Teaching Sponsorhips WA
Jun 22nd 2008, 8:15 am
#1
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2008
Location: Batavia Coast WA
Posts: 72
Teaching Sponsorhips WA
Have just been given the go ahead from DET in Perth so will hopefully be bringing a Husband and 10 Year old to WA in January. Can anyone who has followed this route previously give me a clearer picture about what to expect next eg: housing, international removers or storage in uk, orientation etc...
Thanx
Thanx
Jun 22nd 2008, 8:28 am
#2
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Joined: Oct 2005
Location: Perth
Posts: 3,453
Re: Teaching Sponsorhips WA
Have just been given the go ahead from DET in Perth so will hopefully be bringing a Husband and 10 Year old to WA in January. Can anyone who has followed this route previously give me a clearer picture about what to expect next eg: housing, international removers or storage in uk, orientation etc...
Thanx
Thanx
Sponsored visas usually involve remote teaching positions. Be very aware that the condition of teacher's housing in outback WA has been heavily criticised in teaching circles and in the newly releasd Twomey report on the teaching crisis in WA.
I would hate to see teachers arriving here and being placed in housing which is the equivalent of a very run-down council estate in the UK - but here it may well be 1000 miles from the nearest town with more than 10000 people.
The WA government needs to take foreign teachers for these positions because not enough people in WA want to do the job. That should tell you something.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but you need to get things in writing before you leave. The DET is a very slippery body. Check out www.platowa.com for a good teacher's network.
Jun 23rd 2008, 1:12 am
#3
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,905
Re: Teaching Sponsorhips WA
Hello,
Yes there is some negativity in the press.
However the WA has been good to the sponsored teachers we know.
We are here on the scheme with kids, and in a new 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom,large garden (new fridge/freezer and washer provided) and its on a new upmarket estate. There is lots of other estates and they could have put us in a smaller/older part of town but they didnt.
I am North of Perth and for us the scheme works.
I cant guarantee you will like it, but we have lived in two towns via the scheme and both were excellent housing.
The stuff on platowa website has not been relevant to us regarding housing, also I read the site months ago and they tended to be very negative about expat teachers. Therefore we do not bother with this website.
Yes, teachers are not well paid here in WA, but we came for the lifestyle.
* We are not in the middle of a desert, but in large town right on the coast. Towns are likely to be like these, any place North of Perth such as Northam,Geraldton, Carnarvon,Karatha, inland -Kalagoorlie, South - around these areasManjimup,Narrogin, Esperance, Albancy
Gems
Yes there is some negativity in the press.
However the WA has been good to the sponsored teachers we know.
We are here on the scheme with kids, and in a new 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom,large garden (new fridge/freezer and washer provided) and its on a new upmarket estate. There is lots of other estates and they could have put us in a smaller/older part of town but they didnt.
I am North of Perth and for us the scheme works.
I cant guarantee you will like it, but we have lived in two towns via the scheme and both were excellent housing.
The stuff on platowa website has not been relevant to us regarding housing, also I read the site months ago and they tended to be very negative about expat teachers. Therefore we do not bother with this website.
Yes, teachers are not well paid here in WA, but we came for the lifestyle.
* We are not in the middle of a desert, but in large town right on the coast. Towns are likely to be like these, any place North of Perth such as Northam,Geraldton, Carnarvon,Karatha, inland -Kalagoorlie, South - around these areasManjimup,Narrogin, Esperance, Albancy
Gems
Last edited by Gems; Jun 23rd 2008 at 1:29 am.
Jun 23rd 2008, 1:22 am
#4
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,905
Re: Teaching Sponsorhips WA
You will get allocated housing prior to arrival. This will be a house suited for size of family.
We were met at Perth airport by driver who took us to hotel apartments.
This is the place they put families in last year, single teachers went to another central Perth hotel that was good.
http://www.regalapartments.com.au/in....rooms.53.html
When we arrived they had put food and tea/coffee for a couple of days in the fridge for us. It was very nice hotel, and had cafes/bars,river walks and small shops. Also free CAT bus straight to Perth centre, that runs every 5-10mins.
Teacher does a 3 day course with the other sponsored teachers. This is nothing taxing, mainly powerpoint presentations and talks. Also give you info on other things regarding living in OZ. Course is 9am to about 3.00pm.
You have 2weeks in Perth to organise medicare (if from UK), driving licence etc,3day course, any purchases and general sightseeing.
We bought items like beds from IKEA in Perth and they will ship it to your new home. (this shipping is paid by education) So on arrival of our new home our stuff we bought was waiting. Elec goods we just bought from our town.
Then they fly you to your town, or you can drive if you have car. Paid for by Education department (flights or fuel).
You can claim back reconnection fees for Telephone, elec, gas,water but claim must be within 12months.
You get return flights or fuel once a year to return to Perth for you and your family.
Hope this helps, we have kids aged from 3 -16years and they love it here.
Gems
PS, we used excess baggage as only shipped 40 tea chests. They will ship anything from about a whole house to one suitcase.
We were met at Perth airport by driver who took us to hotel apartments.
This is the place they put families in last year, single teachers went to another central Perth hotel that was good.
http://www.regalapartments.com.au/in....rooms.53.html
When we arrived they had put food and tea/coffee for a couple of days in the fridge for us. It was very nice hotel, and had cafes/bars,river walks and small shops. Also free CAT bus straight to Perth centre, that runs every 5-10mins.
Teacher does a 3 day course with the other sponsored teachers. This is nothing taxing, mainly powerpoint presentations and talks. Also give you info on other things regarding living in OZ. Course is 9am to about 3.00pm.
You have 2weeks in Perth to organise medicare (if from UK), driving licence etc,3day course, any purchases and general sightseeing.
We bought items like beds from IKEA in Perth and they will ship it to your new home. (this shipping is paid by education) So on arrival of our new home our stuff we bought was waiting. Elec goods we just bought from our town.
Then they fly you to your town, or you can drive if you have car. Paid for by Education department (flights or fuel).
You can claim back reconnection fees for Telephone, elec, gas,water but claim must be within 12months.
You get return flights or fuel once a year to return to Perth for you and your family.
Hope this helps, we have kids aged from 3 -16years and they love it here.
Gems
PS, we used excess baggage as only shipped 40 tea chests. They will ship anything from about a whole house to one suitcase.
Last edited by Gems; Jun 23rd 2008 at 1:31 am.
Jun 23rd 2008, 1:28 am
#5
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Joined: Oct 2005
Location: Perth
Posts: 3,453
Re: Teaching Sponsorhips WA
You will get allocated housing prior to arrival. This will be a house suited for size of family.
We were met at Perth airport by driver who took us to hotel apartments.
This is the place they put families in last year, single teachers went to another central Perth hotel that was good.
http://www.regalapartments.com.au/in....rooms.53.html
When we arrived they had put food and tea/coffee for a couple of days in the fridge for us. It was very nice hotel, and had cafes/bars,river walks and small shops. Also free CAT bus straight to Perth centre, that runs every 5-10mins.
Teacher does a 3 day course with the other sponsored teachers. This is nothing taxing, mainly powerpoint presentations and talks. Also give you info on other things regarding living in OZ. Course is 9am to about 3.00pm.
You have 2weeks in Perth to organise medicare (if from UK), driving licence etc,3day course, any purchases and general sightseeing.
We bought items like beds from IKEA in Perth and they will ship it to your new home. (this shipping is paid by education) So on arrival of our new home our stuff we bought was waiting. Elec goods we just bought from our town.
Then they fly you to your town, or you can drive if you have car. Paid for by Education department (flights or fuel).
You can claim back reconnection fees for Telephone, elec, gas,water but claim must be within 12months.
You get return flights or fuel once a year to return to Perth for you and your family.
Hope this helps, we have kids aged from 3 -16years and they love it here.
Gems
We were met at Perth airport by driver who took us to hotel apartments.
This is the place they put families in last year, single teachers went to another central Perth hotel that was good.
http://www.regalapartments.com.au/in....rooms.53.html
When we arrived they had put food and tea/coffee for a couple of days in the fridge for us. It was very nice hotel, and had cafes/bars,river walks and small shops. Also free CAT bus straight to Perth centre, that runs every 5-10mins.
Teacher does a 3 day course with the other sponsored teachers. This is nothing taxing, mainly powerpoint presentations and talks. Also give you info on other things regarding living in OZ. Course is 9am to about 3.00pm.
You have 2weeks in Perth to organise medicare (if from UK), driving licence etc,3day course, any purchases and general sightseeing.
We bought items like beds from IKEA in Perth and they will ship it to your new home. (this shipping is paid by education) So on arrival of our new home our stuff we bought was waiting. Elec goods we just bought from our town.
Then they fly you to your town, or you can drive if you have car. Paid for by Education department (flights or fuel).
You can claim back reconnection fees for Telephone, elec, gas,water but claim must be within 12months.
You get return flights or fuel once a year to return to Perth for you and your family.
Hope this helps, we have kids aged from 3 -16years and they love it here.
Gems
Wow - this is very positive!
Jun 23rd 2008, 1:42 am
#6
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,905
Re: Teaching Sponsorhips WA
Yes, we were pleasantly surprised. It certainly took most of the pressure off for those coming with kids.
As like you say some negativity about teaching here by Ozzie teachers.
However the education department do seam to be trying with the expat sponsorship. Not everyone likes OZ, and so no guarantees only once here can you tell if you like it.
Also must be aware it may be smaller town with a quieter life.
Gems
As like you say some negativity about teaching here by Ozzie teachers.
However the education department do seam to be trying with the expat sponsorship. Not everyone likes OZ, and so no guarantees only once here can you tell if you like it.
Also must be aware it may be smaller town with a quieter life.
Gems
Jun 23rd 2008, 11:31 am
#7
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2008
Location: Batavia Coast WA
Posts: 72
Re: Teaching Sponsorhips WA
Gems
Many thanks for the advice and insight.
Was already aware about the negative attitudes towards some teaching expats and pay etc.. but the one thing we never did was go into teaching for the money. Am glad there is an Ikea in Perth as I really do not want to ship out lots of stuff. 40 tea chests seems a lot to me what did you pack?
I hope we are lucky with our housing allocation as you. I must admit my nightmare is that we end up in some sort of run down shack referred to as a "quaint and rustic cottage would suit..."
I am sure that I will have lots more to ask over the distance so I apologise in advance.
Nicki
Many thanks for the advice and insight.
Was already aware about the negative attitudes towards some teaching expats and pay etc.. but the one thing we never did was go into teaching for the money. Am glad there is an Ikea in Perth as I really do not want to ship out lots of stuff. 40 tea chests seems a lot to me what did you pack?
I hope we are lucky with our housing allocation as you. I must admit my nightmare is that we end up in some sort of run down shack referred to as a "quaint and rustic cottage would suit..."
I am sure that I will have lots more to ask over the distance so I apologise in advance.
Nicki
Jun 23rd 2008, 11:49 am
#8
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,905
Re: Teaching Sponsorhips WA
40 tea chests, was lots of books as we are all avid readers.
Also I have 4 kids, so you can imagine the toys they insisted on bringing
Mainly kids stuff and small house stuff we wanted them to feel at home.
But to be honest you can get most things here that you get back in UK.
I know several people on the scheme and all have decent accomodation.
Rent is about half price of what you would pay. Eg our house would cost $400per week but we only pay $200 as education department pay the rest. This town the UK teachers have new houses that the education department leased from private lanlords.
Gems
Also I have 4 kids, so you can imagine the toys they insisted on bringing
Mainly kids stuff and small house stuff we wanted them to feel at home.
But to be honest you can get most things here that you get back in UK.
I know several people on the scheme and all have decent accomodation.
Rent is about half price of what you would pay. Eg our house would cost $400per week but we only pay $200 as education department pay the rest. This town the UK teachers have new houses that the education department leased from private lanlords.
Gems
Jun 23rd 2008, 9:54 pm
#9
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2008
Location: Northam, WA
Posts: 30
Re: Teaching Sponsorhips WA
Hello,
Yes there is some negativity in the press.
However the WA has been good to the sponsored teachers we know.
We are here on the scheme with kids, and in a new 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom,large garden (new fridge/freezer and washer provided) and its on a new upmarket estate. There is lots of other estates and they could have put us in a smaller/older part of town but they didnt.
I am North of Perth and for us the scheme works.
I cant guarantee you will like it, but we have lived in two towns via the scheme and both were excellent housing.
The stuff on platowa website has not been relevant to us regarding housing, also I read the site months ago and they tended to be very negative about expat teachers. Therefore we do not bother with this website.
Yes, teachers are not well paid here in WA, but we came for the lifestyle.
* We are not in the middle of a desert, but in large town right on the coast. Towns are likely to be like these, any place North of Perth such as Northam,Geraldton, Carnarvon,Karatha, inland -Kalagoorlie, South - around these areasManjimup,Narrogin, Esperance, Albancy
Gems
Yes there is some negativity in the press.
However the WA has been good to the sponsored teachers we know.
We are here on the scheme with kids, and in a new 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom,large garden (new fridge/freezer and washer provided) and its on a new upmarket estate. There is lots of other estates and they could have put us in a smaller/older part of town but they didnt.
I am North of Perth and for us the scheme works.
I cant guarantee you will like it, but we have lived in two towns via the scheme and both were excellent housing.
The stuff on platowa website has not been relevant to us regarding housing, also I read the site months ago and they tended to be very negative about expat teachers. Therefore we do not bother with this website.
Yes, teachers are not well paid here in WA, but we came for the lifestyle.
* We are not in the middle of a desert, but in large town right on the coast. Towns are likely to be like these, any place North of Perth such as Northam,Geraldton, Carnarvon,Karatha, inland -Kalagoorlie, South - around these areasManjimup,Narrogin, Esperance, Albancy
Gems
You truly are a gem! I postsed a message on ******** website to find out the experiences of other teachers that have gone through 457 route and got no info whatsoever. I have been offered employment for Jan 09 but it's really hard to imagine what to expect, so a massive thank you for the excellent amount of info you gave. You have absolutely made my day about the type of accommodation and other benefits. I know where to go now if I need more info. Ta very much
Jun 24th 2008, 1:27 am
#10
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,905
Re: Teaching Sponsorhips WA
Just to add,
that for anyone coming in January, we had very hot xmas/new year in 2007.
It was 44C at Christmas. This was supposed to be freaky heatwave and even Perth got it.
Therefore bring appropriate clothing as it will be very hot. Also hat and suntan lotion at all times or you will fry!
We used this place as it had cheapest deals for flying out a family. We booked at short notice.
http://www.airline-network.co.uk/
But Ive heard asda etc will have cheap flights too, but we found the above slightly cheaper.
Gems
that for anyone coming in January, we had very hot xmas/new year in 2007.
It was 44C at Christmas. This was supposed to be freaky heatwave and even Perth got it.
Therefore bring appropriate clothing as it will be very hot. Also hat and suntan lotion at all times or you will fry!
We used this place as it had cheapest deals for flying out a family. We booked at short notice.
http://www.airline-network.co.uk/
But Ive heard asda etc will have cheap flights too, but we found the above slightly cheaper.
Gems
Jun 24th 2008, 3:37 am
#11
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2008
Location: Batavia Coast WA
Posts: 72
Re: Teaching Sponsorhips WA
Hi Gems
You truly are a gem! I postsed a message on ******** website to find out the experiences of other teachers that have gone through 457 route and got no info whatsoever. I have been offered employment for Jan 09 but it's really hard to imagine what to expect, so a massive thank you for the excellent amount of info you gave. You have absolutely made my day about the type of accommodation and other benefits. I know where to go now if I need more info. Ta very much
You truly are a gem! I postsed a message on ******** website to find out the experiences of other teachers that have gone through 457 route and got no info whatsoever. I have been offered employment for Jan 09 but it's really hard to imagine what to expect, so a massive thank you for the excellent amount of info you gave. You have absolutely made my day about the type of accommodation and other benefits. I know where to go now if I need more info. Ta very much
Nicki
Jun 24th 2008, 4:21 am
#12
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2008
Location: Batavia Coast WA
Posts: 72
Re: Teaching Sponsorhips WA
Just to add,
that for anyone coming in January, we had very hot xmas/new year in 2007.
It was 44C at Christmas. This was supposed to be freaky heatwave and even Perth got it.
Therefore bring appropriate clothing as it will be very hot. Also hat and suntan lotion at all times or you will fry!
We used this place as it had cheapest deals for flying out a family. We booked at short notice.
http://www.airline-network.co.uk/
But Ive heard asda etc will have cheap flights too, but we found the above slightly cheaper.
Gems
that for anyone coming in January, we had very hot xmas/new year in 2007.
It was 44C at Christmas. This was supposed to be freaky heatwave and even Perth got it.
Therefore bring appropriate clothing as it will be very hot. Also hat and suntan lotion at all times or you will fry!
We used this place as it had cheapest deals for flying out a family. We booked at short notice.
http://www.airline-network.co.uk/
But Ive heard asda etc will have cheap flights too, but we found the above slightly cheaper.
Gems
What do we do about electricals and TV's? Is it best just to sell them before we arrive and get new? I never really need any excuse to shop for anything !
Nicki
Jun 24th 2008, 9:12 am
#13
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 82
Re: Teaching Sponsorhips WA
Hello everyone,
Can I ask if you all have definates for january starts?
I ask, as I applied in April and I have only just had an offer of interview which will be carried out in October. I am starting to worry now that I have missed the Jan start.
I left my application until April as I wanted to miss the July intake.
I hope I haven't messed up
Lee
Can I ask if you all have definates for january starts?
I ask, as I applied in April and I have only just had an offer of interview which will be carried out in October. I am starting to worry now that I have missed the Jan start.
I left my application until April as I wanted to miss the July intake.
I hope I haven't messed up
Lee
Jun 24th 2008, 9:26 am
#14
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2008
Location: Batavia Coast WA
Posts: 72
Re: Teaching Sponsorhips WA
Hi
Best to email and ask contact at DET. Have you had any dealings with Sue Carpenter or Julie Coleman?
I was recommended to get my qualifications verified etc.. by WACOT prior to interview so as not to waste time, theirs or mine. You will need transcripts of degree and PGCE to do this.
I recieved email last week confirming sponsorship and the Visa docs say Jan 09 start or July 09 start or Jan 2010 start. I waited 4 painful weeks after interview on 23rd May before offer was made.
If it is for Jan start you would have to resign your current post by Oct 31st so it may be a July 09 start.
Send me PM if you want so I can let you know the steps I am going through at moment in more detail. Gems has been a great source of advice too.
Nicki
Best to email and ask contact at DET. Have you had any dealings with Sue Carpenter or Julie Coleman?
I was recommended to get my qualifications verified etc.. by WACOT prior to interview so as not to waste time, theirs or mine. You will need transcripts of degree and PGCE to do this.
I recieved email last week confirming sponsorship and the Visa docs say Jan 09 start or July 09 start or Jan 2010 start. I waited 4 painful weeks after interview on 23rd May before offer was made.
If it is for Jan start you would have to resign your current post by Oct 31st so it may be a July 09 start.
Send me PM if you want so I can let you know the steps I am going through at moment in more detail. Gems has been a great source of advice too.
Nicki
Jun 24th 2008, 11:52 am
#15
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2008
Location: Northam, WA
Posts: 30
Re: Teaching Sponsorhips WA
Hello everyone,
Can I ask if you all have definates for january starts?
I ask, as I applied in April and I have only just had an offer of interview which will be carried out in October. I am starting to worry now that I have missed the Jan start.
I left my application until April as I wanted to miss the July intake.
I hope I haven't messed up
Lee
Can I ask if you all have definates for january starts?
I ask, as I applied in April and I have only just had an offer of interview which will be carried out in October. I am starting to worry now that I have missed the Jan start.
I left my application until April as I wanted to miss the July intake.
I hope I haven't messed up
Lee
Possible you may have missed Jan start as DET said they lodge visa appl for Jan start in Sept.