Oli went off to school today on his bicycle (helmets MUST be worn by EVERYONE here: it's the law)... he's at a school which was recommended to us as one of the best state schools on the sunshine coast. it's HUGE (1300 kids) and that's just the primary school: bit different from his school in the UK which had 130 kids in total. oli is 11 years old and in the UK, he would have been at senior school now. however, in australia, year 7 is still primary, so he's in the last few weeks of year 6 now and after christmas, when the new school year starts, he'll be in year 7 and his final primary year. school is 8.35am to 2.45pm and is seemingly much more relaxed than the UK... Oli is really enjoying himself and is in awe of the kids' ability to be good at EVERY sport!
in australia, you need to live in the catchment area of the school to be able to go there. clearly the rental agencies are aware of this and, because of the popularity of the school he's going to, finding a rental was a bit difficult and relatively expensive compared to other areas! however, we did find one, although it's a half an hour walk to school (with few pavements in the suburbs: they must expect everyone to drive!!). OK in the winter months but today, for example, the temperature was 25 degrees at 8am... we then decided to buy him an early christmas pressie of a bicycle... one happy boy :)
schools are not free here;even state ones... we have to buy exercise books, pens, pencils, dictionaries, atlas, computer paper etc... i've just paid around $130 for next year. You also then, on top, need to pay for uniform, trips, swimming lessons, fun activities and donations to the school building etc...
anyways, all in all... he's happy and is making some good friends now who are from all corners of the world... good on oli as he was our biggest concern as he's making the biggest change to his life... result!
Been reading your blog Lizzie. Very informative. We hope you both sort out jobs quickly and that your family is happy. A huge step! We'll keep looking in.
ReplyDeleteDave and Liz Clinch
thanks dave and liz... we're really having a ball with so much to learn and so much to experience...it's such a roller coaster ride!!
ReplyDeleteSuch a huge change for you all but it all sounds so positive. Oli looked so happy on his bike. Alfie has been having lessons in bike riding at St Helen's after school as, up until now, he has been very anti bike riding and refused to even try!!! Now he can ride a bike and needs a new one for Christmas. He still won't be riding to school though ;-)
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