KAZ0829

Hi Cath, Yes, we are in a Halls Head now, can't believe we did it and we're here. We have two boys, my youngest is 5 and has just started in Pre Primary. They go to South Halls Head PS. When we arrived I was adamant I wanted them to go to that school. We got a bit scarily close to being homeless but managed to find a rental place close to the school so we were really lucky. They have both settled in really well and tonight, just before bed my little one said ' Mummy, I love you lots but I love school a little bit more' !!! He's only being going there for 3 days! How are your plans going? Bet you are getting excited now, Easter will come round so quickly now xx

Thanks for all your help. I can see the benefits but I'm still unsure. I guess I will have to wait and see. I keep telling myself that the most important thing this year is that he settles well into school and is happy. Thanks again Karen

Hi Guys, We arrived in Perth late last year. My son enrolled in Primary School at the end of November so had a few weeks at school in Year 2 before the summer holidays. He started in Year 3 today and we have found out his class is half Year 2 and half Year 3. There are 3 other classes in Year 3 and they are all made up of Year 3 students only. I have never come across this before and am a bit confused about how this will work. My son seems to think the whole class will be doing the same work but I'm not sure how true this is. He is a really bright boy and am worried this will hold him back. Has anyone had any experience of this? Any information will be a great help... the more I think about it the more I don't understand how it works. Thanks Karen

Hi Diane, That's really great news and fab to hear they are enjoying it out there. We are from Manchester too and we fly out on Wednesday. We're hoping to settle in Halls Head so I would be really interested to hear how you get on. Good luck to Andy in his new job.

Thanks for the advice guys. Sounds like hubby will be having a more pleasant journey to work than the usual drive into Manchester! Thanks Cath, 3 days to go now!! So excited but feeling a bit nervous and emotional with all the goodbyes. It was my eldest boy's last day at school yesterday and he was devastated to leave his friends - very hard to put him through that. Can't wait to be on that plane to start the adventure. Will let you you know how we get on (eek can't believe it's happening!) Karen xx

Hi Guys, We have 8 days to go til we're on that plane to Oz!! Eeeekk!! Life is very surreal at the mo. I am driving myself mad :arghh:looking at the real estate websites and rental houses in Halls Head. Does anyone live there or have any information about Halls Head? I've heard some really positive things about South Halls Head primary school but there hardly seems any houses for rent in that area. There are a lot more properties available in the North but the comments about Glencoe primary have not been so positive. Like every parent, the school is so important to me and I want to get it right so the kids don't have to go through changing schools again. Also my husband is a bit worried about the commute from Halls Head to Perth CBD. Does anyone do the commute from Mandurah train station into Perth? Is the train packed? Do the carriages empty quite quickly on the way home or will he be standing for 45 mins? Any advice would really help. Karen x

We decided to get the police checks done early and sent them off with the application. I have to say it was the wrong thing to do as the police check is only valid for 12 months. Our visa was granted in May this year and because we had the police check done last November, we only had til this November to validate our visa. we were planning on making the move in Jan 14 but had to change our plans - we are flying out on 23rd Oct. It only takes about a week so it wouldn't delay the visa process too much and will give you extra time if you need it. Good luck with everything.

Hi Lee, Yeah the goodbyes are gonna be hard. Quite liking all the nights out and lunches we have planned. We are flying from Manchester too, the day after you. We are flying with Malaysian Airlines. Not heard many things about them so hope they're ok. I've been waiting 20 years to go back - since I went backpacking round Oz in 1993. Can't believe its finally come around. Good luck with your little ones on that flight - at least one of mine can read/do puzzles etc! and hope all goes well for you in Wanneroo. Karen x

Thanks guys for the great advice. Cath - How great to have your sister out there, That'll make your move a lot easier? Sounds a bit daft but it makes me feel better knowing that you have actually been there and like it enough to make the move. Will definitely give the coffee shop a visit and maybe meet up when you arrive. good luck with your move - the next 7 months will fly by. Lee - Yeah, we are soooo excited too. I thought I would an emotional mess at this point but I just can't wait. Good luck too. Where are you flying from and which airline are you flying with? Karen x

Hi everyone. Just wanted to introduce myself, My name is Karen, I'm 40 and we (hubby and two boys 8 & 4) fly to Perth to start our big adventure on 23rd October? We are hoping to live in Halls Head or around that area. My husband will probably be working in the CBD. Does anyone do this commute and how is it? By train or car? Does anyone have any advice on primary schools in Halls Head? South Halls Head is top of my list but they all look fine. I'm assuming it'll all depend on where we can secure a rental. We need to buy a car as soon as poss but will be in a short term rental for the first month. Can you buy a car without having a permanent address? How easy is it to get a mobile phone contract without any credit history? And how long before you can get credit like a credit card? If anyone is free to meet up one day for a coffee and a chat, a friendly face will definitely be appreciated. Anyway, thanks for listening and I would love to hear all your advice and experiences. Karen x