State or Catholic

[SMBT]

I would love to hear from any Mum's or Dad's who send their children to Government Funded or State Schools. I was raised Catholic and went to Catholic schools. I am wanting to find out other peoples viewpoints as to decide whether to send my child to state or catholic. I was also a Catholic school teacher, so I know what they are like. Thanks! PS _ I live in the Eastern Suburbs of Brisbane!

[alicesmum]

i am wondering this too lis78. i went to catholic schools, primary and highschool. though i had great experiences overall, i know many of my peers did not and today say they wish they had gone to a co-ed highschool. (i did have an ex-nun yr 6 teacher who was pretty scary actually :eek: )

we will send our kids to the local state school, but are unsure about which highschool to use. the independent private schools are so expensive whereas the catholic schools have a similar quality of education (i think) but much lower fees. although, i still think many state highschools (such as kedron which we would consider, and brisbane state high - if you can get in!) are very good too. my husband is happy to enrol her at the nearest catholic school (St Rita's) but (a) not sure we would get in as we are not catholic, and (b) not sure we want too much catholic RE for our kids, though it is pretty progressive these days I think.

when you say you "know what they (catholic schools) are like", what do you mean exactly??? :p

[moonblossom]

All mine went to public pre schools and primary schools. Then they all went private to high school (well four so far LOL) They have all done extremely well doin it this way. Hope this helps

[Elfin]

My ds goes to a State School and is getting a great education in my opinion. He had a fantastic Year 1 teacher and is going to have another good teacher for year 2. It is also great if the school you choose has a pool. Just something to look out for. Ask how they do school excursions, some schools ask parents to drive the kids which is very risky in my opinion on a number of levels. At our school a parent had an accident (which was pretty major but no one was hurt) with children from the school in her car during an excursion. Fortunately this has stoppped the practice and only seat belted buses will be used for now on.

Over your way Camp Hill Primary has a good reputation so that might be one to consider.

For high school I think we are going to go private. It will cost a bomb but hopefully will be worth it.

Just wanted to add to ask what type of behaviour rewards system the school uses. I am currently fighting with my school about the one they introduced at the start of the year which I think is rather draconian, creates a class system and does not promote positive self esteem. You can pm if you want to know more about this particular system.

[SMBT]

Hi Alicesmum,

I just mean that having worked in the Brisbane Catholic Education system I know what it involves and how things are run etc. I know the philosophies/ethos working with the taught curriculum and now about how the administration team work together. I know how certain situations involving students are handled etc. I made that comment, just to say that having gone to primary, high, uni and working through and for the catholic system I know what goes on behind the scenes and just want to compare state with catholic to make my choice.
Thanks for the emails!

[alicesmum]

hi lis78
cool. so you are fairly happy with all of that then? no complaints?

i am a primary teacher in the state school system, though have been out a couple of years now. if you have any particular questions about it, i can try and answer them for you. LMK.
rachel

[Mum2Lucas]

I've been reading alot about alternative education and what not and I know its early days yet so i dont really need to be thinking about schools but im booking him into one when hes 1. I was originally going to send him to the brisbane independant school over at pullenvale but i then read an article on the steiner education. and i then decided that i will send my son to the samford valley steiner school. went to the internetsite and read about that school and it sounds great.

[Funkychicken]

I've been reading alot about alternative education and what not and I know its early days yet so i dont really need to be thinking about schools but im booking him into one when hes 1. I was originally going to send him to the brisbane independant school over at pullenvale but i then read an article on the steiner education. and i then decided that i will send my son to the samford valley steiner school. went to the internetsite and read about that school and it sounds great.

Hi there,

I just posted on the thread Natural/attachment parenting about our experiences with Steiner Ed under Steiner. Thought you might like a read.