snurse42

Hi, thanks for all your help so far - this forum is FAB
We will be arriving around Easter time on a 457 2 year contract in Westmeadows Melbourne. We have 2 boys aged 5 and 10. We have been looking at the Altona/Point Cook/Sanctuary Lakes area and I was wondering wether anyone had an opinion on them and also about the schools in the area.
Thanks, Sonia

herrchook

There's a really interesting pull out in this morning's Age on Melbourne's West. It might be on their website if you're interested. There's been quite a lot of discussion on here about the areas you're interested in recently, certainly seem to be becoming more and more popular

snurse42

thanks I will have a look

Rossi

Just be aware that there are no internet providers covering the point cook area - the only alternative is a wireless dongle $60/Mth for 6Gb

snurse42

thanks - that is something I need to bear in mind

UK-2-OZ

Point Cook is becoming very popular, due to cheaper house prices. As others have said unfortunately internet is hit and miss. For schools and a list of the estates in the area, take a peak here: http://www.moving-to-melbourne.co.uk...kes_suburb.htm

Good luck
Kate

snurse42

Thanks Kate
I have just had a quick look and there is loads of good info on there.
Sonia

Dolly

We had no problem getting Telstra broadboad ADSL when we moved to Point Cook recently. We lived in Altona for 18 months, liked it, but decided we got more for our money in Point Cook and have moved here. Definately worth having a look at. Phase 2 of the town centre opened just before christmas, and its all looking good. We don't have kids, but there seem to be plenty of new schools in Point Cook.

snurse42

thanks
I can't believe how much we have to do in such a short space of time now

scrubbedexpat055

Hi,

Have lived in Sanctuary Lakes and currently in Altona; however I will be moving to Caroline Springs in a few weeks.

In SL, we had no problem getting ADSL from Telstra, and I have work colleagues in Point Cook, all of whom have Broadband. I think the main problem is focussed around the latest builds, but I am sure someone will come along and clarify.

For schools have look at the Myschool website, I sure it confirms the experiences of a number of people that suggests Carranballac is not so hot, and Seabrook is better (Seabrook is P-6 I think) Not sure on the Catholic schools. An awful lot of kids catch buses to other locations for schooling........

Altona is a very different area, much more established. Can't comment on schools as although we looked at the schools her for our daughter, we have chosen elsewhere.

Good luck.

My Top Tip......take your time in picking a school, a few extra weeks out of school will not harm your children, and is much better than having to move them again in 6 months.

Peter

snurse42

Thanks Peter I really appreciate your time in responding to this.
I was under the impression that the children had to be in the catchment of the school we chose, is that the case or is it a bit more flexible?
Sonia

scrubbedexpat055

The more popular schools (ie the better ones) tend to be zoned, and insist you live in the catchment area. I know a couple of schools in Williamstown are zoned, not sure if any are in Point Cook area. Generally, it is your choice, so if you live in SL and want to go to a school in Werribee, thats ok.

Peter

manx2010

I am looking at schools in this sort of areas and i would like advice on "good schools".Which primary schools are popular and which one would one advice to stay clear. My son is 7 years old.I have read a lot but its hard to tell tell which schools are good and which arent without the equivalent of league tables.
will appreciate help please.

JenniGee

The Secondary School at Werribee is reported to be excellent & is the only state school in Melbourne currently offering the International Baccalaureate...for those unsure of the advantage of this, a good IB score will be accepted by Universities back in the UK, should there ever be reason for the child to return tot he UK

manx2010

Hi JenniGee and thanx.but what about primary schools?