Guest Shula Posted January 31, 2008 Share Posted January 31, 2008 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! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ViknMark Posted January 31, 2008 Share Posted January 31, 2008 Hi, 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 :wubclub: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Shula Posted January 31, 2008 Share Posted January 31, 2008 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? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ViknMark Posted January 31, 2008 Share Posted January 31, 2008 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. Vikki Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quoll Posted January 31, 2008 Share Posted January 31, 2008 HI Shula 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!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
restfamily Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 Hi 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quoll Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 Hi 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! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
restfamily Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mschulhof Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 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. michele Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Shula Posted February 6, 2008 Share Posted February 6, 2008 Hi, 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 :wubclub: 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Shula Posted February 6, 2008 Share Posted February 6, 2008 HI Shula 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!!! Thanks for your reply and PM. You certainly gave us food for thought. My husband also looked at Darmalan and St Edmonds both of which he liked and both have spaces, but I think he was most impressed with Canberra gramar. Both boys are very different and while one son would thrive on the challange which I am sure CG would provide our other son may find it a struggle, although he is talented in Art and Music . The defence housing has sent us details on a house in Nicholls. what is this area like? and would it be easy for our boys, if we send them to CG to get a bus from there? Thanks for all your help, looking forward to that big coffeee morning! Shula Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Shula Posted February 6, 2008 Share Posted February 6, 2008 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. michele Thanks for your reply> just wanted to wish you luck on your move as it is fast approaching. You must be very excited. My husband has spent the last 2 weeks looking around Canberra at areas to live and schools. He is attached to the Aussie airforce so we are lucky that we will have a house to rent from the defence housing agency. Which we hope to do before choosing where to buy. A lot of the houses my husband looked at were in Jerrabomberrra. He felt you get a lot more for your money here and as it is in NSW and not ACT first time buyers get help from the government. Along with this area we are also considering a few of the suburbs on the outskirts of Canberra. Happy house hunting, i will let you know where we end up and if we can be of any help when you finally go to Canberra. Shula Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Shula Posted February 6, 2008 Share Posted February 6, 2008 Hi 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 thanks for your reply. I am sorry that your son has had such a shakey start to his life. Hopefully you wont be making any more trips to hospital with him. Although I am paeds trained I have done further training to specialise in Neonatal nursing, so I am really hoping there will be a neonatal unit or a special care baby unti somewhere in Canberra. Best wishes Shula Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ViknMark Posted February 6, 2008 Share Posted February 6, 2008 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 Hi Shula, Thanks for that information. I've pretty much got my heart set on Canberra Grammar now. I am not sure how much you pay when on a 457 to a state school, some people say about $10k, others $4 - $5k. If it is the first one, then to go to CGS it is not paying an awful lot extra, but if it is the latter, then it is a bit of a jump, but as I said my heart is set on it now, and as long as the school think he is capable, he will probably go there. We have still not had our visa yet, so still no closer to getting our tickets - surely it can't be long. :arghh: Have you booked your flights yet? It'd be good to meet up when we get there - I'm sure the kids would like to meet as many friends as possible when they get there. Take care, and good luck with your move. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
restfamily Posted February 6, 2008 Share Posted February 6, 2008 A few things, in various replies to you all!! 1 - When do you all arrive, I will try and arrange a get together for us all. 2 - SCBU is at The Canberra Hospital, as I said above. John James has tiny (i.e. almost non existent) SBCU on their maternity wards, but I think they are just staffed by the midwives. Babies born before 34 weeks must be delivered at TCH and I think anything earlier than 30 (??) or very sick tend to be sent to Sydney. I would contact the TCH as I know that they have been interviewing around the UK for Nurses over the past few years, you may find by chance that you get a job before you leave. 3 - School fees - I just wanted to make sure you understood how schools are funded here as I do not want you to get a shock with the fees. Private schools are subsidised by the government her unlike in the UK, so the CGS / CGGS fees you see are for perm residents / citizens. If you are on a tep visa and you have to pay school fees for a state school, I think you need to be paying the overseas student rate at the private schools. e.g. If state school is $10000 and CGS is $15000, I think you may end up paying more like $25000, not "an extra" $5000 IYKWIM. I just want you to check it out to be safe:) My firend just told me they know someone who is on a temp visa and they were told they need to pay fees, but in reality they do not. All the best Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ViknMark Posted February 6, 2008 Share Posted February 6, 2008 Thanks for the warning on the school fees. I will check that out right now. I did contact the enrolment department at CGS, I saw there was a particular fee for my son's year, and also further down a larger fee for 'late entry students', so I did check with her what we'd be paying, she said it'd be $14,800 pro rata, the late entry fee is for Years 11 and 12. Even though she hasn't said anything about it depending what visa we are on, I will get clarification on that. I will update on here when I have an answer. A get together would be great. When we get our visa, I'll let you know when we'll be arriving - hopefully in enough time to see some sunshine before winter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ViknMark Posted February 6, 2008 Share Posted February 6, 2008 A few things, in various replies to you all!! 1 - When do you all arrive, I will try and arrange a get together for us all. 2 - SCBU is at The Canberra Hospital, as I said above. John James has tiny (i.e. almost non existent) SBCU on their maternity wards, but I think they are just staffed by the midwives. Babies born before 34 weeks must be delivered at TCH and I think anything earlier than 30 (??) or very sick tend to be sent to Sydney. I would contact the TCH as I know that they have been interviewing around the UK for Nurses over the past few years, you may find by chance that you get a job before you leave. 3 - School fees - I just wanted to make sure you understood how schools are funded here as I do not want you to get a shock with the fees. Private schools are subsidised by the government her unlike in the UK, so the CGS / CGGS fees you see are for perm residents / citizens. If you are on a tep visa and you have to pay school fees for a state school, I think you need to be paying the overseas student rate at the private schools. e.g. If state school is $10000 and CGS is $15000, I think you may end up paying more like $25000, not "an extra" $5000 IYKWIM. I just want you to check it out to be safe:) My firend just told me they know someone who is on a temp visa and they were told they need to pay fees, but in reality they do not. All the best Also to add to that, I rung the ACT Government, to do with schooling, spoke to a lady explaining we are on a temp visa and would I have to pay fees. She said not all temp visas do, when you get awarded your visa, it will have a code on there - she told me to ring her when we get the visa with this code (sorry, can't remember what the code was), and she will confirm whether we'd have to pay or not. All cases are different. Anyway, I've now emailed CGS and awaiting reply - will update soon. Vikki :wubclub: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quoll Posted February 6, 2008 Share Posted February 6, 2008 The school fees issue is a tricky one. I called CGS and though incredibly helpful were unable to give a definitive answer without knowing exactly what visa the student would be entering on but a general rule of thumb seems to be that if the family is paying tax then to all intents and purposes they are considered to be normal residents. The difference is about $5K for those who are deemed "international students" (so the regular fees +5K) but CGS receives very little funding from the govt. I checked with the Catholic education office who were quite clear that 457 visa holders would be treated as normal residents. Anyone coming on a student visa could be up for $10K plus the regular school fees so ball park $13K for a HS/College kid. (Catholic schools receive a higher govt subsidy) I would think that if the Catholic system considered 457 to be normal residents then CGS would also. International students are very complex because it all depends on who is sponsoring you to study in Aus - some scholarships are fee exempt and others are not. After 17 minutes on the phone to Immigration (hoping for the definitive answer) the line dropped out - I think this is a ploy by the government to ensure that only the dogged get through!!!! The ACT govt website gives the details of which visas get what SCHOOL POLICY: ENROLMENT OF TEMPORARY VISA HOLDERS - CHARGING POLICY Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ViknMark Posted February 6, 2008 Share Posted February 6, 2008 Thanks Quoll, I'm afraid I couldn't open the link though. It is all so confusing isn't it - it seems to be that nobody will know until they have got their visa. Vikki Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Shula Posted February 6, 2008 Share Posted February 6, 2008 A few things, in various replies to you all!! 1 - When do you all arrive, I will try and arrange a get together for us all. 2 - SCBU is at The Canberra Hospital, as I said above. John James has tiny (i.e. almost non existent) SBCU on their maternity wards, but I think they are just staffed by the midwives. Babies born before 34 weeks must be delivered at TCH and I think anything earlier than 30 (??) or very sick tend to be sent to Sydney. I would contact the TCH as I know that they have been interviewing around the UK for Nurses over the past few years, you may find by chance that you get a job before you leave. 3 - School fees - I just wanted to make sure you understood how schools are funded here as I do not want you to get a shock with the fees. Private schools are subsidised by the government her unlike in the UK, so the CGS / CGGS fees you see are for perm residents / citizens. If you are on a tep visa and you have to pay school fees for a state school, I think you need to be paying the overseas student rate at the private schools. e.g. If state school is $10000 and CGS is $15000, I think you may end up paying more like $25000, not "an extra" $5000 IYKWIM. I just want you to check it out to be safe:) My firend just told me they know someone who is on a temp visa and they were told they need to pay fees, but in reality they do not. All the best Thank you for the info. I have not been able to find any info about the neonatal unit in TCH so it is good to know that there at least is one, and I will contact them direct before leaving the UK. We fly out on the 18th April and after stops should arrive in Canberra on the 21st. Can't wait! best wishes Shula Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quoll Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 Thanks Quoll, I'm afraid I couldn't open the link though. It is all so confusing isn't it - it seems to be that nobody will know until they have got their visa. Vikki Didnt you even get the header? It worked for me, but you have to scroll down the page. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ViknMark Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 oopps!! Yep, got it - thanks lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
restfamily Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 I also just remembered something else. "Jerrabomberrra. He felt you get a lot more for your money here and as it is in NSW and not ACT first time buyers get help from the government." There are differences between living in NSW and ACT and it cancause you some pain. -ACT and NSW school holidays are different and can cause you problems if you have chidren in both systems - They have different age cut offs for school years e.g. both my children would start school a year earlier in NSW. - The first home buyers grant is availiable in both states, but you need to meet the residency (permanent) and I think income? - Stamp duty concession for first home buyers is also availiable. In NSW this concesion is greater i.e. houses upto $500000 (ish) pay minimal stamp duty ($500ish) whereas in the ACT it is $350000, you also need to meet the residency and income requirements - we qualified on the under $350000( we bought land) but not on the income, so had to pay stamp duty at full rate. HTH K Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quoll Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 I also just remembered something else. "Jerrabomberrra. He felt you get a lot more for your money here and as it is in NSW and not ACT first time buyers get help from the government." There are differences between living in NSW and ACT and it cancause you some pain. -ACT and NSW school holidays are different and can cause you problems if you have chidren in both systems - They have different age cut offs for school years e.g. both my children would start school a year earlier in NSW. - The first home buyers grant is availiable in both states, but you need to meet the residency (permanent) and I think income? - Stamp duty concession for first home buyers is also availiable. In NSW this concesion is greater i.e. houses upto $500000 (ish) pay minimal stamp duty ($500ish) whereas in the ACT it is $350000, you also need to meet the residency and income requirements - we qualified on the under $350000( we bought land) but not on the income, so had to pay stamp duty at full rate. HTH K Good points - another disadvantage to Jerrabomberra is if down the track you want to enrol in an ACT school then you are at the bottom of the pile for preferences and may well not get a school that you want to enrol in. I didnt think the NSW holidays were different - Vic is definitely out of step but within a day or two I think NSW are the same. You may want to also look into airport extensions and whether that will impact Jerrabomberra (airport extension is a topic of conversation at the moment and gaining momentum as the impact on the closer suburbs is being highlighted) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Shula Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 Good points - another disadvantage to Jerrabomberra is if down the track you want to enrol in an ACT school then you are at the bottom of the pile for preferences and may well not get a school that you want to enrol in. I didnt think the NSW holidays were different - Vic is definitely out of step but within a day or two I think NSW are the same. You may want to also look into airport extensions and whether that will impact Jerrabomberra (airport extension is a topic of conversation at the moment and gaining momentum as the impact on the closer suburbs is being highlighted) When my hubby visited Jerrabomberra he spoke to a few of the Airforce personel who had bought there and they all seemed happy enough, no one mentioned an airport extention. So thanks for that tip! we will look into it. We will have permanent recidency within a few months as my OH is joining the Australian RAF. We have had details sent to us about a house to rent in Nicholls, it looks ok and my OH felt it was a nice area to live. He returns from his trip this evening , so hopfully we will make some decisions about schools etc soon. Thanks again for all your advice Shula Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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