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Early Years at School

There is a ‘prep year’ (preparation for school) for children in the year they turn five – this has recently come into place in Queensland.

The school year runs from January to December with roughly 6 weeks holiday over the summer. ‘Prep’ is for children aged 5 or turning 5 before July of the coming year.

The prep year is available in private and public schools as well as at some Day Care centers.

At public schools it is free and there are guaranteed places for all children. It is full-time but isn’t compulsory in all states as yet.

It is of course a good idea to put your name down at the school you hope your child will be attending.

The prep year is still play based learning and the start of formal reading and writing comes in Grade one.

Grade 1 to Year 5 are often then spent at the same school. Year 5-9 are sometimes grouped as a middle school and then High School is year 10 to Year 12. After year 12 is university.

Schools do vary in terms of Curriculum, extra curriculum activities, sports facilities and homework.

Some schools offer after school and pre-school care for parents who have working hours outside of school hours. These are often but not always, on the school premises. If the care is away from the school building, the children are bused with their minders.

There is the start of a lean towards using this time for a homework club rather than recreational time. Currently there are a lot of sports events and sports practice run by high schools at the weekend and parents spend most of their weekends being a taxi, again this has initiated a push for after school practices at the end of the study day.

Some schools offer holiday care with a special activity program.

Has Anybody Seen Any Rain?

Queensland as a Destination

Queensland, the North Eastern Australian State, is known for it’s tropical rain forests, national parks, wildlife, BBQ’s and the late Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin.

More recently however, the State has been noted for attracting the attention of migrants. South East Queensland is the second fastest growing region in the western world. Today, on average 2000 new comers arrive in Brisbane, the state capital, each week.

Having gained a skilled migrant visa we came in search of a real change and so we headed away from Sydney and Melbourne to Tropical Brisbane.

It is easy to see why Brisbane appeals to immigrants and inter-state movers alike. The city offers simplistic living and warm weather for 9 months of the year.

Given the latest statistics in population growth, we were not alone. With this surge, Brisbane, the easy going big old country town is being pushed to change and transform into a trendy happening City.

Locally, this dramatic growth spurt has come with one or two problems least of all some dismay and reluctance from its long standing residents.

Useful Resources:
Brisbane City Council: http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/
Brisbane Activities: http://www.ourbrisbane.com/