New to the Gold Coast - advice please

[Officegirl]

Hi! We are planning to move from Sydney (Surry Hills) to the Gold Coast soon and we know no-one. :( I am so nervous about it. Are there any new to the Gold Coast people on the forum...if so have you found it easy to settle in?? I have a 6 month old girl and a 4 1/2 year old son ready to start school next year. I have no idea how I will find him a place for next year. I think the system is different from Sydney...can anyone suggest some good schools??? We are thinking maybe Robina or Southport to live??? ANY suggestions greatfully accepted. Thanks

[Sydneymum]

We are moving from Glenhaven (near Castle Hill/Dural) to the Gold Coast next week! Probably around the same area. I have a 16 yo daughter, a 10 yo son and a 16 month old son. Are you looking for a private or public school? :p

[2boys]

Hi Officegirl,

My hubby, 4mth old son and I moved to the Gold Coast approx 3.5years ago and I was filled with trepidation as well. But honestly it was the best move we ever made. It's a lovely place to bring up kids and the sun is always shining and the beaches are beautiful. My son is almost 4 and goes to a great pre-school in Robina which is Montessori based and the people there are lovely. I think that with a young family you'd probably prefer Robina as Southport can be quite congested and there is more traffic around that area. I've heard that Robina Primary school is quite good and I'll be looking at that for my son. Although, we have also looked at private schools and the following look just as good: All Saints - (It's in Robina but has a long waiting list though), St Andrews - (located in the Tallegudgera area ('bout 10mins from Robina and out of the way so it's not congested with traffic). There is also Kings Christian College which is where our neighbours send their 4 children and they think it's a great school. I'm not sure what the system is like in Sydney but here on the GC most schools in the private sector go from Prep thru to year 12.
Good luck with the planning and the moving, I'm sure you'll love it. There are plenty of mothers groups, and the people are quite friendly.

Cheers,
Kerry
13.1wks
:)