Re: Time out in Barbados
 

Foxy is right - of course, it also depends on whereabouts you are from in the UK. If you are from London/South East like me, you will find the cost of day to day living in Barbados pretty much the same if not less. You have to try to adjust your supermarket shopping habits somewhat though - some things we wouldn't think twice about throwing in the supermarket trolley at home are far more expensive here.

Don't forget also you will be spending far less on utility bills than in the UK, petrol is cheaper too......but unfortunately wine is way more expensive :(

Re: Time out in Barbados
 

Hi guys (incl girls too :-)

I am from London, which i believe is the most expensive city in the UK so you would think that im kinda used to paying over the odds for everything and therefore Barbados shouldnt shock the system too much. however you cant help but hope that away from the UK, the British pound can go soooo (unrealistically) far and so it is a shock when in fact things cost the same or more..

Anyway - im so over that now.. whether double or triple (well not quite.. haha) the cost of living in the UK, Barbados here we come...

SO:
Accommodation = in hand;)
Car = will lease then potentially buy:unsure:
School = Most probably St Gabriel - we are a bit partial to the name 'Gabriel' -means a lot to my little one - so we think it must be a sign.. u gotta love my selection criteria...lol but on a serious note ive hard nothing but praise for that school.. need to start the application ball rolling to hopefully be get in there.:fingerscrossed:
Work = No work permit, no IT jobs anyway...?:thumbdown:
Things to do - have had heaps of suggestion by PM:thumbsup:
Friends = Throw a few dollars around, and ill be fine...loll:rofl:

So thanks to everyone for your input.

What else have I missed???

Re: Time out in Barbados
 

Excessive drinking :beer::drinkwine:

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Not that much of a big drinker really... certainly cant take the rum punch:blink:

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excessive Beach Time :thumbup:

Re St. Gabriel's.. send an e-mail to [email protected] and see if they can e-mail (not sure they have it on the computer) or fax you a copy of the application. Get the ball rolling that way.

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Thanks for that, ive just mailed them.. :fingerscrossed: Do you by any chance know the term dates for this academic year in Barbados and when they break up for the summer (2010)?

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http://www.stgabrielsschool.org/

All the info you need will be on their web page...

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well that's good to see.. after a few years of begging, I see the website is basically up to date. Pictures are little out of date (but only a parent would know that).. ..

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Seems like im back to the drawing board with regards to a school for my little one "...As St. Gabriel's does not yet have a nursery/Kindergarten, your child will be too young to enter St. Gabriel's in April 2010. His / her application can be placed on the waiting list for September 2010..."

The response from the (i must add) very help receptionist at St Gabriels school..

My child would be 4 by April - which is too young - Thought i read (on their website - i might add) that they take children from 4-11? but i guess what they mean is from the Sept after a child's 4th Birthday.. Oh dear.. Had my heart set on St Gabriels as well...:thumbdown:

So to others - be advised!

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I've heard good things about Wills - not sure where you're going to be living

http://www.willsprimaryschool.com/

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Ill have a wee read.. thanks for that Expat

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4 in April would mean that your child would start at primary school in September. the year is September to September and wouldn't take a child mid year. So if your child is 3 turning 4, Sept 09 to Sept10, they are still in pre-school.

St. Angelas (which is part of The Convent School, accepts children from 3 years). At present they may be the only ones. if you are wanting to have your child placed as soon as you get here, you may want to try there.

as the secretary stated, St. Gabriel's is adding an intake class of 3 year olds to a pre-school program from September 2010. but.. there is a waiting list.

I don't think Wills has a pre-school either so that may not be a choice.

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when is your child turning 5?

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A: Not till 2011...

I am still looking for schools, I have E-mailed a few other schools (St Angelas, St Winifred, Wills) but none as yet got back to me.. Hoping to here from them soon.

Re: Time out in Barbados
 

http://www.conventschoolsbarbados.com/

of the 3 above that you mention, only St. Angela's has a program already in place for 3 - 4 yr olds. April starts the 3rd term of the year and some schools may not accept a child in that term (some do but some do not).

I've understood that the computer system (and subsequently e-mail) had some issues over the summer months and only just got it back working properly a few weeks ago. I know they are getting e-mails, but have also understood there have been some issues with that as well.. just be patient, they will respond.

The school is on a half-term break Monday and Tuesday (the rest of the schools in Barbados have the entire week off). The Admin staff should be there (but as it's a short half term for them, they may not, or they may be working shortened hours).

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Your child will go into preschool in April 2010 so I would concentrate on getting a place in one of those, which area are you going to be living in?

Re: Time out in Barbados
 

totaly agree with Shines, but also look at the primary schools for Sept 2010..

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At the age of your child and for your length of stay I would consider a preschool that is not attached to one of the private schools. Our daughter went to St. Nicholas and absolutely loved it.
She is now going to Providence Elementary (they do have a preschool as well) and the fee is $2600 bds per term (for locals, sorry she was born here so I don't know the expat fee). Many people think this school is very pricey, but what they don't know is everything that is included. We don't have to purchase pencils, paper etc. (some workbooks for the older children are billed later) and all after school activities are included. There is no separate pick up and driving around to ballet or football. If your child does 2 activities a term you are looking at the same price that St. Winifred's charges (our son went there until high school) just to give you a comparison. You should see all the schools if you can and like others mentioned apply early. Each child has different needs and you will see what you like best in person. I did read from someone that you need to start in September, but that is not true. Contact the school to see if they have space and they will let you in any time of the year if they do. Sometimes it is worth picking up the phone and dealing in person rather than waiting for your email response. Life in the Caribbean takes time and often is not something to rush.
As for your personal enjoyment, you will get what you put into it. I learned to play tennis (I don't consider $25 bds a lesson expensive) and I know others that paint. There are scuba clubs, swim groups and bridge playing teams. Best to join the Canadian women's club to find out about toddlers groups if you are sending your preschooler only a few days a week and other ongoing activities. There are also things you can do with your child like parent and tot gymnastics.
Alternatively this is also a great time to fulfill not only your dreams of having fun in Barbados, but also a feel good opportunity to volunteer. The CWC and BWC are always looking for people to help out at the hospital and there are other things to help with all year round. When you live in a beautiful place like this it's so important to remember to give back what you can. Being wealthy is not necessarily about money, but your time is the greatest thing you can ever give.

Good luck!

Re: Time out in Barbados
 

tfinteriors, Thanks so much for your thread. it came at a great time actually... as i had just received an email from Wills - they are full to the brim, so was feeling a little dejected. Your thread did act as a little pick me up, i know there are a lot more options/schools to explore.. I also took your advice and called one of them today - St Angela's - The person i needed to speak with is not available till Wednesday.. :fingerscrossed:

Sunniebgi did say, they're on a short break at the mo.

Whats up with Providence Elementary though? - No telephone no. to call only, a email contact system in place..? hmmmm..

Ill continue to press on.. but seems that the schools that where on the top of my list are a No No for whatever reason... But ill keep my fingers crossed that ill soon get a 'Yes' from good school. Any More that anyone can recommend?

I ive explored the following:

St Gabriels - No pre school
Wills - No room at the inn
St Angela's - To call back Weds
Codrington - Awaiting reply to email - will call
St Nicholas - Awaiting reply to email - will call
St Winifred - Awaiting reply to email - will call
Providence Elementary - Awaiting reply to email - CANT call

- We'll be staying in the West Coast Area.

Again thanks all for taken time out to share your knowledge & experiences or offer me advice...

like a sponge, im soaking it all in.


Have a great day.

Re: Time out in Barbados
 

St. Gab's, St. Winifred's, Wills, Codrington - have no pre-school.. but if interested in sept 2010, you need to talk to them and get an application in.
I'm guessing they are all already full for that year, but you can get on a waiting list.

St. Nicholas is only pre-school, you will still need to research primary schools

Can't tell you about Providence, didn't know they had a pre-school, but have a friend who is now teaching there.. will ask about the phone number.

Re: Time out in Barbados
 

Wills Does have a pre school....Well unless the Secretary is lying....?

Hello,

Our entry age is 3+, however, at present that class is full for this academic year. If you would like to come by the school and chat after Monday, October 26, I would be happy to show you around.

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Alice George
Secretary Treasurer

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Well that is interesting.. no wonder St. Gabriel's want's a pre-school so badly. Catch up with the rest. The Convent School used to be the only one that took them at 3years (going on 4). There are a number of very good Montessori and other pre-school programs on the island, but then you have to apply to a primary as well..

Re: Time out in Barbados
 

Providence's Phone Number is 247-429-4120, the principal's name is Tom Sheedy. You can tell him I sent you. They were hit with lightning a couple of weeks ago and had no internet for 10 days so they may be a bit behind on emails.

St. Nicholas' number is 437-4811 (although they have a horrible time with their phone when it rains and as a parent if you needed to contact urgently we called the head teacher's cell phone). The head teacher is Auntie Aretha (it's a respectful way of addressing people instead of Mr. or Mrs or Ms, Bajans love referring to auntie or uncle), you can also tell her that I sent you. The owner is Auntie Bonnie.

Knowing that you will be living on the west coast though you will be thanking me later if you knock St. Gabriel's, St. Winifred's and the Convent off your list. Traffic is a nightmare and trust me I did it for years if you don't leave before 7 am then you will be sitting in it for an hour. If you have a chance to google a map, Providence is very close to Gun Hill so it's more central for the west coasters and against the traffic for the south coasters. If you plan to work though it may be a bit of a pain if you need to be close to town.

Also if it were me, as much as we loved St. Nicholas I may even decide against them as you will feel like you get nothing done dropping in the morning and back at 12:00 to pick up. Distance becomes very important for some reason when living here (and trust me, living in Canada I used to drive an hour each way to work, but a normal day can consist of 3 hours in the car a day)

Hope this helps and you get to have a good chat with the teachers. I do believe that their is a montessori preschool on the West coast, but as we didn't chose there I can't say anything good or bad about the place. I can always ask around if being closer to where you'll be staying is important to you.

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Thanks again for all that info tfinteriors - Ill be sure to give them a call today....(do they know you as tfinteriors? :-). With regards to the driving situation, though it will be great to not have to sit in traffic all day to get to and from a school, depending on the availabilities of the (easy access) schools and whether or not they fit our needs, i might have to do what i have to do.. but will try my hardest to get a good school with easy and pain free commute.

Patty

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I don't think you can do much better for your drive to school and the school is really top notch. Codrington is also within your driving area, however the school fees are higher and they work off the IB program. Something to consider.
You can refer to me as T. Foster (my daughter is in reception at Providence). It's a small school as I said (250 students and just rec'd approval for their high school which starts next September) so you get known quickly, not to mention if you volunteer for anything no one forgets your name. lol.
Good luck.

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There is a monessori pre school on the West Coast - Casa dei Bambini near to Speightstown. I can pass you on the owners details if you like.

As for traffic, I live at North Point and drive my child to St Winifreds, it takes just under an hour in the morning to get there and half an hour in the evening.

I would say that with regards to schools everyone has their own, usually very strong, opinions. Visit them all and see what works best for you, if you are only coming for a 6 month stay then I would go with a pre school near to where you live so you can enjoy the most of the time you have on the Island without the bore of school runs...

Re: Time out in Barbados
 

Sorry my error on telling you Codrington is in your driving area. Gosh you'd ring my neck if you went as far as there coming from the west coast. I mixed you up with another thread for someone who just bought a place in St. Philip.

Shines is spot on when it comes to opinions of schools. The best thing is that you have the names of all of the private schools (separate preschools excepted) now and can make your own choice. Unfortunately when deciding it is hard to determine from the first meeting or looking at the websites. If you are traveling here anytime before settling down I highly recommend going in person.
Good luck and sorry for the mix up.

Re: Time out in Barbados
 

No bother at all... you have been a great help.

Unfortunately i will not be coming down before hand, which i know makes things a little more difficult as i may decide on a school from here then not take to it at all for what ever reason when we come over.

The only thing i can do.. as suggested is get in contact with as many schools/ preschools / monessori apply and hopefully have a few options. This could mean paying out on several application form submission fees, but its either that or taking a chance that there will be availability when we come down...

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Feel free to let me know what your most important criteria is for your education and I will do my best to narrow it down to 2 or 3 for you to apply to. That way it may save you some money as well. I have the experience and needs of a permanent expat, have family that are Bajan and although I absolutely love my daughter's school I would not restrict my decision based on that. We've been through the system (both private and gov't, elementary and secondary) to have figured out what works for some children rather than others. Every child is different and their needs may not be as important as it is to ohers. Unfortunately there is no perfect school, but you should at least feel comfortable that the choice you made is something that is not only enjoyable, but educational as well.
Keep me posted.

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T. Foster, this is very kind of you..

I guess whats the upmost important thing for my child being put into a new school in a new country is that the teachers are understanding and supportive of her situation.

So for this reason, im very much leaning towards schools that have a regular influx of children in the same situation and therefore the teachers are familiar with their needs with regards to this.

I dont doubt the educational levels of the majority of schools in barbados as i understand that this of very high standards generally... so im trusting that this wont really be an issue..? please correct me if im wrong.

Also very high on my criteria list would be for the school to have a good mix of children - so not just expat kids.

Distance: Very Close to or with easy commute from west coast where we will be staying would be a big plus plus.. but ill sit in traffic if needs be.

Thanks again,

look forward to hearing from u soon.

Patty

p.s. I have been unable to reach anyone at the schools this week so will try again next week when they return from half term.

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Ok, I promise to get back to you on this by Monday. We are currently away for our mid-term break and sorry should have told you this in advance as to why you would have trouble getting in touch with any schools right now. Some schools had Friday - Tuesday off from last week, others had Thurs - Friday this week and then the government schools had the entire week off. Some people don't like it, but I love it. My children's brains do much better with a little rest and the term is less stressful when they have a goal to work towards. Not to mention this gives me an excuse to get away to do my Christmas shopping and not have to worry about my kids missing school ;)
Can you please remind me as I am chatting with another forum, your daughter will be going into preschool? and how old is she?
Thanks

ps- I emailed the principal at Providence and he is looking forward to your call.

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Hi there.

Sorry for slow response... She will be 4 when we get there. Will let you know how i get on with providence... Thanks for that.

Blossoms was another one i wanted to try but dont have a telephone number for them. Do you or anyone else know?

Thanks

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Just called Providence - There is Nothing available for this academic year..:-((

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Hi,

Sorry for the delay, we are having our big fundraiser on Saturday and I have been swamped with building my set for the Halloween party after returning from my trip.

I know that my daughter's year is full (she is 4 turning 5)but thought that there was space still for pre-school. Which month with your daughter be 5 and are you sure that she would need to go into preschool? This is a real bummer. Did you ask to be put on a waiting list?

They are the newest school in Barbados, but have only recently proved to be quite popular. Old traditions die hard and Bajans are very loyal to the school that the generations before went to. Providence is very strict on their small class sizes, but as you will find out you may need to be put on every waiting list out there. I do know that the board needs to make approval for any extra student added to a class (they may allow one extra to the full class number), but if you aren't on a list, then the next person begging behind you will bump you right out of line. Sadly I've seen it get nasty for schools.
I did do a poll with the toddlers group to get recommendations for preschools on the west coast and the following were mentioned;
Casa Dei Bambini (which is a Montessori) and Blossoms (as you know, which was highly recommended by 5 people not on this thread). Blossom's contact info is : 4246980, Harriette or Norma.

Casa Dei Bambini Contact: Angelique Bjerkhamn
Phone: 246 422 0607

I know that you said if you needed to sit in traffic you would, but I know what it's like spending 2 - 3 hours a day in my car and it will definitely affect both yours and your child's enjoyment of living here. If these schools don't work, then let me know and don't be shy in asking to be put on the waiting list. If they don't have one, ask if one can be started. Many parents apply to every school just so that they can ensure a spot.
It will all work out, hang in there.

Re: Time out in Barbados
 

T. Foster, I sent you a PM