious houses in the GC area was tempting but our focus is on the boys' integration and focus of study, tech and aviation, and to go back to studying in English. I remember the Gap area as being very nice when I used to visit an Aunt there so assume Kelvin, Ashgrove to be similiar.

OK, thanks! These are all really useful opinions. According to the form, we need to list in order of preference 1-5 schools, which is where I came to the baffling conclusion that the primary and HSs did not correspond. I NEED to talk with the EQI contact. I actually wondered exactly that about the Japanese classes offered at the schools. What IS their purpose? If it's the same as the "English" classes they get here in Japan, then I fully appreciate the school and kiddie's problem. My poor guys, who are fluent in both also, more often than not end up being better speakers than the teacher and are used as teacher's aids to help with pronunciation. Kudos to the teacher for using resources, but my guys hate it. ha! My husband is expecting them to attend "Japanese School" which are usually on a Sat. morning, only 3 hours or so. I'm not a huge fan of that, but I need to respect his opinion, plus with a school day of only until 3pm, think the kids can manage that no problem. They currently attend 8:15 - 4pm. Alternatively, we can easily continue Japanese home study, as we've done with their English while here in Japan. I'm proficient enough in Japanese to monitor that. Back to the choice of schools, I'm also cross referencing to the Aviation program: http://www.aviationaustralia.aero/corporate/Aerospace-Gateway-Schools-Project.php which my eldest is very keen on, thus the Miami or Palm Beach inclusion. But, thanks for your warning on Miami. Looked at Varsity and felt it would be great for both boys to attend, but, unfortunately doesn't have the aviation program. This article about Palm Beach was quite concerning: http://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/news/gold-coast/gold-coast-teacher-kaye-sharples-59-is-on-leave-suffering-posttraumatic-stress-from-violence-levels-at-palm-beach-currumbin-high/story-fnj94idh-1226950135246 We will not be encouraging either son to pursue law, medicine or such. Daddy is hoping that they will lean towards his field, which is engineering at a fairly high level. He's a researcher at a lab in the US with distinguished status, well published, lecturing at top universities. Probably due to their upbringing and natural environment, they are. Lucky daddy! He also wants them to return to the US at University level, however, the cards are on the table about that. (Does he continue to consult after retirement to pay for the over inflated uni fees in the US or retire and let them follow through at a Aus Uni???) Their and his decision.

Ha, nice catch Roberta. Dad, of course, doesn't care to move. If I can get him to come up for a break, hoping to soften him to the idea. He loved the little cottage I rented when we went to visit him last July in Smythesdale, Vic. We need to stay until end January for several reasons. Finishing their exams is important to us, especially my husband (he's only recently become an American citizen for his position at his lab) who hopes one day they will return to Japan to continue their Japanese descendant duties. (The boys and I stayed here in Japan, not just for their education, but to care for his elderly parents whom we loved very much) Luckily my ex colleague from Tokyo has introduced me to someone at EQI and I'm currently working with them to get my papers together. The application etc. seems straight forward, but I was wondering about the actual school selection part. They are located in Varsity and not familiar with the Brisbane area. Thanks to your input I'm feeling much more confident about the Brisbane HS and Indooroopilly HS option and certainly swaying towards them. I'll call the EQI contact on Monday and ask her the detailed questions about how they proceed, as in, do we follow through with one school they offer, or can we choose from our selection. Hoping there is some flexibility there. We're coming over end March and wanted to visit the schools on our final draft to get a better feel.

As International Students, on such visas, I'm not sure about the catchment situation. I'm filling out the form now for submission to EQI Int. Student Program where the schools listed are: Looking at the list though, if I select Brisbane State High, there's not a nearby State School for my younger to go to. West End shows nothing on their site about accepting international students, Dutton do (buried deep), however, not on the list shown here. Same seems to apply for Indo. High School. Wonder if I need to approach the state schools independently after the eldest is placed in a High School. Not sure what the procedure is. Do I get the "Offer of a Place" for a specific school? Seems we're in a real catch 22 situation. Getting both boys into a good school, then choosing where to live based on that. We can't get there in time (kids finish exams January) to secure a rental for catchment consideration. Dad is in the bush, way outside Ballarat. Hoping I can move him up nearer to us after we move. Climate will be easier for his last days. He's not doing too great on his own. Thanks for the link to the Miami incident. Did see that and was actually somewhat impressed at a couple of things. One, the school had responded to an obviously already troubled student by expelling him, then reacted fairly well on the day. Two, they appear to have no tolerance for that type of behaviour.

Thank you everyone! Value your input. (warning: following is the rant of a worried mother!) Getting very nervous the more I read about QLD schools: overcrowding issues, teacher injuries, students (and PARENTS) out of control. For eg, looked at Palm Beach, Currumbin, where we love to holiday, and the school seems to be having some serious issues. Uncovered all this after typing in only "....reviews" and reading a little more in depth. Of course, know negative issues usually come up first and there is a degree of media hype. I grew up in Victoria (child of ten pound poms), left many years ago to live in four countries, but going back to Ballarat horrifies me how rough it is there now. Dad said my guys would never make it there, which I wouldn't try anyway, and he's a tough ex paratrooper! So nervous I'll make the wrong decision and throw them into an environment that will be an awful shock to their fairly sheltered Japanese life. However, I need to return to Aus. Dad is on his own and getting frail, also I do not want to subject the kids to Japanese High School, where they focus too much on Japanese language and history, not enough on science, and expect them to put in 8 - 7om days. Finished translating all their Japanese reports, getting them certified next week, then will submit the 1st step of applying to QLD BOE, where I need to list a choice of schools. Brisbane State - will give it a good try. My son is, apart from being very well rounded academically, is also soon to try out for the Japan Jnr. Olympics swim trials, so when "selling" (thanks for that tip!) will approach the school under the Sport Merit entry also. He's ranked 4th in free, 5th in back in Ibaraki Prefecture, whether that constitutes a state? Next, I'll enter Indooroopilly, then Miami. Indooroopilly is looking more favourable by the day. Honestly, I can't sleep at night worrying about, not so much their education now, but the environment they'll be in. Of which, is relative to the learning atmosphere. Help!

Hi Everyone, We're currently in Japan, moving to Aus Jan. 2016. The boys will be 13 (HS yr 7) and 10yrs (primary yr 5), Student Visas, with me on a Student Guardian visa. Sorry, have a ream of questions. Here goes 1) Originally looked around for a school to match our boy's love for learning (thank you Japanese education!) with like students. Seems the ones that fit that criteria are Private, which I can't afford on top of international student fees, Boys school, which do not attract me for personal reasons, or Select Entry schools, where we seem to have missed the enrolment deadline (if that is the case with international students also?) for the eldest anyway. For eg. Brisbane State High 2) Indooroopilly appeals to my eldest, esp. the Aviation program. Even if he doesn't follow through with it, it still leads to other good options. Indooroopilly seems to rank well. Keeping above in mind though, couldn't find anything that really stuck out for our Primary school age child. A friend, who lives in Gold Coast (who's been teaching for yonks, both with me in Tokyo and in GC) says I should consider GC area. 3) Miami State High School also has the Aviation Program. Anyone have any opinions on this school? Would it nurture my already academic guy? He is USA GATE registered. 4) There appears a large emphasis on living in the catchment area but how can I achieve that if we won't be moving until end Jan 2016? (boys need to do final exams to graduate, however, Japan Dept. of Ed. said they can leave before their end of year, which is March) 6) Will there be an issue if our guys go to different schools, Miami and Varsity? Miami State Primary does not offer international enrolment. So, if 13yr old enters Miami State High the only option for primary guy is Varsity Collage (which isn't bad as seen great comments about Varsity) and he is a huge soccer enthusiast. Who makes the decisions on this, EQI or the school? See https://www.eqi.com.au/pdfs/school-profiles/school-profile-handbook.pdf\ &) How do High Schoolers get to school? School bus, public bus, bike? Our rental budget is $6-700 and we are quite willing to go wherever we need for the schools. And will move again if necessary. So bottom line is, do we hope a GC school will keep our guys on track for a wonderful lifestyle of spacious house, beaches and outdoor activities OR stay in Brisbane, where the school's ranking is higher? We all love our outdoor sports but also the convenience of local facilities. The boys wouldn't need any ESL/language course as both are fluent in English. Plus I should emphasise that although the boy's education is extremely important to us, we are not the types of parents who push our kids to become something they cannot achieve or not want. We are lucky that they both love learning and really hope to continue on this path. We're coming over for a hol in March and hope to visit the schools to get a feel for them but I'm worried about the catchment and separate schools thing. I'm fairly familiar with Gold Coast area as mum lived in Runaway Bay. She was very nervous about the boys going to school there; drugs, violence etc. I feel it's pretty much the same anywhere in the world, always these kinds of problems. Except Japan :-) Any advice or thoughts welcomed!!

Thanks Ozmaniac. Good to know all the caveats. Not working isn't an issue. Been a stay at home for several years now due to visa restrictions in USA and Japan, volunteering most of the time. Husband is a researcher at a governmental national lab, entering 15 yrs ago at a distinguished level so no problem there either.

Yes, you're right Ozmaniac. I consulted two agents, one highly recommended, and both said they can't see any way for me. One really interesting thing out of all the research is discovering I share the status of "Ten Pound Pom" with some rather famous Aussies. :-) So, I will apply for student visas for the boys (K=12yrs, T=9). At least I can avoid subjecting my eldest to Japanese High School. LOVED the education they have received here in Japan in elementary level but neither husband nor I want them to attend Japanese HS. We particularly wanted them to go back to an English usage education and Australia's system still looks great. K (12yr old) wants to pursue the Aviation Program, so looking into that in Qld. Unfortunately I'll be a long distance from Dad (he's near Ballarat) but at least still be in the same country, which is what was the hardest when mum became sick. Paying the annual student fees is going to cost a lot, but "しょうがないねー” (oh well!). I'll apply for a student guardian visa. T will still have 6yrs before graduating HS. Husband explained he needs to (or wants to, which is great that he loves his work/research) stay for another 5 years at his lab to get a good level pension. He will then apply for a job in OZ. Even tho he'll be 60, he is of exceptional level in his research field and could possibly forge something easily with the unis that he occasionally gives speeches at/collaborates with now, Wollongong and Adelaide. The boys will hopefully want to continue at a uni in Oz. Can anyone foresee any problems with that plan? Any suggestions or advice? Cheers Allyozuk

Hi Everyone! Desperately need help and advice as I've finally plucked up the courage and determination to get back home after hearing for many years that I couldn't. My History: Immigrated with UK parents 1959 Grew up in Aus; schooling, worked, married Left 1980 to stay with UK family and meet grandma before she passed (3month later) on a 3yr Aus. Return Endorsement stamp (BF111), which later was stamped 'Cancelled' on my UK passport when I returned to Aus for a visit on a tourist visa. Divorced Aus husband. Aus uncle enquired at immigration and told family I couldn't get back. Our small town in Vic rallied and Jack, from the bush, offered to marry me for a couple of beers which we gracefully declined. (had to add that as so funny!!! and sweet) Stayed in UK, worked at Japanese company for 12yrs Moved to Japan, worked and stayed for 12yrs Married again, Japanese, who was offered a job at US National Lab, so moved to US. He became a US citizen. I got green card but do not want to become US citizen, lose my British citizenship. Stayed in US for 10 years. Both children born there. Moved back to Japan 4yrs ago while husband did 1yr sabbatical. He returned to US but I stayed in Japan to care for his elderly mum with our children. Husband wants to remain in US for work so not migrating with us to Aus. Lost my mum last March, Gold Coast. Dad got Aus citizenship in 90's and remains in Vic. I want to come home! Dad is alone and getting old. I miss my roots mostly because I'm seeing me reflected in my boys and I want them to grow up like I did, with Aus values and beliefs. I've kept in constant contact with home (aus), family (cousins) and friends, going back frequently. Visited a lawyer last year in Gold Coast and she said I'm Australian in upbringing but would probably need to apply for a migrating visa saying my husband and I are separated. I'm not comfortable with that as not completely the case. We are still married, just living separately. We meet up for family trips, talk every day on facetime, he financially supports us. I'm now 56 and do not want to stay in Japan past my eldest's elementary graduation in March2016. Sorry America, but hated it there and don't want to return. I've spent days ploughing through the info and woven a mental web. Do I go for the Special Migration 151, where I can include the kids for $3,560? Or, give the RRV a bash. (would I qualify for the "if you are unable to meet the RRV requirements in your own right, but you are a member of the family unit"?) Then, if I get the RRV (if?) can I then claim them as RRV. Kids have 3 citizenships, US, British, Japanese and under 18. The more I research, the more questions I come up with. Am I just kidding myself that I can go home??? Aaargghh!