Schools Merewether/ The Hill - any thoughts?

[wennos]

Hi there!
We are moving to Newcastle in the next month or so and need to find schools for our two children (we are probably going to live in Merewether/The Hill area) I have an 8yo girl (Year 3) who has had a bad bullying experience this year, so is very fragile and a 6yo son (just started Kindy) who is very bright and needs some extension. We have looked on the net and found a few schools that we like the look of - Newcastle East/Merewether/The Junction - Does anyone have any first hand experience of these?
Really appreciate any help - Look forward to chatting, I'm sure I'll be here a lot as I try to find my way around!
Cheers!:)

[Roopee]

Hi
I havent got any experience with any of those schools but my son-who is 6 goes to New Lambton South and its a great school.
Zero tolerance of bullying and a great "over-achiever" program.
Welcome to the Newcastle area:hugs:

[JAZZIESMUM]

:wave: Hi, I have a son in yr 1 at The Juntion Public School and absolutely love it! My older son also went there and is now in High School. The Principal is very proactive and knows all the children and is very caring. My son loves going to school and as roopee said this school also has a zero tolerance of bullying.
I have friends whose children go to Newcastle East which is the school you would go to if you end up living in The Hill and they love that. Its quite small and intimate and they are very happy there.
I also know people who go to Merewether Heights and they are happy there, the only thing I find is Merewether Heights is they dont start until 9.30 and go til 3.30 rather than the norm 9-3.
If you want to go private there is Grammar public in Cooks Hill too.
If you want any further info feel free to ask or pm me!
Nicholex

[Veritas]

Hi.... whilst I haven't been there I've heard very good things about Hamilton South Public.....

But I also agree with Tan that New Lambton South is also fantastic, especially in regards to its gifted and talented program (I wish I'd went there.... we were just down the road at Adamstown)....

Good luck with your search,

[charlen49]

Hi
I havent got any experience with any of those schools but my son-who is 6 goes to New Lambton South and its a great school.
Zero tolerance of bullying and a great "over-achiever" program.
Welcome to the Newcastle area:hugs: my dd#1..now 11..went to this school from kindy until end of year 2 ( she now goes to another school as she moved from where she was living)..anyhow whilst she was there in the early years she did seem to like it and it does have a good rep...i even did some prac teaching there many many many years ago...lol...hope u find one that suits ur kiddies...goodluck and hi by the way!:wave:

[Bexta]

Hi & welcome to Newcastle!!! :wave:

I have no knowledge of those schools, just wanted to say 'hi' & I hope your DD makes some great friends wherever she goes... I was bullied at school & it's just awful:thumbsdown:

[wennos]

Hi everyone - thanks for your kind words!:wave:

Well, I've bitten the bullet and I am driving to Newcastle tomorrow for a quick visit to the 3 schools - hopefully I'll get a good feel for one in particular to make it an easier decision!

Cheers! :)

[Luisa]

Isaac is in Kindy at Newcastle East, and he loves it.... There Kindy classes are small, under 20 in each and they have 2.... The principle, Mr. Beech is a lovely man who will accomodate your needs and he is very helpful when you talk to him.... I am personally glad we sent Isaac there (our original plans were to send him to the Grammer) as Isaac seems to be getting on really well and has settled in with no problems at all.... Mrs Thompson and Mrs Moffit are both wonderful teachers and they are always willing to talk to the parents about their children and how they are going....

[wennos]

Hi again,

Well, we have decided on The Junction. It seems to have everything we need and even though my daughter was wishing for a small school I think it will be good for her. Great grounds too! Hard decision though I must say - all the schools we went to were impressive, and the principals seemed great. I was expecting to visit them all and have an 'instant' feel for 'the one' - but they all seemed so good it was hard to choose. Good for the area though if they have 3 good schools in such a small area!
Can't believe that now we have decided, the weather has gone mad - I believe The Junction is still closed? My husband got caught in Friday night's madness and floated away in a car! And my kids are just dying to get up there next week to see the ship on the beach!
Can't wait to get up to Newcastle - seems a bit more real now that we have chosen a school, and my husband is looking at a house to rent tomorrow - very exciting!! :smiliedance:

[JAZZIESMUM]

Congratulations on your choice Wennos!! My sons goes to The Junction and I am delighted in the school and the Principal. The school has reopened for all years except kindy and year 1 (which my son is in!) so they have had an extra week off school. I believe they go back on Monday. Good Luck with your move!