[migratory birds]

Okay, I'm realizing that if my kid (10 yrs old) is happy with school, the transition will go MUCH smoother.

I can take my work nearly anywhere.

I'd like to land in the right school from the outset and not have to move around from school to school for the first year or two. Too many tears.

I've gleaned school recommendations over time on this list (thank you!) but am ready for an outpouring of suggestions.

Tell me what you love about your children's schools (esp schools for older kids - just finishing up primary school years when we arrive).

I'm going to get my little notebook now to write down all your suggestions!

[nippa&pippa]

sorry but where are you hoping going to????

[ourquest]

Just checking that you are already familiar with doing a search for the TKi information (not sure what it stands for right now) which gives the school role, decile number etc. Then you can search the ERO report for a particular school which is very comprehensive and addresses current issues, future solutions, demographics, areas of particular strength etc.

[gil]

I'm assuming you have covered the objective, factual base (as mentioned by ourquest) and are now looking for personal refelctions, so I will say that we have been very, very pleased with Pigeon Mountain Primary, Bucklands Beach Intermediate and Macleans College. You can find my thoughts by searching them on this forum as I have posted about them before. PMP and BBI are on the same site (it's h-u-g-e!) so our two youngest can still walk together, and as Macleans is about 3-400 metres away from BBI, it's convenient for our 17 year old to walk most of the way with them.
Great schools with great pastoral focus, high standard of sport, wide and well-run other extra-curricular and excellent academic side at all three. They are all decile 10, so contributions are higher than some places.

Bucklands Beach is a neat area to live too!

Gil

[migratory birds]

sorry but where are you hoping going to????

I'm really fairly open...I can take my work (midwifery) anywhere.

[migratory birds]

Yes indeed I am looking for personal recommendations. Decile numbers/student rolls tell me something about the school numbers as does the school's website...but nothing about the teacher:student dynamics, tone, cheer, etc of the environment or how a school is suceeding in fulfilling its goals. I'd like to hear more about parent's impressions of their kids schools.

I'm also realizing that parents may not to post on this list what schools their kids are attending so feel free to PM me.

Thanks!

[Familyofmonkeys]

I'm really fairly open...I can take my work (midwifery) anywhere.

Would you prefer City or rural?

[BaldyBeardyBloke]

Our kids are in a Steiner school (Waikato Waldorf to be precise). They are aged 10 and 12 and both love it and are doing very well.

For a short while, when we first arrived they went to a traditional state primary with 600 kids (and a good reputation). When asked if they would like, or prefer, to go back they catagorically say no!

The school has a current role of 73 kids in the entire school. Considering it covers up to and including intermediate level the class sizes are great. Our youngest is in the biggest class - 18 kids. Eldest is in the smallest class - 9 kids. The whole school community (parents, kids & staff) is fab and very supportive.

We find the Steiner system excellent - it really seems to teach a level of independence, social awareness and responsibility for your community that traditional schooling doesn't quite manage.

There are other Steiner schools around (Auckland & Wellington both have them). Only issue we'll have is where to send the eldest for high school in 18 months as there is no Steiner high school in Hamilton (I know there is is Auckland).

[migratory birds]

Would you prefer City or rural?

Whereever there is easy access to LOTS of kids! Probably city or village. Bikeable to friends, kid neighbours, etc. Like I said, if the kid is happy, this move will likely go without a hitch (or far fewer of them!)

[SharpBlade]

Our kids are in a Steiner school .
Hi, Do you mind me asking if this is a fee paying school, and if it is the case, do you mind giving me a rough idea of the cost ? Thanks , Laura