GunnersCandy

Any recommendations on schools NOR? We will be looking at Joondaloop area. Do all schools have catchment areas?

bibblybobbly

I am pretty sure that state schools have catchment areas. If you want to go private, then no. how old are your kids? Are you looking at primary or secondary?

naomilondon

We are in Baldivis its so daunting as you literally are starting over again but its worth it for the lifestyle.

naomilondon

Beaches are 10-15 mins from Baldivis. The city is half hour on the train. We get around by car, i am lucky enough to be able to walk to do the school run but most things are too far away to walk and i don't think public transport is the best. Depending on where in Baldivis you are it would be possible to cycle to the train station.

naomilondon

No sorry i know the Duncraig schools are what most people want to get into NOR. Catchment areas will apply to all state schools and they seem to be very strict on them too! Private schools don't have any Catchment areas.

GunnersCandy

Hi bibblybobbly

My eldest is 5 so primary. Wouldn't want to live much further north than Joondalup.

How much are private schools?

Thanks

GunnersCandy

Ok thanks I take it you must be SOR.

My sister lives NOR so would like to be closer to her.

leapip

Well done!! You did it!! I can imagine how hard it must be to STOP comparing prices to GBP , I'm a nightmare when we just go to Spain for a holiday never mind moving to aus! Although I would love to hear more from you about the positives... Oh and how are your neighbours? Are they friendly and welcoming? But honestly! You should be proud of yourself for doing it with such small children...

ochilgal

great to hear how you and your family have found the move !

hope im writing something similar this time next year !

i too plan on perth - Port Kennedy aera

naomilondon

Thanks! Neighbours we don't really see unfortunately. There is a nice man over the road who bought us some fresh tomatoes and basil from his garden but other than that you don't really see anybody!

There are lots of positives, we have more family time here, (probably as I am staying home with the children instead of working shifts like i did in the UK) We have made some lovely friends too, expats do all seem to warm to each other but the australian mums have been very welcoming too. We seem to be outside all of the time here, most days we are at the park or beaches, that is what we made the move for, didn't want the kids growing up stuck indoors because it's too miserable or cold to go out. The food is a positive too, although more expensive than at home it does seem to taste much better.

naomilondon

Port Kennedy area is really nice, we have friends that live there. Baldivis is only about 10-15 mins from there, we chose Baldivis as was that bit closer to the freeway for my husband to get to work. Good luck with your move!!

leapip

I've just looked at baldvis... Looks amazing....

theonemranderson

Great post. How long did it take you to move into rented accommodation after arrival? (I'm preparing a budget for our arrival in December). Thanks

naomilondon

We allowed 4 weeks in fully furnished had keys for our long term let 3 weeks in which was handy as we could get all of the new furniture and white goods delivered before we moved in. We did have Australian referees though which helps i think. With one agent i had put my next of kin details as my father in the UK, they wouldn't accept it as cannot contact overseas! Such a pain! You'll be able to use whoever you rent a short term let from as a reference though. Good luck with the move!

theonemranderson

Thanks. Hopefully we can get in a bit quicker otherwise we'll be in hotel for Xmas! (we arrive on 8th Dec).