emigrating to australia for a couple of years - advice? Post Reply

[confusedaboutchoices]

We are considering moving to Sydney for two years....hubbies job would start in June...

Does anyone have any advice to give? Love to hear from someone who did this.

The job would only be for 2 years then we'd be back.

My main questions are really about schooling and wether moving from one schooling system to another would cause any problems. Because Australia's school year starts in January and I believe they don't start school till they are a year older than here so I'm not sure how we work out what year they would need to slot in...a friend said if they are in year2 then thats equivalent to year 1 in OZ.

I'm obviously concerned if they have to slot back into a year whether it would mean that they are 'behind' when they get back. I"m not a 'pushy parent' but don't want to do something that will mean that they have a lot to catch up on.

They are currently in state school because I want them to mix with people from all backgrounds and I want them to go to the local school so they are friends with local children. I really like their school, friends and being walking distance to their friends.

Is it a similar thing with state schools in Oz or because housing will be more spread out then are state schools less 'local' anyway? (imagine latter?)

We also need to work out when they start school....eihter June and we all go together so they start second semester of the Australian school year OR hubbie goes in June and we follow at Christmas so that they start the new school in the new school year...this would also mean when we come back they can slot into the new school year in September here....but obviously means being without their dad for nearly 7 months...

Sorry for long post!!! Any thoughts on schooling and how we transition them or any other thoughts very welcome! Thank you!

[Stuckathome]

My sister in law has just moved from Sydney to London with three young children and had to try and negotiate her way around three UK school system. They have the same conundrum as they're only here for 2 years. I know she struggled to work out what years to put them in but I'm sure she'd be happy to talk you through the other side. PM me

[getitsorted]

Hi confusedaboutchoices

I brought my 3 kids up (now aged 18,17 & 15) on 5 continents before the eldest was 7 years old. I am Australian born and bred and long time now in the UK so think I could really help you here - a lot depends on the age of your children and the crossover into high school. In particular, the month your kids are born has a very huge role to play in the year groups they attend in Australia and back again in the UK. May/June/July births are tricky for the crossover.
Happy to discuss directly with you. DM me when you have a chance. Sarah