roobush

Hi

Looking at areas to live in at the moment. We've just arrived from the uk and are a family of three with a young son who is four.

Looking at Mentone as a possible area to live in.

Would love to pick your brains re: what's it like as a place to live?
Are the primary schools any good?
Is it a good area for those with kids?

thanks in advance, any help much appreciated!

roobush

roobush

Hello!

we are a family of three with a young son of four who have just arrived from the uk.

looking at areas to live in, we like the bayside area and considering parkdale and mordialloc as possible areas.

What are these areas like to live in?

Is there enough for kids, younger ones especially?

What's the train like into the city?

What do you like about living here?

Any help much appreciated!

roobush

roobush

Hello

We've just arrived from the uk, and I'd love some help / advice on how the primary school system works in Melbourne

I know the school term for my son will start in February 2012 (he will be five in september) but I've heard that applications can be handed in anytime, is this correct?

We haven't found anywhere to live as yet and I'm aware the clock is ticking in terms of us finding the right area within the right zone for schools.

Please can anyone enlighten me as to how it all works out here with the applications process?

thanks in advance,
roobush

quoll

Find where you want to live as that is probably going to be the single most important factor. Find a house that you like and a neighbourhood that you are happy with for a rent you can afford and which isnt too far from work and you will be OK. The school will fall into place after that. Schools have catchment areas and are obliged to find a place for a child in their area - you dont have to put your name down or anything, just rock up with your visa, vaccination certificate and evidence of address and bob's your uncle. The schools do like it if you have a preschool kid coming into school that you approach them beginning term 4 then if they have a transition program your child can join in with other kids starting school in 2012 - no great rush.

If you want an out of area school then that is a matter of negotiation with the principal who is not obliged to find a place for you - approaching them sometime during term 4 is usually good enough.

If you want a private school then pick one, put your name down on the wait list, pay the holding fee and you are all set to go if and when they have a place (some private schools require you to put a child's name down at coitus I think LOL)

Buzzy--Bee

Welcome. Whereabouts are you living?

Yes they can.

Not that many primary schools have catchment areas in Victoria. None of the schools round us do, although one of them has applied for it.

BB

Buzzy--Bee

Hi, we live right on the border of Parkdale and Mordialloc. We have two six year olds, and its a fantastic area for them. There is a great choice of primary schools, loads and loads of young families everywhere and just shedloads going on for them to do.

For example this coming week, on school holidays, our kids are flat out doing things with their schoolfriends such as going to the cinema, going rollerskating, going to see a play "Wind in the Willows" at Parkdale library, a sleepover or two... etc etc they have busier social lives than us.

The beach is just one aspect of living here - we visit it most days for dog walking in the winter and beach and sea kids activities all year round. There's great shopping in and around the area and you're half way between the city and the Mornington Peninsula so its a great location.

Hope that helps, if you want any more specific info, ask away, we love it here!

BB

Buzzy--Bee

Hi again!

Mentone is very similar to what I said about Mordialloc and Parkdale in my reply to your other post, but it has more shops and the house prices are a bit higher. The Nepean Highway bisects Mentone and the areas beachside are considered quite different from those on the other side, moreso than in Parkdale and Mordi.

BB

moneypenny20

Threads merged. The same people will be replying, they may as well be together.

Buzzy--Bee

You are most considerate.

BB

rajj

Mentone is certainly recommended by me
Primary and Secondary schools are good to very good. Cheltenham Primary (in the mentone catchment) was superb a few yeras ago but has deteriorated since the current headmistress took over - Tho still quite a good state school. There are other good ones too.

A good kindergarten is located in Gordon st - tho technically thats cheltenham.

Pricewise, the Nepean Highway divides mentone both geographically and property wise. Properties get cheaper as you go further away from the beachside of Nepean to the airport end. Dont let the airport put you off (unless you are directly on the flight path).

Ask us if you have specific questions mate!

rajj

above