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@mike87 i've been lurking here for years n never come across your thread about something i loved doing when i was younger but had to give it up for practical reasons.- work, family, etc. though i suspect my non dancing partner may have something to do with it 🙂 for those not in the know, swing/lindy is quietly thriving in most major cities around the world. (i know there are groups in SYD and MEL but not Perth, so i am really glad for you post!) It used to be quite big in the late 90s in the U.S. and was a counter culture to the then prevailing pessimistic 'alternative' music scene. There are many aspects of swing/lindy dancing, but i think the most important one is it helps keep your body fit and your mind sharp if you dislike monotonous forms of exercise.  Jean Veloz, who performed during WW2, is 93.  Here is she recreating her routine in 2017:   Blighty has quite a following of dancers and some really fine swing dance bands.  I think this band captured the essence of those heady 90s days heady in this tune.  And yea, the band is Pommie. Enjoy!    

My daughter did teaching placements at both schools - she felt Willetton was far more results driven then Rossmoyne.  She also did an internship at Shenton whilst studying her BA and was impressed with their extra-curricular activities for students.

Jen I really appreciated the information, it was most valuable. And no it wasn't a bombardment. Hope your move has been a good positive experience overall, with no doubt its ups and downs!  Gosh hopefully it'll be us also in a couple of years. Although I'm having a bit of a wobble at the moment! At least now I know Harrisdale not an realistic option, as I would want both my older children at the same school. I'm still edging towards Willeton I think!? Depends if we can find suitable rental, as I would rent first then buy if we decide to stay.  Do you think we could find a property in a week? Coming mid September with not much time to enrol especially with the kids holidays in Sep./Oct. as i imagine the schools will be closed. And wanting them to start in October. Can you suggest any good estate agents, any good or bad experiences?  Roughly how much do you pay for each child at Willeton? (if I'm allowed to ask)? Sorry I feel that I'm bombarding you with my many questions now! Any suggestions etc are much appreciated. Many thanks Mahnaz   

Hi again, We arrived about 16 months ago with no family or friends.  We wanted to be within a certain radius of the city where there were good schools.  We came with 3 high schools in mind - Willetton, Rossmoyne and Leeming.  My eldest was due to start yr 9 and my youngest yr 6.  We looked at houses in suburbs in catchment areas for these 3 schools and whichever house we liked the best - that's where they went!  Eldest ended up at Willetton and youngest at Rostrata - she's now also at Willetton SHS.  Rental costs aren't astronomical, ($550 pw for a 4x2 in Willetton) but it's a different story when it comes to buying.  This didn't bother us as we're open to renting for a few years and then seeing what happens. I work at a popular, sought after and successful primary school in Willetton, although for primary I'd stick my neck out and say they're much of a muchness really and I'd concentrate on a area for a good high school - if schools are you're priority - which they were for us.  In Willetton / Rossmoyne area they're all pretty good anyway.  Harrisdale SHS is very new (2017) and currently only has yrs 8 and 7 with a year group enrolling annually until the 2017 yr 7s graduate.  Therefore, your older children will not be able to go there.  The principle and deputy are the former principle an deputy from Rossmoyne when Rossmoyne SHS was leading the WA league tables for public school a few years ago, so indications are that it is going to be a good school, my colleague was certainly impressed when she went for the parent information night for next yr yr7s.  We are not ruling out moving there and moving my youngest there but that will be a couple of years off still.  If you're considering Harrisdale then their primary school has only been open for 2 years and is very big with over 1000 children - and it's still growing.  I think the local High school would be Canning Vale College but it doesn't enjoy the reputation of Willetton or Rossmoyne.  From what I've gathered and heard is that Rossmoyne is more focussed on academic achievement whereas Willetton, although does extremely well academically has a more caring approach to students and offers more vocational courses for those so inclined.  We are certainly very happy with it. The booklists, school fees and uniforms are pretty standard in pricing I think, you can google the school's websites and have a look for the fees page, that will tell you what to expect.  There is one uniform shop in Willetton that caters for most schools in the area http://www.nellgray.com.au/Uniform-Concepts/Willetton-Super-Store If you look at the schools and the order forms you can see the prices.  It was a bit of a shock to go to this from buying a job lot from George at Asda!! The school age cut off dates are pretty much the same as UK even though the school year is Feb - Dec.  They are 01 July - 30 June so chances are your son would still be in year 10 here in October.  He will have to choose his subjects for his 2 year exam courses to start in Feb of yr 11 with exams a the end of yr 12.  Again, you can have a look at the courses available to all high school students on the schools websites as from yr 7 they get to choose 6 courses (electives) a year (3 per semester up to year 9, and 3 for the whole year in year 10) in addition to their core subjects. Sorry if I've bombarded you with info!  If you have any more questions, please feel free to ask. Jen