[Saecularis Angel...]

Given what you've said about the family context, I think I would have to recommend Wesley. Word on the pastoral care grapevine is that their care of their students is second to none.

[mum_mum]

thanks for your kind thoughts. Yes, we need a supportive environment for her to go into. At the moment she is in a very small independent primary with a fantastic team of teachers and workers. I shudder to think what would happen if we dumped her into the local government high school. Because of her needs we do want a nurturing environment for her. So, definitely a place with a well run Pastoral care program would be the way to go

Definitely consider Ruyton then if a small school with good pastoral care is desired.

I suggest that you apply asap to any of the schools mentioned by me as most people would have done so before kinder let alone primary school.

[Lyra]

Definitely consider Ruyton then if a small school with good pastoral care is desired.

I suggest that you apply asap to any of the schools mentioned by me as most people would have done so before kinder let alone primary school.

yes, Ruyton is one that we have on our shortlist. And yes, I know that I am a bit late to all this. When my daughter was in kinder we sort of assumed that both of our children would be going to the same school or ones relatively close to each other but then we got our son's diagnosis and that really threw us for six. It kind of fell off my radar last year hence the reason I have a bomb underneath me now LOL It's also the reason why I am throwing this out there; the more I find out about schools the more options I have if I am told 'too late, the gate is shut'

[sg290780]

In the state school system, the best single sex school are considered to be Mentone Girls High and Cantebury Girls. MacRobertson Girl's High is wonderful but is selective entry at year 9 level. Co-ed schools with good reps are Balwyn, Mackinnon, Glen Waverley, Mount Waverley, Kew ( i'm way more familiar with school in the east and southeast).
Private, there are a whole range - MLC, PLC,Carey etc.My kids went to Caulfield Grammar and absolutely adored it. Again, though it depends on your daughter, because many private schools are traditional and cater best to students who want an academic outcome and are focussed on that area. The school doesn't do 'alternative' very well!!!

I went to a state school and then Macrobertson Girls High; I most certainly will not be sending my daughters there. For many reasons but they have very little care for students as people. It is all about the academics and even career guidance is poor. The last thing to note is for the majority of people you also ahve to travel a long way to get there and this eats into valuable study time or relaxing time.

I have 2 sisters one who finished year 12 last year and one in year 9 and my parents moved into the zone to go to a prominant popular state school only to be horrified attending open day.

You have to remember that ALL schools go through cycles and this can also depend on the principle. So I wouldnt be making any firm decsions for some time yet.

My sisters ended up going to Tintern Girls Grammer... I have only amazing things to say about this school. My sisters are very different and so are there friends. I ahve seen them deal with all different kinds of situations with care and understanding.

It is also a girls school up to year 9 when they start to share a few classes with the boys from Southwood - then to full co-ed in VCE. it gets them ready for the "real" world whilst still focusing on the differing needs of boys and girls learning styles.

It has a great attitude to learning and care of the girls and their interests. Plus the surroundings and facilities are great too. Their pastoral care is amazing my girls are in the primary school and my partner and I separated and they were amazing. I ahve also seen this follow through into the senior school. When my sister was in year 8 she found out someone wasnt coping and was even starting to self harm and my sister felt completely secure to go straight to the principle. I have also been waiting for an appointment and if a student comes in they get priority.

Tintern also offer IB as an alternative to VCE

Interesting to note is also in the last 2 years I have known of 8 different families leaving yarra Valley Grammer for all different sorts of reasons. And all from different year levels.

All the best

This post has been edited by sg290780: 06/03/2012, 01:20 PM

[bubblebear]

I have heard lots of good things about Carey, if we're able to come high school time we'd love to send our children there I saw a PP mentioned Merton Hall - I wouldn't. Ever.

Good luck with your choice, it can be overwhelming!

[tummypudding]

I saw a PP mentioned Merton Hall - I wouldn't. Ever

.

Why, bubblebear? I'm very curious, as that was one I seriously considered.

[sg290780]

I have heard lots of good things about Carey, if we're able to come high school time we'd love to send our children there I saw a PP mentioned Merton Hall - I wouldn't. Ever.

Good luck with your choice, it can be overwhelming!

That's how I feel about Macrobertson Girls High!

[mum_mum]

yes, Ruyton is one that we have on our shortlist. And yes, I know that I am a bit late to all this. When my daughter was in kinder we sort of assumed that both of our children would be going to the same school or ones relatively close to each other but then we got our son's diagnosis and that really threw us for six. It kind of fell off my radar last year hence the reason I have a bomb underneath me now LOL It's also the reason why I am throwing this out there; the more I find out about schools the more options I have if I am told 'too late, the gate is shut'

Sorry about your son as well...
Forgot to mention that similar to Ruyton, Fintona is also worth considering, and perhaps Strathcona.

[bubblebear]

.

Why, bubblebear? I'm very curious, as that was one I seriously considered.

In my experience, it's a very elitist school. If you have money and are from around the area it's in, you'll be fine. If you don't, then it's not that fun. I went there on a scholarship and the snobbery was ridiculous. As was the bullying, but nothing was done. I knew people who changed schools it was so bad. For me, I would want my daughter to get a more rounded view of the world than what I think they offer.

That said, I know people who would say it was fabulous. However they would be the people making it so elitist.

[Akatara]

we are going catholic I think, and I'm not sure if you want catholic.

but I've heard good things about Strathcona and Mentone girls grammar.

There are a lot of good schools in Melbourne i think, so you probably do have to narrow down the areas a bit. Or choose a few that are really close to public transport.