Ocean Reef vs Kinross schools

[Kanniewagnie]

I have done all the internet research I could.  Now I need people with first hand experience to help me confirm.

 

If you have to choose between Kinross Primary and Ocean Reef Primary schools - which would you choose?

 

Same for the High Schools:  Kinross or Ocean Reef?

 

Our high school applications were excepted at both - I now have to make my final choice, because we live out of boundary.

 

I'm still waiting for the outcome of my application at the Primary school though.

 

Thank you!

[Pell]

Try this for school rankings:

http://bettereducation.com.au/SchoolRanking.aspx

 

 

[Kanniewagnie]

Thank you - we decided on OR - got place for both kids PS & HS. will let you guys know what I think later next year.

[OubaasDik]

 

My kids both went to Kinross College and it's not great. Although I think the teachers really do try, they don't seem to get through and the general attitude amongst the kids is very lackadaisical.

[SML]

You have done the right thing, the nurse at work has her kids at Kinross and apparently, according to the police, the police have to go there more than the other schools in the area. 

[Kanniewagnie]

Oh my goodness - High school in our days compared to here is a complete different scene.  It keeps us parents on our knees.  I've heard the same thing about Clarkson - that the Police regularly have to go there... and the girls have "tendencies" to cut themselves, etc.

 

If I had the money, I would have sent them to a Private school like Kingsway Christian College - but "IF" is, like we say in Afrikaans:  As = Verbrande hout.

 

[Dill]

Hi Kanniewagnie

You've made a very good decision to go with Ocean Reef, even if your school run or travel arrangements may be a bit more complex than at the moment.

I have a nephew at the school and another one who finished two years ago and is now at Uni. They were zoned for Kinross but my sister-in-law managed to get them into Ocean Reef and they never looked back.

I read in your journal about how you grew up in one house, went to one primary and one secondary school and many on here would be the same. I went to one primary school and three secondary schools, while my brother went to three primary schools and one secondary. Yes, the changes may be a bit stressful at the time, but you'll be surprised at your children's resilience and my brother and I ascribe our confidence, adaptability and flexibility to changing schools, homes and cities during our school years. You may also find that going to several schools is more 'normal' in this era than in our day. 

I get your stress though. We arrived from Dubai just as our son started secondary, having gone to two primary schools and starting year 7 at a lovely secondary (Northern hemisphere school calendar), which he still misses. The first year was a bit rough (new country, very different (single sex) school, missing his friends etc.), but he has settled well in spite of himself! Often the only power they have at that age is to be unhappy. My boy is compliant and well behaved by nature, so instead of acting out for our attention and getting into trouble, he chose to be unhappy and wallowed in all the extra love and concern that we showered over him! He was definitely aware that his unhappiness stressed us out, but in his childish way, we think he quite liked that. As much as he wanted to stay unhappy, he also started enjoying his new school and life and is a different and much happier child in year 8.

You've achieved so much in your short time here and your kids must be well-aware of your work ethic, tenacity and how much you value a good education. You're setting a great example for them, even if you're stressed out! Good luck over the next few months, take care of yourself and keep being kind to one another.

Cheers

Dill

[Kanniewagnie]

Thank you for all the re-assurances.  It really means a lot to hear from people who actually have "first hand experience".  We went to the 2nd information cession at OR HSchool and we are very impressed so far. We are so thankful and blessed to have this opportunity to send our children to a good government school.  Being part of the Specialist Program and SEAC is a huge honour. I only bargained on getting a place at the school, but now we're not only getting a place, we're part of an awesome program too.  The only thing that have to fall into place now, is for my husband's circumstances at work to become less stressful.  His back is a bit better after visiting the Chiro - old age is not for sissies and immigrating combined with old age is only for the very brave!!!