QUOTE (leebee26 @ 27/01/2013, 03:28 PM)

Hoping to hear from anyone in Leeming, Canning Vale, Willetton, possibly Bullcreek, especially those with children at public schools in the area.
Are there certain areas to avoid within those suburbs? Are you happy with the schools? Do you know if they have provisions for gifted children?
Is it possible to get a decent size house (4 x 2) as well as a yard? We're coming from a 1/4 acre block but don't need it to be that big! If not, are there plenty of parks around? Is everything you need close enough - shops, doctor etc?
I've heard mixed reviews high school wise re Canning Vale College - any thoughts on that?
Thanks
Hello,
I grew up in Leeming, moved to Atwell (and hated it TBH) and now have a child and have recently moved back to Leeming.
I would live in Willetton, Bull Creek or Leeming before Canning Vale. Canning Vale is nice, and obviously newer, however your options for secondary schooling are limited. Canning Vale College does not have a good reputation, there have been several changes admin wise in recent years and I have heard terrible stories regarding behaviour management. I would avoid at all costs. Carey College is a good school (if you can afford it) but you may find it hard to get in there due to it's popularity.
The primary schools are good but in my opinion, Ranford is the best one. Campbell is also good but it is huge and continuing to grow, but they don't have enough space. Ranford has excellent teachers and good kids.
Willetton, Leeming and Rossmoyne HS's are excellent. I would call them and get information about their specific gifted and talented programs. In the primary schools, it really depends upon the resourcing at a school level and what the Principal wishes to dedicate time to. I *think* it is Caladenia PS that has recently opened a gifted and talented programs where the students attend full time. You would need to check on this though.
In the older suburbs, you can definitely get decent sized houses. In Leeming, we recently paid $720 K for a fully renovated home, excellent location and big block. You would be paying around the same for Bull Creek, in some parts, but this is because the Rossmoyne High School has an excellent reputation. They are older houses though.
The primary schools in Willetton, Bull Creek and Leeming are all fantastic. We specifically moved so that my daughter can go to West Leeming (amongst other reasons). In any of those suburbs, you have SO much around you - parks, public pools, shops, movies and you are so close to Garden City, Fremantle, the freeway to get north and south and really good public transport.
The shopping, libraries etc are fantastic.
We love it in Leeming and would not move! PM me if you want further info.