Gillieston PS

[JolieC]

:wave:Me again! Has anyone heard of real life experiences with Gillieston PS? We called in today on a whim after looking at houses in the area, and D, Cole, Imogen and I were all completely enchanted - the office lady made a point of staying behind so she could give us some info and take our details, the principal came and made time to chat to us, and on and on. The whole vibe was just what we were looking for, even though I had earlier dismissed outright sending the kids to such a small school (thinking they'd benefit from more facilities etc that often come with bigger schools). Of course, with it being so small (just under 100 students) there is very little info online, and that's pretty much my only resource at the moment since we don't know a soul in the Valley!

Any and all info would be greatly appreciated to help flesh out our knowledge. Thanks!

Oh, and Cole and Immy will be starting Kinder at the beginning of next year (thank you again for all the wonderful advice on that!)

[Areca]

Hi Jolie,
My cousin's little boy goes to that school and I don't think they have less facilities than any other school. The only disadvantage that I can see is that my cousin's boy has had some behavioural issues at school and they are finding it difficult to deal with. They (parents, grandparents and teachers) believe it's because there is no one else to play with. There's a handful of kids around his age to play with and that's it. At home he behaves perfectly. His behaviour has improved this term but it is something they have struggled with for quite a while. I went to highschool with people who went there and they enjoyed their experience at the school. On the whole the only negative thing I've heard is what my cousin has been going through with his son but they both loved the school and didn't consider changing schools once the whole time they were having problems.
I just went back and read your other thread. There is no Montessori school here unfortunately but there is a Steiner school at East Maitland http://www.linuwel.com.au/
I know Steiner and Montessori are different but thought you might like to know that the option is there. They do have a waiting list generally but not sure how that works with people who have moved from overseas.
As far as interaction with people while you wait for school to start. You can try the pre-schools and day cares in your area, you might get lucky. Otherwise there are lots of programs around to keep your kids entertained and have them socialise too. Things like Kindergym, Gymbaroo, Kindermusic, Jungle Sports etc.

[JolieC]

Wow, Areca - thank you!

I am sorry to hear your cousin's son's having a tough time with the smaller classes, but thank you so much for all that other information. It sounds like the school is just what we're looking for after all. Yay!:smiliedance: They are having a day next Wednesday where the students are presenting a number of different pieces (choir, recorder group, sports games etc) and we're able to attend, and also to see the classrooms etc etc. Hopefully that will give us a chance to meet a few of the other parents and kids and things.

And thank you thank you for the suggestions about Jungle Sports and Kindergym etc - I had no idea these things existed! How cool - my goodness, Australia is shaping up like one giant candy store for us - what a great place to be, we're all so thrilled to be here....and that's from a kiwi who's rather fond of her homeland!

[Areca]

I'm glad you found the info useful...so you're going to Gilleston next Wednesday or Linuwel? Sorry, not sure which school you're talking about there but either way I'm glad it's working out for you!
There's lots of activities designed for pre-school aged children. There's also Do-re-mi which is music based. If you look in the yellow pages you'll find lots of stuff. Also google 'Live sites.' It's run by Newcastle council and they just hold free events...so they have all different things running around Newcastle. We've enjoyed a few Live sites exhibitions!

There's also nippers, which runs over summer which is beach sports for kids basically if you are wanting to make use of our beaches, meet some people and have your kids learn some water safety. If you google Nobby's beach, Newcastle beach and Cooks Hill little nippers you'll find the registration days/cost involved and what it involves.

Another great way to fill in a day is to go to Oakvale farm. You get to feed the goats, milk a cow, pat koalas etc.

Actually you'll probably enjoy Blackbutt reserve too. If you just google the names you'll find the info.
Maitland park is fantastic and so is Speers Point park (although still have some work done to it atm).
I'm glad you're enjoying your time here so far!