Deon-Louise and kids Posted January 31, 2009 Report Share Posted January 31, 2009 HiI will be Working at Calvary Hospital in the suburb of Bruce ACT.Any advise on the suburbs and the schools in that area?Our kids are in Gr 3 and 5 in RSA.We have looked at some of the houses and schools in the immediate vicinity-They all sound great.But difficult to get a real idea from the internet. If another suburb is better how is the public transport system to the Hospital.I will rely on this at first.Any info thanx. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dawidopp Posted February 1, 2009 Report Share Posted February 1, 2009 HiI will be Working at Calvary Hospital in the suburb of Bruce ACT.Any advise on the suburbs and the schools in that area?Our kids are in Gr 3 and 5 in RSA.We have looked at some of the houses and schools in the immediate vicinity-They all sound great.But difficult to get a real idea from the internet. If another suburb is better how is the public transport system to the Hospital.I will rely on this at first.Any info thanx.Ons bly in Bruce huidiglik, en dit is 'n baie oulike area maar dit is biedjie aan die duur kant, dit hang af van wat julle maandelikse begrooting is, want jy kan oulike huise kry in ander areas wat dalk biedjie ouer is maar nogsteeds goeie 'kwaliteit' vir dieselfde bedrag. Hier is nie werklik slegte of goeie areas nie, die 'slegte appels' bly so tussen in. Die busdiens is ook goed oral oor Canberra, maar hoe verder jy van die hospitaal bly gaan dit jou langer neem om by die hospitaal te kom. Die busdienste se naam is Action en hulle bus tye kan jy ook op die internet kry, dit is iets soos www.action.com of www.action.com.au . Brindabella Christian College is 'n baie oulike skool waarvan ons nou al by vriende gehoor het (wil ons kinders ook soontoe stuur, wanneer oud genoeg is). Onthou net die eiendoms agente is nie baie behulpsaam met eiendom nie, hier is te veel mense en te min eiendom, so julle sal so gou moontlik dalk 'n vervoermiddel moet he om na huise te gaan kyk. Maak ook seker dat julle dokumentasie van Suid Afrika saambring soos versekering, mediesefonds wat se hoeveel jaar julle aan hulle behoort het en dat julle maandeliks optyd betaal het, as julle in SA gehuur het bring getuigskrif van dit saam. Begin ook nou vir julle kennisse opbou wat julle kan opsit as Referances (moet in Australie bly). Party mense kry gou huurhuise maar die meeste immigrante sukkel vreeslik aan die begin omdat jy nie 'verwysings' het in Australie nie. Het al gehoor dat immigrante 6 maande se huur vooruit betaal om te kan bewys dat hulle ernstig is oor huur en nie 'fly by nights' is nie. Dit is ook beter om as jy wil huur, vir 'n jaar te huur want verhuurders wil nie maklik vir minder verhuur nie. Wanneer beplan julle om oor te kom? Laat ons asb. weet as daar iets is wat ons vir julle kan doen, mee kan help?GroeteEwouda Opperman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deon-Louise and kids Posted February 1, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 1, 2009 Thanx/Dankie for the info.Hope to be there soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billabong Posted February 2, 2009 Report Share Posted February 2, 2009 Seems like most ex-Saffers live in the to the south of the "city"....am I wrong?.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lyn Posted February 3, 2009 Report Share Posted February 3, 2009 Sorry would love to help with info about Bruce - but lm a southsider - Woden valley.I have a friend who has lived in Bruce for yonks - close to the hospital actually - she is from Durban - and they love it there - the only advice she gave me was that she was very disappointed with the Christian type schools - but everyone is different, so it may not be the same for you. Her kids are now at Uni. When I was still in SA I couldnt understand why she couldnt give me much info on the south side - people tend to keep to their side of the lake - and it has absolutely nothing to do with how much money you have. The older suburbs tend to be more expensive. Bruce is not a new suburb. I love the older suburbs because the gardens are more established. Big trees in the sweltering heat of Canberra does help !! When you go to the newer areas - like Gunghalin its very very hot and rather barren - the properties are also a lot closer.Hope you come rite. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billabong Posted February 3, 2009 Report Share Posted February 3, 2009 oh, you see I didn't know that. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kurkprop Posted February 3, 2009 Report Share Posted February 3, 2009 It is very difficult to pick out the "bad" suburbs. Here, as Ewouda said, there is a real mix. You can have a nice house in a nice street and right next door you can have somebody with 5 old car wrecks parked in their front yard.I agree with Lyn about the trees - in Gunghallin you really notice the lack of trees. The houses tend to be big houses on small blocks with not much garden. That might suit you (don't have to spend your weekends mowing etc) or you might prefer to have a bigger garden.If you are going to work at Calvary Hospital, I would recommend that you stick to the North side (so Belconnen/ Gunghalin area) - look at allhomes.com.au to see which suburbs are in those areas. Particularly if you are going to work night shifts at the hospital, it would be better to stay closer to the hospital rather than having to possibly get two connecting busses to get you home to the South side. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deon-Louise and kids Posted February 3, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 3, 2009 Thanx for all the info everybody.We don't mind living in an older house-We do in SA!!!.At the mo we have almost an acre of ground but it is TOOOOOO much but at the same time it would be nice to have a bit of a garden-with 2 active boys I think it's needed.Also would love to find a property with a tree.My youngest sons biggest regret about the move it that he will have to leave his tyre swing.Not the traditional swing just a tyre hanging from the tree with rope.Gives him hours of dizzy enjoyment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kurkprop Posted February 4, 2009 Report Share Posted February 4, 2009 Thanx for all the info everybody.We don't mind living in an older house-We do in SA!!!.At the mo we have almost an acre of ground but it is TOOOOOO much but at the same time it would be nice to have a bit of a garden-with 2 active boys I think it's needed.Also would love to find a property with a tree.My youngest sons biggest regret about the move it that he will have to leave his tyre swing.Not the traditional swing just a tyre hanging from the tree with rope.Gives him hours of dizzy enjoyment.Well you can tell him that the public parks here are fantastic - they have great playgrounds for kids so he might not miss his tyre swing as much as he thinks he will Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deon-Louise and kids Posted February 4, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 4, 2009 I'll tell him Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lyn Posted February 5, 2009 Report Share Posted February 5, 2009 Louise, we too left an old farmstyle house on over an acre near Kloof Gorge - it was my paradise - full of established trees and so green. I was never moving again - but my Maker had other plans.Here, I want a simpler life - a little patch with flowers, and definately at least one established tree. In Australia as K says, the kids are so well catered for. There are parks all over, your little guy will swing, slide, jump to his hearts content. Most suburbs (mine anyway) has an oval too. So he can kick a ball, practice your golf shot, fly a kite.All in safe surroundings - the only thing with treed areas are the magpies - they swoop - so you'll see lots of crazy looking people with cable ties sticking thru their riding helmets - they are not loony folk out to scare you - just protecting themselves from attack. Soon you may just look like one of them !!!Take care, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marilet Posted March 11, 2009 Report Share Posted March 11, 2009 Hi We are relocating to Canberra on 21 March 2009. We have rented a furnished duplex for the first six weeks in Ainslie. I have already started searching on allhomes.com.au for a house to rent from the beginning of May. My husband will be working in the city centre at one of the government departments, and we have looked at Brindabella Christian College website - which seems like a very nice school. My daughter is only 3 and my son 1 year old, however we want my daughter to start attending a play school as soon as possible, for we think it would teach her not only English but also help her to socialise with other children her age. Does anybody have children in Brindabella, or can you recommend another good school? Can anybody recommend a good affordable child care centre for my one year old? Initially I will not be working, but would like to seek work (hopefully a half day job) and then both my children might need to go to school.Any other tips - before we leave for Canberra?Kind regardsMarilet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kurkprop Posted March 12, 2009 Report Share Posted March 12, 2009 Hi MariletMy 2yr old goes to Turner ABC, which is close to the city centre so very convenient if you find a job in Civic (and it isn't too far from Ainslie). I am very happy with the way they run things in that centre and the staff are great. The ABC group is in receivership and some centres may close, but the one in Turner is very financially viable so I don't see them closing down. I'm very happy with them and couldn't fault anything - they have great outdoor facilities and lots of new equipment.They have long waiting lists, but if you want one day a week only you will have a better chance of getting in. You should email them and get your name on the waiting list as soon as you can. Even if you decide not to go there it won't hurt. http://www.childcare.com.au/homeAnother good centre is St Phillips in O'Connor - they take kids from age 2.5+ so contact them and get on the waiting list too. I'm also on the waiting list for that centre for next year. If you want to get on their waiting list, have a look at the website http://www.stphilips.com.au/index.php?p=1_3I know that Thinus (another forum member) has older kids in Brindabella.Regards,K Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billabong Posted March 12, 2009 Report Share Posted March 12, 2009 Have a look at www.canberrakids.com.au Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toitjie Posted April 6, 2009 Report Share Posted April 6, 2009 hi guysCan anyone give some information on Calwell and Calwell Primary? I am researching the areas, both for us to actually live in but also for my commitment letter that I need to write for state sponsorship. I have came across a lot of mentions for Calwell primary and it seems like a nice area. also it seems that most childcare facilities like before and after school care are grouped in the south?thanxyolandi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brat Posted July 8, 2009 Report Share Posted July 8, 2009 If any of you are still checking the thread, I'd love some info about the colleges catering for years 11 and 12.Any info PLEASE Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pine and Riana Pienaar Posted July 8, 2009 Report Share Posted July 8, 2009 See almost everyone has had their response added. We got a place in Dunlop right on the side of Belconnen and we love every moment of it. Have a look at my recent posting about how we expereince Canberra (daar is ook 'n afrikaanse weergawe). We are 5 miniutes walk from the end of the city, 7 minutes from the shops, in the quietest area possible, and still close to everything. I work on the other side of the city and even though it is 25 km it takes me 30 minutes in peak hour traffic. Kids are in Kingsford smith and we are really imressed and they love it.If you want to have a chat PM me with your email detail and we can help with anything you need. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aneldari Posted July 9, 2009 Report Share Posted July 9, 2009 (edited) Hi “Bratâ€Ek hoop nie jy gee om as ek in Afrikaans skryf nie, kan myself maar steeds beter uitdruk in my moedertaal.Elkgeval, ek is glad nie ekspert nie, maar kan bietjie inligting gee oor colleges hier in Canberra. Ek werk tans voltyds op ‘n kontrak (11 Mei 2009 – 20 November 2009) by Erindale College in die Suide. Die vakke wat ek tans gee is Business Management en Accounting vir Year 11 en 12.Ja, as jou kinders in staatskole bly na Year 10, moet hul na ‘n college gaan, want alle hoërskole is net tot Year 10. Dit werk net soos ‘n gewone staatskool. Die publieke busse ry spesifieke skoolroetes elke dag en mens kan maklik jou kind op die bus laat ry. Net soos met die gewone staatskole kry jy voorrang by die naaste college aan jou huis, maar jy mag wel aansoek doen by enige college en hoop dat daar plek is. Die getalle is bietjie af, so daar behoort plek te wees. Daar is beperkings oor die hoeveelheid kinders in ‘n klas (by Erindale is 25 die maksimum). Oor die vakke: daar is BAIE verskillende vakke waarvan mens kan kies. Onderaan is ‘n lys met die name van al die colleges in Canberra. Elkeen het ‘n website, so jy kan maar net die naam in jou search engine intik en dan baie inligting van al die colleges kry vanaf hul website. Daar is 2 soorte kursusse wat die studente kan loop: ‘A’ course wat staan vir accredited course – aan die einde van die tyd, sal hierdie studente ‘n certificate 1, 2 of 3 kry. Dit is kwalifikasies op hul eie wat mens self by ander tersiêre instansies kan doen. Dis baie goed om te kan hê, MAAR hierdie vakke gee mens nie universiteitstoelating nie. Dit word verkry deur ‘n ‘T’ course (tertiary course) te doen. Hierdie tipe kursus is meer intensief natuurlik. Maar glad nie te moeilik nie. Wil dit nie te hard sê nie, maar Suid-Afrika se standaard is baie hoër as hier m.a.w. dis moeiliker in RSA as hier.Gewoonlik begin die klasse so teen 8:45 en maak klaar teen 3:45 en daar sal gewoonlik so 6 periodes op ‘n dag (2, recess, 2, lunch, 2) wees.Lys van colleges:Canberra College (Suide)Melba Copland Secondary School (Noorde, 1 skool met 2 kampusse:1 vir 7-10, 1 vir 11/12)Dickson College (Noorde)Erindale College (Suide)Hawker College (Noorde)Lake Ginninderra College (Noorde) Lake Tuggeranong College (Suide)Narrabundah College (Inner South)Hoop dit help so bietjie!GroeteAneldari Edited July 9, 2009 by Aneldari Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brat Posted July 10, 2009 Report Share Posted July 10, 2009 Dankie Pine en Riana en ookAneldariWe have done a lot of research and basically narrowed down the colleges a bit ( Erindale on the shortlist) - subjects and codes overwhelming at first but my daughter used time in the holidays to figure it all out. Was just wondering if any of them have particulary good or bad reputations Pine and Riana I am so glad you guys are doing well - check private doos Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny & Rene Posted July 15, 2009 Report Share Posted July 15, 2009 Hi BratJong ek gaan dit ook nou in afrikaans doen, eintlik net makliker dis al.My kinders is beide in Graad 11 in Dickson College, en hulle geniet dit vreeslik ek het geen klagtes oor die college nie. Dit is wel n "government college" maar dit maak die standaarde nie slegter as die privaat skole nie behalwe natuurlik die kostes daaraan verbonde.Die kinders het 2 semesters per jaar, natuurlik 6 maande 6 maande elk.Elke 6 maande kies hulle nuwe vakke, dis regtig soos die kinders altyd in flieks op tv sien, daar is af periodes, daar is vroeg begin of laat begin, daar is vroeg klaar maak of laat klaar maak hulle geniet hulle self gate uit.My dogter het engels, wiskunde, dans, drama en hotel gehad die 1ste semester.My seun het engels, wiskunde, tegniese tekeninge, sport fiksheid en automotive gehad die 1ste semester.Jy moet n sekere aantal "credits" he aan die einde van graad 12 om jou sertifikaat te kry, dis nou punte wat jy vir jou vakke kry, as jy sport doen vir die college kry jy punte, as jy bloed skenk kry jy punte as jy kort kursusse by CIT college doen na-ure of oor vakansie tye kry jy ekstra punte. Jy kan nie glo nie, dis regtig iets om te waardeer.Ons bly op n plaas net buite die dorp, so 200m van die hoofpad af, die skool bus laai die kinders by die ingang na die plaas toe op. In die middae gebruik hulle die publieke busse want hulle college maak eers 4 uur in die middag klaar en die skool busse ry enige iets van 3 uur af want die gewone skool kinders van graad 1 tot graad 10 ry op dieselfde bus en hulle maak vroeg klaar.Wel jy kan my PM as jy wil maar almal se inligting hier bo is baie volledig en akkuraat.Sien julle in CanberraRene Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hugoboss Posted July 28, 2009 Report Share Posted July 28, 2009 Hi julleKom ons bly maar in Afrikaans praat. My een seun sal sy Graad 11 hier klaar maak en ons kom oor in Des so hy begin dan Graad 12. Kan hy slegs inval by 'n Kollege en Graad 12 klaarmaak of hoe werk die storie daar. Ons kom ook oor in begin Oktober om huise te soek en dan wil ons kyk vir skole of Kollege. Die ander seun in tans in Graad 6 en sal dus 7 daar begin. Hy is nie die probleem nie maar ek is bekommerd oor die oudste en wat die beste vir hom gaan wees. Hy is 'n absolute sport mal seun , soos almal seker is, en ek sal graag wil kyk of ek hom nou al kan opsit in 'n sport rigting. Hy het uitstekend in "field Hockey" en kry gereeld sy provinsiale kleure hier so dit is sy sterkpunt en wat hy verder wil vat. Sy akedemie is is vir hom 'n bysaak, maar hy slaag darem hier. Enige voorstelle oor kolleges wat ook sy sport kan bevorder sal waardeer word. Natuurlik wil hy verder gaan in sport en stel geensins belang in kantoorwerk nie.Help as julle kan.ThanksHugo &bunch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deon-Louise and kids Posted December 1, 2009 Author Report Share Posted December 1, 2009 (edited) Hi to allIf you see from my previous posts on this topic my youngest son had concerns about his tyre swing he would be leaving in SA. Just an update: He is a happy boy now. He has his very own tyre swing in the garden is Oz!!!!Hubby bought new tyres for his vehicle and instead of paying $3 dollars to detroy them he brought them home. A piece of rope from Bunnings and now Jared has his tyre swing. He spent about an hour in it yesturday!!We also live across the road from an oval so lots of space to play cricket,soccer etc.On the school front the boys r at "Kingsford Smith" state school. They love it! Me I'm not so sure. No homework!!!!(yet)Well limited actually 2 weeks out the whole term and hardly any of the kids seem to do it!They came from a school that gave evan the grade ones homework monday-thursday.The oldest also looking a bit like a "ragamuffin" with his long hair.Hasn't had it cut sice 6 weeks before we left in SA!!I hope the novelty of having no hair rules and inspections will wear off.They will be having there year 5 graduation ceremony on 14 December which he is looking forward to as it includes a disco in the evening!I can't quite follow a graduation for year 5 but it must be an Oz thing.He won't be moving schools next year as the school is one of the "supa" schools which goes up to year 10. Edited December 1, 2009 by Deon-Louise and kids Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JennyG Posted December 2, 2009 Report Share Posted December 2, 2009 Hi Deon and Louise!Thanks for the update! Always nice to hear how you guys are settling in! Glad everything is going well with the kids! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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