NorthernLights

Now that sounds good! We'll wait and see what comes of job hunting for me and take it from there, but it does sound as if non of the three would be an awful choice, so we're feeling pretty positive. thank you

Anyone around from Toowoomba who could give me an overview and some school info?

Thanks for replying. Any particular reasons for cairns over south Brisbane?

Thank you Debbs, the beaches area sounds lovely. We would need to live within 20-30 mins of the public hospital for work. Would the beaches fit that? Bit of a pathetic question but what's the bug/croc/snake situation? Are there a lot of mossies? Guessing there aren't crocs all over but is it fairly straightforward to avoid them? The contents cost seems high but guessing buildings insurance will be eye watering! Do you feel isolated in cairns? Really appreciate the help from everyone on this thread.

Thanks, I'd love to recce but it's likely we may have to at least have a shortlist. We have to come out for skills assessment briefly so will try to factor in time to fly up and have a look around. I didnt realise list the schools would be booked up for years. I guess it may be best not to get too set on any one in particular! Thanks for your help.

Thanks. Would you say it's a fair representation of what the schools are really like? Just knowing that the league tables here don't seem to mean that much.

Thanks, I think it's fair enough the sizes go up later through the school, beneficial even. He's a fairly shy child and I think would be better off to start with in a smaller class, though I'm sure he'll adapt. He'd be year 2 I think if we get out early next year. Any idea of the class sizes for that year group?

Thanks anyway. It's great to hear about a good non-religious option to be honest. Will have a good look at Sheldon's website.

Thanks that's very helpful. My son goes to a private school now with class sizes of 15, so I'd definitely prefer smaller classes.

Gbye grey skye could I ask if you considered JPC? That's the school that has been recommended to us and it does look good, and we've been told it's not too religious. Would you say Sheldon is a better school?

Bit concerned you can't get any form of house insurance in a cyclone area. Can understand why but a huge risk of losing so much with no come back I guess. Any particular school recommendations in Cairns? We're looking for primary at the moment. Thanks

Wow, a 5k run. Very good to hear that they've acclimatised. My son loves football and rugby and would be devastated if he couldn't run around outside.

Thank you all. I'll definitely have a look at Sheldon and see where the catchment is. Not one I'd looked at. We'd be in an air conned work place so no problem there, if in Cairns, but I worry the kids won't be able to do as much outdoors if the heat and humidity is too great.

Hi, I'm looking for some up to date information about Cairns, Toowoomba and South Brisbane. My husband has the possibility of work in each of these. Now, he has to get a job confirmed and I also have to get one in the same place, but things look promising enough that we're starting to think we may have a choice (very privileged position I know). We'd be on a good salary so could afford to live wherever. We have 2 young children (primary and preschool) so schooling is very important. We're planning private schools. We're not religious and the majority of schools do seem to have a very religious ethos - is this the reality? Could anyone recommend good, ideally co-ed schools in these areas that don't have significant religious input? No objection to them learning about religions just don't want them to be pushed into it. I think the weather in Toowoomba would suit me and the kids best (very fair) but the job may be best in Cairns, but the kids may get less bored in their teenage years in Brisbane! I've read all the available info on the forum in previous posts but looking for fresh perspective I guess. How hot and humid is Cairns really? I know the summer is bad but the rest of the year? I'm pretty well travelled and have experience of humidity - I've been to Queensland before and don't remember it being so bad but mainly out in the Whitsundays. Some of the threads mention never getting clothes dry and mould issues...oh and the cyclones Brisbane work would be in Logan, which I know is a deprived area, but maybe living Daisy Hill area. Toowoomba seems to get mixed press - of Cairns and Toowoomba, which has the most to do? Not looking for night life, more good restaurants and family activities. Finding myself going round in circles trying to figure out what will be best for us as a family. In reality we'd be happy with any of them I think so the prospect of a choice isn't necessarily helping! Would be great to hear from people out there just now. Many thanks