Hi everyone

I've been trying to find out whether Queensland is one of the states that charges for state school education whilst you are on a 457 / temporary visa? If anyone knows whether they do and what the costs are (plus any useful links) that would be really useful.

Thanks

Holly

 

I believe that QLD treat 457 holders the same as permanent visa holders and you have no fees to pay. Hopefully someone with kids in education will be along to help you and tell you what charges do apply for books and stuff like that.

You may also find our parent site POMSINOZ has more information on the subject. It is a bigger site, But we are friendlier....:biglaugh:.

http://www.pomsinoz.com/

Take a look it may help you.

 

Hi you dont have to pay for the schooling as such but you do have to pay for book packs, uniforms and 'some' subjects depending on what year your children are in..

Cal x

 

As others have said, you don't pay any more than citizens when you live in Queensland, for state schooling. You will have to budget between around $50 - $400 per child for the year for books, stationary and trips, depending on which school you go to. Also, a lot of schools take the kids to Canberra in year 6 or 7, so that can be quite costly.

If you ended up going privately, your children would be considered to be international students, so their fees would be higher.

Love

Rudi
x

 

Thank you everyone for your replies and being so helpful.

My husband and I are coming out for a week in February to look at areas, schools etc. So far on our shortlist we have Cleveland, Wellington Point, Thornlands, Lota, Manly and Wynnum. We're trying to find a location on the trainline (for my husbands commute) but as close to the coast as possible. Does anyone have any insight into what these areas are like, and other areas that match the 'close to coast and trainline' criteria?

Also, we wondered whether it's worth making contact with a few estate agents in advance of arriving? From what I've read the demand for rental properties outstrips supply so I wasn't sure whether the agents were really that interested in investing time with people not wanting to rent immediately.

Thanks

Holly

 

I cannot help you with the schools and areas where you are thinking of moving, but to be honest estate agents will smile at you and then forget you until such time as you have arrived and are ready to rent. I would use the time to look at other things and forget agents until you arrive.

 

Hi Holly

All the suburbs you have mentioned are on the trainline and close to the coast, except Thornlands. That said, there are areas of Thornlands that are closer to Cleveland station, than some areas of Cleveland.

There are two distinct areas you are looking at - Lota, Manly and Wynnum I would group together and Wellington Point, Cleveland and Thornlands I would group together.

I will start the the ones in the Redlands area as that is what I know best - those are the Wello Point and Cleveland lot!! You should also add Thorneside, Birkdale and Ormiston to your list. All these suburbs are good family suburbs, on the trainline into the city, decent schools - with a mix of state and private schools. Great facilities for families. The suburbs tend to have a mix of housing types - the further out you go the more modern the housing is generally. None of these suburbs really has a major shopping centre - but Birkdale and Cleveland have large supermarkets and plenty of other shops. However, Capalaba, which is just down the road has decent shopping centres, and Victoria Point (5 minutes south of Thornlands) is not too bad. We love living in this area!!

The Wynnum, Manly and Lota area is again a lovely area. Great for families, on the trainline etc. However, from what people say, some parts can be a bit hit an miss in terms of who you might be living next door to. I have to say that I have not come across the so called bad areas! There are a couple of schools up there that people definitely do not recommend - but I can't remember which ones!!!! I think it's more parts of Wynnum than anything. There are some lovely parks for the kids and on the esplanade there is a large wading pool and water play area.

I hope that helps a bit.

Love

Rudi
x

 

Oh and as to estate agents - I would not bother. When you arrive here to live is the time to build those relationships. One tip I was given by an agent was to always take your shoes off when you go in to inspect a house. Agents are completely anal about stuff like that and if they see you doing it as a matter of course, they may just pick you over another person. It's not to cut-throat in this area to be honest and unless you are very very picky, you should not have problems finding a rental.

Love

Rudi
x

 

Thank you so much for being so helpful! This is such a life changing thing to do (we dont generally take any risks, especially with two young children) and its brilliant to have our questions whether big or small answered by people who actually live in the area. Thank you :smile:x

 

Hi Holly

I am a relief teacher in Manly and live here with my 6 & 4 year olds on a 457.

Most of my work is at Manly State School where my daighter attends, i can not fault the school, children and have many friends who are parents there. The problem Is the school has a strict catchment. Live in that catchment and you'll have no issues with neighbours - very professional. Wondall State school also has quite a good reputation.

Wakerley is also a popular are around here with new housing, great family feel and a good school at Gumdale.

I would avoid Wynnum schools.

Commute times to fortitude valley by car are 30 /35 mins. If going to the city the train is 45 min- i know a lot of people who use it.

Let me know if you require any further info



Helen