Schools in Campbelltown/Camden?

[sabomum]

Hello

This is my very first time posting so excuse me if I have put this in the wrong place. I am now looking for schools for my little boy...how scarey, time has gone too fast for me. I am not biased either way for public or private, just needs to be a good school (something I will definatly look into before enrolling). But my question basically is does anyone have any recommendations? He is going into Kindergarten 2008 (turns 5 in Sept next year). Isaac doens't go to preschool or anything like that yet but I will also be doing that next year too.

Another question, has anyone here heard of Montessori Schools? I have read on previous post and they sound great. No school uniform, children are encouraged to learm more about the world than just reading, science and maths, i think they would be a lovely place to learn. :) Obviously something I will look into alot further but just wanted to know does anyone out there have any more info.

Thank

[zactyl]

Bradbury Primary School is top of the list for public schools in Campbelltown.
Can be difficult to get into if you're not in the feeder area. Good luck finding the right school :)

[MumsieMel]

Hi,

Im going thru all this right now as my son turns 5 in March next year and starts school next year.

I have searched a bit and found that

*Bradbury Public and St Heleens park Public
are both good, but hard to get into if your not in their area.

* St Johns Catholic
Is good and happily excepts people who arent catholic

*St Thomas More Catholic
is good but a bit more stricter with who they accept.

Thats all i know, :)

Good luck

[catalicious]

Hey Everybody Lachlan turns 5 in March of next year also and is starting school.
The best school that I can find in the area is St Peters, the one near Mawson Park.

I wanted to send Lachlan there but cant afford it. He is enrolled in Campbelltown East, the neighbours all praise it it is just around the corner from us and that way he will be meeting friends that live near by. If it doesnt work out for him I will change him but the first year is all about the basics anyway and about learning how to be around other people.

Some people may not agree with me here but I think the best public school in Campbelltown is John Warby, its in Airds. I know some people might not like that but it is really a great school. It has some of the best programs in place to encourage kids and great programs for kids with Learning Difficultys. My Family know alot of the teachers up there too and they are all fantastic!!

Where is you boy going Mel, because Lachlan was an early enrollment, (the start of Feb) he and others that enroll before i think the end of June get to go to this thing where they go to school 1 day a week to get used to it and the teachers. I think he will have the advantage from this. It might be something you are interested in.

[MumsieMel]

hey Cat :wave:

Our preferences are

1st St Thomas More (Airds/Bradbury)
2nd St Johns (Campbelltown)
3rd Our lady Help of Christians (Rosemeadow)

Have already applied and been to all 3 interviews as these are Catholic schools, we find out who accepts him by the end of june!!

So exciting but nerve racking!!!!

Im sure that Lachlan will love Campbelltown East, and as long as you are happy for him to go there also they are the main things i find anyway.

I dont know much about all the schools here, as we only moved out here 2 years ago, so its all new.

[Mrs Little]

I can HIGHLY reccommend William Carey Christian School. They cater from k-12. It's not far from Campbelltown....a lot of students come from Campbelltown or Camden/Narellan.

I'd suggest you look carefully when investigating the Montessori schools, they are very different. If you want your child to be able to fit into a school after being at a Montessori you may find some difficulties with him fitting in.

Mrs Little & Son.

[catalicious]

I'd suggest you look carefully when investigating the Montessori schools, they are very different. If you want your child to be able to fit into a school after being at a Montessori you may find some difficulties with him fitting in.

Mrs Little & Son.

Sorry for sounding dumb but what is a Montessori school??

Why would these kids have trouble fitting in??

[sabomum]

Thanks for all the feed back! Very helpful. I am in the Bradbury area...well for the next year or so. I have been looking at Bradbury public school and everyone I come across says that it is a great school.

Mrs Little - I am very interested though in William Carey Christian School, what suburb is it in I have never heard of it before (which is no suprise as I have only been in this area for a couple of years). I will also be looking very closely at the Montessori schools too. Have you had any experience or heard any more info on them???? Thanks

[Mrs Little]

Hey Mums...:wave:

Here is a web site i found that explains the Montessori Schools a little bit:
http://www.scu.edu.au/schools/edu/student_pages/xmas2004/KLuckman/Montessori.html

Based on some of my teaching experinces and some research, the Montessori Schools are based on the students leading their own teaching. This teaching is for everything right down to social skills.

As a result some children may (for whatever reason) withdraw from the school and enrol in a school that runs with routine and teacher chosen learning. These children often find it difficult transitioning from one method to the other. I'm sure it would be difficult the other way round too!

I am in no way telling you not to enrol your child at Montessori Schools, just informing you of some experiences and observations i have made over the years as a teacher. I would also encourage you to make sure that you closely research and question the type of school you send your child too. You will want to send them to one that closely matches your parenting style. Otherwise you might find clashes between home and school.

Goodluck finding a school.

Mrs Little & Son.

[Mrs Little]

Hi Sabosmum, :wave:

Just wondering how your school hunting was going? :D

Mrs Little & Son.

[sabomum]

Hello Mrs Little:)

Thank you for asking. :) I just saw an advertisment in the newspaper the other day for Broughton Anglican College. Ever since moving to Campbelltown that school has for some reason stuck in my head. So anyway, before the week is out my husband and I are going to make a decision on wether or not to enrol my little boy in there. They have a prep school there which would be perfect for a couple of days a week before he is old enought to go to kindergarten. Also we are building in Menangle Park so it would be literally 2min from our house...so convenient.

To tell you the truth we do sort of have a criteria for his schooling. I would like to send him to a Christian school. The only thing at the moment is that we are hearing alot of people saying that while it is important to us, is it really necessary for these early years of school? For us its yes and no...not too sure which way to go at the moment. Thats why we were tossing up with Bradbury Public and others like that in the area. I was thinking of calling the Broughton tomorrow just to see if I can come down and see the school etc.

As you can probably tell I am a little lost at the moment but am wanting to do the best thing for my little man (like I am sure every mum out there is).

Any thoughts on Broughton???

Thanx

[Mrs Little]

Hi Sabomum,

Choosing a school is one of many parenting decisions that lie ahead of us all. I think you and your DH are doing the right thing by investigating and making sure the school will fit your criteria for his education and well being - and your finances.

There will be loads of people with opinions about what's best for your little man's education. Try not to let those people influence your decision. If you want him in a particular school then put him there. He's your son. :thumbsup:

I have heard of Broughton Anglican. I used to play high school sport against them. :D Yes, they are a good school too. Have you also heard of Macarthur Anglican? They are out that way too.

Here is a web site i found that lists all of the Christian Schools in NSW.

http://ministryblue.com/schools.html#NEW%20SOUTH

Keep us updated on how you go.

Mrs Little & Son.

[sabomum]

This is becoming more difficult than I thought...

has anyone heard of Mount Annan Christian College??? any thoughts.

I know I said I was leaning toward Broughton Anglican, but just to be sure I got a prospectus from Mount Annan Christian College. My husband and I did the photos for their prospectus so we know the ins and outs of the school, but has anyone ever had any first hand experience with this school?

Would really appreciate any replys:)

[MumsieMel]

Hey Kate :wave:

Can i ask how you would rate these schools, and what you think of them??
St Johns
St Thomas More
Our lady help Of Christians.

Thanks very much
Mel

[Mrs Little]

KateP...thats sad that you hear such awful stories from William Carey.

I am a teacher myself ( primary) and i went to WCCS for all of high school. I wasn't poorly behaved. I could say the same things about poor behaviour from the current school that i teach at. Some of the classes are SHOCKING! But who can predict which chn. will enroll each school year? (On a side note, i personally believe most of the issues with behaviour are due to types of parenting nowadays).

I know for a fact that WCCS fee's are not as high as the other Christian schools in the area.

Mount Annan seems to have a good reputation. I know a few friends that teach there. I have never had any personal experince with the school. I know it is only a young school...it may not be as solid as schools that have been running for a number of years.

Good Luck.

Mrs Little & Son.

[mishy]

My son is in Year 1. He started Kindy at Mount Annan Public - needless to say we left the school at the end of Term 1, Year 1 - after a hellish 1 whole year and 1 term... we were very unlucky to get two teachers who happened to be assistant principals as well - and hardly spent any time in the classrooms which caused a lot of disruption to learning, etc...

We pulled him out and placed him in Mount Annan Christian College. Let's just say - we have never been so happy! My son loves school once again and actually looks forward to going every single day and is disappointed that he can't go on weekends. He has come along in leaps and bounds in just this term! It truly has been an amazing turn around. A lot more work is expected from them at the Christian College, but the experience is on par with my "happy" memories of being in primary school - it truly is the essence of what learning should be all about - encouragement, support, love and nurturing and discipline as required - teaching children vital everyday living skills on a solid foundation.

Two ladies that I work with also send their children here, one other also pulled her children out from the same Public School 2 years ago - (if only I had known her then LOL) and they both rave about the school. I have met some really lovely people there as well :) The fees are very reasonable and I never miss the money because my son is happy.

They also have Prep - which is where I wanted to send DS when he was 4, however I fell pregnant and did not think I would be able to afford it so went public because I believed in the system but drew the short straw there sadly. I will send DD to prep there eventually - She is only 21 months :)

Quite a few of my friends send their children to Bradbury Public. Excellent school on all accounts. They send their children to Bradbury Community Pre-School prior to the schooling years and this has an equally brilliant reputation.

I have a friend that sends her DD to William Carey - she is seemingly happy with it and my step bro and step sister also attended William Carey and there were nothing but issues. So I can't really give an opinion there.

St Peters - was also the other school I considered for DS. Both of my next door neighbours work there. I paid the booking fee and had an interview with the Principal but decided against it. My cousins went to St Peters, and then to Broughton and by all accounts they were both good schools, but heavily overcrowded in my opinion - which is why I opted for Mt Annan CC because of the nice wide open spaces - Prep to Year 12 all in one... fantastic reputation with the Education Department, great sporting and extra curricular activities, great church, fantastic music programme, fantastic youth group once the children are older, school terms are based on NSW Public School Terms unlike some other private schools, local pre-school has bus that picks children up for after school care, fantastic warm hearted principal soon to be replaced by equally fantastic young, vibrant principal and some of the loveliest, kind hearted teachers I have ever met.

We are very happy with our choice... :smiliedance:

It is a very hard decision to make and one not to be made lightly... in the beginning I thought I was doing the right thing for my son but the decision had to be reassessed. The good thing is that there is a choice and you can always change that choice if it does not work out.

Good Luck with your decision and if I can be of any further help, please let me know...

Huggles,
Mishy:ecomcity:
DS Lachlan - 30/03/00
DD Mikinley - 26/09/04

[Busymumof2]

Dear Sabomum
I use William Carey for my 5 year old (it's in Prestons by the way) and LOVE it - can't really afford it but it's important :) and they have a family fee so won't have to pay any more for second child. I live near Mount Annan Christian College and have a bunch of friends whose kids go there and they are all very happy with it. I have found that the care and interest and time that they have for my child as an individual is something that the public system doesn't have for my child.
Happy to answer any other questions

[sabomum]

Hello all..another late night (the only time I really have to myself)!

Thanks for all the feedback. I am still looking into the whole prep thing, although I am leaning more to Mount Annan CC. So many people I talk with have different views on the school but my gut feeling is good. Its not too big of a school so Isaac wont just get lost in the crowd so to speak. These first few years of school are so important to me for him, I want him to love school, love learning and feel safe. I am sure there are other schools in the area that can offer him that, but for some reason my gut tells me that this is the one for us.

Gee it sounds llike I have pretty much made up my mind...looks like I better take this a step closer to enrolling!!!

[MumsieMel]

Hi Girls!!!!!! :wave:

Well great news............

XAVIER GOT ACCEPTED TO OUR 1ST CHOICE OF SCHOOLS!!!!!!
I am sooooo happy!!! :smiliedance: :smiliedance:
Just one prob, the 2nd choice school (where he also got accepted!!!!)
is where his cousin goes and he is dead set on going to her school, but he cant even remember which one it is! So i have to convince and show him that the 1st choice is the better school!!! YAY!!!!!!!!

[cheeky.chicken]

Hi,

I also have only been living at Blair Athol for 4 years and have absolutely no idea about the schools around the area. My little girl is only turning one in August but already it is a huge consideration as to what school we are hoping to get her into. Does anyone know anything about Mount Annan Christian College. I don't want to offend anyone here but my husband and I aren't overly religious people but in my eyes are good, kind and friendly people. It just frustrates me so much that to get your kiddy into a good school you almost have to lie on the applications about how religious you are. Irony. I just don't know what to do and you probably all think I'm a little crazy for worrying about it so soon and you are probably right. :)

Does anyone know much about the public schools in Campbelltown?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.
Kaz

[mishy]

Hi Kaz,

You don't have to be religious to have your children attend Mount Annan Christian College. I saw your other post that said you were off to church this weekend LOL but truly you don't need to.

On our application we did not note anything down about attending church. They do give you a form to have completed by a Priest, Minister, Pastor, etc... but we did not get it filled in. We just filled out the left hand side which asked why we wanted a Christian Education for our child. We answered it honestly and openly.

I have attended Mount Annan Church and it is wonderful place. You could be quite pleasently surprised :) It is good to go see what it is all about because your child/ren will be going to Church every Monday whilst at school. It is my son's favourite time of the week LOL

We put our application in and had an interview within the week. He was accepted the following week. We just completed our first term there and there is no other place I would want to send him - we feel very at home and comfortable there.

My daughter is 21 months and she will be going there as well. We will hopefully start her in Prep at 4 years old :)

I just received the responses to a survey they did in 2005 and it stated that they do no discriminate on applications. It could be a different story in 4 years time because of it's growing popularity in the region but to get your daughters name down - it will cost $50 - money well spent for peace of mind at least.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask me at

[Frazzled]

Not discriminating in relation to the students religious affiliation is a must on applications is a must because of government funding. All independent/private schools must have an intake (8% roughly)of non-religious/non-christian/catholic/anglican etc to get any government funding.

[cheeky.chicken]

Dear Mishy,

Thank you so much for your response regarding Mount Annan Christian College. You made me feel so much better. My daughter will be one in August so I am hoping that if I get her application in by the start of next year we will have some luck getting her in there. I am just so nervous sending the application without the pastor recommendation. I don't want to do anything to jeopardise her chances of getting in but if you didn't have any problems I might give it a go.

It looks like such a nice school and I love the fact that the prep kiddies get to be involved a little with the main part of the school. Hopefully kindy five days a week won't be so traumatic. I haven't had my daughter in any kind of daycare so prep will be her first time away from us. :no:

I was laughing with my hubby the other day saying that she doesn't even say mummy and yet I had a massive miagraine the other night worrying so much about how to get her into a good school. Crazy world. :)

Anyway thanks again, you were a big help.

Kaz

[jenniT]

Hi
My son goes to St Pauls at Camden and its fantastic i live at Mt Annan so its a 15 min drive but its worth it
hope this can help you
Jen

[sabomum]

YAY! I have narrowed it down to the one school!! Mount Annan Christian College. I am so happy with the desicion. I too was happy with the fact that my son would also be getting involved a little with the rest of the school. He has never been to any pre-school, day care etc so this will be his first thing. He is 4 next year so will be going to prep first.

I too was a little concerned with the fees, I know we will find a way to afford it...just having that piece of mind that he will be going to a school were I beleive he can develop into a beautiful young man safely is worth anything!! It just seems like such a great school! I too went to a smallish chrisitan school and although I found that I was sheltered a bit from all the other things kids my age were faced with, I prefer that to the opposite (hope that made sense!) Thankyou all for your input and advise, it has helped me make this very important desicion.