Hello everyone

I have just relocated to Brisbane from Uk 5 days ago with my family, we are
still getting over the jet lag!!
We have a 10 year old daughter and we are about to start looking at schools in Manly.
Does anyone have any advice as to good schools? I have been told Manly State School is pretty good?
Also where is the best place to do your food shop? Is there a Waitrose equivalent??

Many thanks

 

Hi Welcome to Brisbane !!!

Most people shop at Woolworths or Coles they are similar to Asda and Tesco. IGA and Spar also have shops around they are abit like a Late Shop . Look for little fruit and veg shops and butchers as quality and price can be better than the supermarket.

I think most schools are on holiday at the moment, here they go back on Monday, ring around and make appointnments to go and view the local schools and see how you feel with them.

Cal x

 

Hi there ... we've been in Manly since the beginning of August and are very biased as we love it!! My 9 year old son has been attending Manly state since we arrived. We chose it on personal recommendation and through reading the Naplan stats of this and other local schools. We wanted to do state school as did not want the expense of private schools on top of emigration costs. We saw a few schools when we arrived and as well as good results, Manly state gave us an excellent vibe during our visit and "interview" with the principal. I'll pm you a few more detailed comments so as not to waffle on here too much :biggrin:

Just realised you may have to make a couple of posts before you can access private messages ?? Not sure ....

 

Just noticed the bit about 5 days ..... wow .... welcome !! We've been here since July - love it and feel like it's home already!!!! :wink:

 

Hi, we are possibly relocating at short notice from Adelaide to Brisbane after migrating from the UK in 2007. We have two daughters age 12 and 10 who are very happy where they are!! The eldest is possibly going to Moreton Bay College but the 10 year old to a state primary school. Could you give me more of a feel for Manly State School if possible. I have also checked the Naplan results. Does the school have a good community spirit, is it highly regarded locally, is it a happy lively place? Does it have a catchment area? Do you have any info about the other local schools? Sorry to bombard you but I'm feeling a little stressed! Not my usual chirpy self. Thanks in anticipation.

 

Hello there - happy to help! :wub:
We are also looking at Moreton Bay College for later .... but for now, we are very happy with manly state school. The school prides itself on its community spirit and is extremely highly regarded within the area. Not heard anything bad at all! The vibe we got from the very beginning was a positive one! All the staff - office and principal included - are very friendly and approachable. The school does lots in the community especially with regard to the choir and music/band etc. Last weekend was the school centenary and there was activities, amusements, performances etc - a massive event - and it was a fantastic success. The turn-out was enormous and the atmosphere was relaxed and friendly. Our son was in the same school in the UK from Year R to Yr 4 and was very settled but he liked this school even during the visit when he chatted happily with the principal and declared that he "couldn't wait to start." All good as far as we are concerned. Please feel free to ask again if I can help further!

 

Thank you so much for your speedy response, I really appreciate it. Wow, great news about the school it sounds very much like the one my girls are in here in Adelaide. We are actually flying over this Thursday for the night to do a quick reccie, so will definitely have a look. Its fantastic you feel settled so quickly, are you living in the Manly area? We have concentrated on the areas around Manly West, Wynnum and surrounding suburbs for our internet research. Thanks again for your help I'm sure there will be more questions to follow.

 

Hmmmmm - easy doing a speedy response when you're online and "supposed" to be studying - oops!! You gave me a pleasant distraction :laugh:. Forgot to say earlier .... you really must watch out for where your accommodation will be as the school has a very strict catchment. We were only able to enrol our son when the school was able to have proof of our address to see it was within their catchment area. We are in Manly - about an 8 min walk to the school and 10 mins to the outdoor pool/shops/esplanade. We love it already and feel very happy here. Good luck for your trip Thursday!