Schooling in Australia

Although Cerise finished Year 1 in New Zealand, she has had to go back and do it all over again in Australia. Our biggest concern was that she'd get bored having to learn things she may very well know already. We raised this with the teachers and principal... even showing her portfolio and letter of recommendation from Macleans Primary but nothing was going to persuade the powers at be to bend the rules - in Australia, children aged 5 go to kindy and move on to year 1 at age 6.



So Cerise enters Artarmon Public School at summer time. We were assured that she'd be sent to advanced classes if need be. She belongs to the advanced reading group. Everyday she brings home books containing 20 pages and sometimes more, plus spelling assignment, vocabulary, grammar, news writing and telling, maths. I must say Year 1 education here is more intense than in NZ. No, she isn't bored. We are very pleased with the wealth of knowledge and stimulation Cerise gets from the school at a very young age.

The new student settled in very very well in no time. She's made friends from day 1 and had no trouble adhering to the rules and regulations. Teacher says that she's very diligent with her work and is very competitive. Even at her after-school care, she's become popular. I am glad Cerise loves it there... makes me feel less guilty for putting her in it.

Here is a calendar they produced recently. I wish they made a financial year calendar instead.

This is Cerise in her summer sports uniform. I thought it was interesting that even their sports socks have the school's name printed on it.

When I first saw this class photo, I thought to myself that I wish Cerise had smiled for the camera. I was going to mention it to her but upon seeing the girl in the second row, centre, I decided to say nothing.