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Lizze 
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Joined: 02 February 2009
Location: Christchurch
Points: 1047
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 Posted: 20 July 2009 at 4:46pm |
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I looked into Montessori for Primary school, but couldn't justify the $5500/year for fees.
And I didn't like the idea of Rudolf Steiner, starting primary at 6, not reading till 7, and every day focusing on only one thing.
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MissCandice
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Joined: 01 January 2007
Location: Christchurch
Points: 3836
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Posted: 20 July 2009 at 4:49pm |
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Thats also what i dont like about Steiner Lizze.. so thats out for me too!!
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peanut butter
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Joined: 20 February 2007
Points: 8044
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Posted: 20 July 2009 at 8:33pm |
Kandice, I have heard good things about Thorrington. Our rental is zoned for there and thats meant to be a positive thing for us finding tenants easily. It is sought after.
I am finding this thread interesting. I have 2 options down here....both ok and one at the end of our street so I guess decision made LOL. High school will be a different story though as we may need to look at boarding and I desperately dont like the idea...but maybe when they are teenagers it will be more appealing 
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crakars
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Joined: 01 August 2008
Location: Wellington
Points: 492
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Posted: 20 July 2009 at 10:46pm |
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As a school teacher i would recommend sending your children to your local school as they then get to play with friends etc and they make great bonds - good for play dates etc and great community spirit.
Every school has teachers which you will love and others you wont love as much.
School will do the extended education - but its what you give them at home which makes the real difference - if you are the type of parent that is concerned about schooling then you are probably already giving them the real life experiences which are more educationally to them than reading and writing.
Your child will thrive in a school where they are happy, safe and with their friends.
if you send your child to a private school and have to work twice as hard just to make the fees - is it worth it? also if the other kids come from very rich families you will be constantly trying to keep up with the Jones's and then what message does that give your children? -
Secondary school is different and it really does depend on your child's personality and interests.
Where we are in both the schools nearby are considered very good schools - but they are over flowing and the class sizes are not small - but it will be great for socialising!
good luck on the decision
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Peanut
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Joined: 01 January 1900
Location: Christchurch
Points: 3649
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Posted: 21 July 2009 at 6:43pm |
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Lizze – I emailed Dh earlier today to ask for his opinion on Primary schools in the areas you said. I also asked him about Thorington as well. This was his reply:
Woolston School has got a commissioner in at the mo so that's no good.
Linwood Ave is ave. Thorrington is o.k a bit higher class. Opawa is good (I know some teachers from there). Beckenham is good. Tell her to have a look at the websites and make sure she goes for a visit. Also suggest she parks outside the school in the morning and after school, is always interesting and gives a idea of staff interactions with students etc.
Shirley Boys has the most awesome discipline system and I rate it really highly as a school. Bad behaviour is not tolerated and the school is a lovely clean welcoming environment. I would happily send DS there. Avonside Girls is an interesting mix of students but they still do ok. You could always apply to Marian also as a non-preference. Its just across from Shirley Boys.
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Lizze
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Joined: 02 February 2009
Location: Christchurch
Points: 1047
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Posted: 22 July 2009 at 11:16am |
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thanks peanut :)
i showed DP last night, and he's still of the opinion that it doesn't matter what school they go to. I tried to explain that the decile didn't matter to me but who our children were socialising with did matter (we live on the border of avonside/wainoni/linwood).
We have another 5 years to worry about it :)
Whats Avonside Girls reputation? DP seems to think its great, but I have seen a couple of comments on forums about people not sending their girls there.
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caliandjack
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Joined: 10 March 2007
Location: West Auckland
Points: 12487
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Posted: 22 July 2009 at 11:23am |
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My 12 year old niece is zoned for Avonside girls and she doesn't want to go there. According to her its a bit catty.
She's applied for Cashmere High School for next year.
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ShellandBella
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Joined: 09 November 2006
Location: Christchurch
Points: 2148
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Posted: 22 July 2009 at 11:31am |
I went to Avonside with no issues, but that was a few years ago now! And Marion Hobbs was principal - she was very good. They have streams there, so I think if you get in a good stream and a good mix of kids, then its fine. Well, I turned out alright
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Private School
