[babywannab]

Please help! For those who know schools and the system :/

We have 2 girls - 3.5 and 1.
Both are baptised RC but we do not attend church so a recommendation from the parish priest isn't really an option.
DD3 due for 4 yr old kindy in 2014.
We just got advised that we are waitlisted for Newman College, which we LOVED when we did the tour.

So I was thinking we apply for the 2 closest Catholic Primary Schools that feed Newman High School and then choose 2 other K-12 schools to apply for.

BUT is there any point in applying for any K-12 schools now? A year away from her starting kindy?

Public school is also an option but we have been saving for years for private and would like to try at least.

I'm stressed to the max over it :/

Any school recommendations or advice at all? We live near Belmont but were happy to drive over to Churchlands so that sort of distance is fine.

This post has been edited by babywannab: 26/12/2012, 11:52 PM

[zogee]

I would apply to at least 3 catholic schools ASAP even without the priests reference. I'm sure you'll get into at least one. We had a reference but I have no idea what was written as I wasn't given a copy it can't have been very lengthy though as I'd just had a baby when we requested it and hadn't been to mass for a while. The schools I enquired with started looking at applications in April/May of the year prior to starting 4yo kindy so the sooner the better we're in bayswater so not sure about the area you're looking at. Anyway, good luck!

[galba]

I got my DD into Kindy at MLC in Claremont during the first week of Kindy. Someone had dropped out and she started the following week.

Get the applications in for whichever schools you think might be suitable - you won't get a spot unless you're on their list.

[Mummzy]

My son is 4 now and he is going to a normal child care centre to do preschool and in November we put our Application in for the private school we wanted. We got accepted straight away. (I think with DF being in defence helped with getting accepted straight away). We didn't have to go on a waiting list.
I would just put in all the private schools you liked after taking a tour. Don't put in an application in for the schools you didn't like as you will be losing money.
With you asking why you should apply now, I would because other people's circumstances change and you may end up with a spot, even if you are wait listed, you may get in at the last minute.

[Ange]

My kids go to Newman and they love it. A really great school

They have done the places for kindy 2014 (as my DD is in that year) but I would email them once every 2 or so months to see how you are on the list as people drop out due to moving away, changing schools all the time.

I would try and get them in to Our Lady of Good COunsel in Karrinyup, St Dominics in Innaloo, St Lawrence Balcatta and then keep contacting the enrolments lady til you get in

Pm me if you want any other info

[lorywhol]

What Ange said = Go with Feeder primary schools if Newman is where you want them to go for High School.

It is always worth checking in and letting the enrolments office at Newman know you are happy to move over whenever a position becomes available.

[SeaPrincess]

I'm doing DD's applications for 2 Catholic high schools at the moment (she's 3). I am submitting them without priest references but expect to be asked for them closer to the time - grade 5/6? I went to one of the schools, so DD gets priority 2 for enrolment. Her brothers are already down for the other one, so if they are going there, she will get priority 1.

I'm not that fussed on sending the children to private primary - our local Catholic primary is a feeder for the girls' school and I wouldn't want her to go there, and DS1 started in the neighbouring feeder for the other school and I took him out.

[mmuc83]

i would still apply as PP have suggested people always drop out and you never know!

[mad madam mim]

There is a private school not far from us where you have to apply as soon as your children are born to get them a spot for kinder, so personally I would apply for any you wanted as soon as possible.

[sweetcookies]

if you can't get into Newman try St Brigids up the hill in Lesmurdie they are a great catholic k-12 and not to far from Belmont