I know it is late but just a newbie introduction | ExpatWoman.com
 

I know it is late but just a newbie introduction

15
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 23:59

Just wanted to finally say a proper hello and to admit that I have been lurking on here on and off for two years! It looks like we are to leave good old Wales for Dubai. DH has been asked to get his head round negotiations for a swift move for him - i.e. 2 weeks! and I will follow. I need some good advice from all you in the know - firstly how to remain cool calm and collected - I am very concerned about the school situation. I have 3 children, they arrived rather late in my life and in quick succession, so DS 13 who is in Senior Yr 2 currently, DD who will be 12 in April and in a 1st year of Senior and another DD who will be 11 in July and will enter 1st year senior in Sept. What to do and where do I start I would really welcome some advice please - british curriculum schools - I have viewed the previous threads about schools and I don't want my first post to cause a to do! but I am not too sure about senior school places etc.. DH when in Dubai will be at the office in Jebel Ali, however will travel an awful lot - I will ask him to see if the company has any debentures with any schools, if not where should I start? My little one is dyslexic and my older son is dyspraxic and on the autistic spectrum however he currently is in mainstream and it is not really a major problem as he is only mildly affected. I have previously been expat when the children were much younger and we were in KL - have been back in the UK for nearly four years. I am thinking that it is not so easy this time as for me their needs are different and they also are in the know so have to deal with leaving their friends etc.. I have made a rule for me to follow from yesterday pm - a glass of wine each night with a reminder to keep calm and carry on. If there are any ladies who can help me get through this in a good way I will be most grateful and would like to meet up when finally over as that is another thing I am concerned about is that I don't have little ones to meet up with ladies who are on the kiddies circuit anymore. Hey this is long enough and I do apologise as it is so late for you - thanks for bearing with me and I don't mind talking with anybody via email if they feel they don't want to post up and cause a full blown school debate! (I mean it in a nice way1) just have'nt worked out the smileys yet! plse excuse the spellings aswell. Thank you so much and I feel better I have had the courage to say Hi.

15
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 12:13
Sticky Wicket, thanks for your honesty. I know I have a dilema and the kids welfare and education is so important. Having been lurking on here a while I must admit my impression for secondary education delivery was not wonderful in Dubai but Ithink I might have answered my own question thanks to your input. I will look into UK school in conjunction with Dubai. I know the school admittedly not very well but they do have what used to be a good special needs unit - at this stage I am not sure if co will help out with UK school fees will have to get DH to make enquiries. All sorts of things are going through my head and will make a plan of action today considering both options. Thanks again SW, appreciate it.
1511
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 11:54
Welshmam, I've heard that if you want to get your children into a school for the summer term, even if they are not physically present, you will need to pay the term's fees in advance in order to ensure they have the places. I may be wrong, but it might be worth your considering it. Some schools will do that for sure Simp.
1511
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 11:53
Welshmam, i'm not going to beat around the bush with this just be honest as i have seen it and know of what many friends have had to do. There are very few (and i'm not joking) schools here at secondary who will provide what your children need in learning support, the exception may be EC (English College). Some will say they do but the reality is it's quite poor and expensive comparative to what you have in place. Many mums have taken the option to go back to the UK (or home country ) with their secondary students due to all the problems here with lack of places etc etc. Consistency is a huge problem in Education here, one year can be good and then it all changes, Head and teacher changes have been occurring at an extraordinary rate over the last two/three years here, the economic downturn has changed certain schools ethoses. Three in Boarding is a huge commitment and expense but i do know of several mums here who have children with Dyslexia who have done just that. One of my BF's here took her 4 back with DH staying here as two (senior) of her brood are dyslexic and were being labelled dumb here with no special allowance/help, nothing further than the truth in reality. It is a major concern and i would be doing you a diservice to paint a rosey picture when it comes to your situation. I would suggest you contact now the schools you are interested in and talk through possibilities and what they can offer.
15
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 11:51
simpleasabc, I think that might just be the answer once I have found the right school thanks for that. We might just have to get DH to inform company of this. On the plus side it would give me time to pack up here and also I would not loose the day fees I currently pay here as it is a terms notice this side also, the kids could finish here. But it is getting them into a school that is right for them now I think I should focus on and the mechanics of putting into action will have to come second - I am thinking right:\:
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 11:44
Welshmam, I've heard that if you want to get your children into a school for the summer term, even if they are not physically present, you will need to pay the term's fees in advance in order to ensure they have the places. I may be wrong, but it might be worth your considering it.
15
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 11:39
A big thank you to all for your input. It is great for me to get info in order to help me get my thought process into gear! and to be able to make some correct decisions. Originally DH was going to go asap and I would follow sometime with the children ready for the Sept term, however thought that getting them in and some EW's have confirmed this could prove harder. Thought process now would be to come over sometime in the Summer Term so that the children will have places for Sept. Thanks for your input Stickey Wicket, I have been concerned about this and have got a boarding school here in mind, however guardianship would be a problem and I am thinking that if it was just one child friends could manage helf term and exiats however 3 is another problem to consider. DS has mainly problems to do with organisation, routine and change, academically he is OK. nuDD2 is currently having extra tuition through the University which is one of the leading dyslexia units in the country - so I was thinking that we could continue this online - is that doable? Thanks for the info on English College Suze63 and Star Ice Maiden and will look into these and see how we go. With the educational cutbacks we are facing here personally, DD2 has surpassed the criteria for one to one support! so hence I currently pay for her tuition - admitedly their current school has very small classes but this has caused problems for us on a social level. Decisions Decisions, but thank you Ladies for helping me in this process and Suze63 I will definately take up your offer! Appreciate all your help and keep em coming.:)
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 11:37
welcome Welshmam :) Been here 6 months but still feels like a holiday lol We were lucky that my husband was here a while before us so once we decided to move he could do a lot of the running around with the schools... Good luck !! 6 months!! LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL careful - you'll do yourself a mischief lolol why is that so funny ??? You have been on EW for well over 6 months and posting you were here more than six months ago, which would be you moved here in October 2010! By "here" i mean Dubai - moved in September 2nd last year and have never said otherwise. Our move was probably well documented if you cba to check lolol Really? Feels like youv'e been here forever and with nearly 3000 posts............................;)
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 10:45
welcome Welshmam :) Been here 6 months but still feels like a holiday lol We were lucky that my husband was here a while before us so once we decided to move he could do a lot of the running around with the schools... Good luck !! 6 months!! LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL careful - you'll do yourself a mischief lolol why is that so funny ??? You have been on EW for well over 6 months and posting you were here more than six months ago, which would be you moved here in October 2010! By "here" i mean Dubai - moved in September 2nd last year and have never said otherwise. Our move was probably well documented if you cba to check lolol
1511
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 10:10
welcome Welshmam :) Been here 6 months but still feels like a holiday lol We were lucky that my husband was here a while before us so once we decided to move he could do a lot of the running around with the schools... Good luck !! 6 months!! LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL careful - you'll do yourself a mischief lolol why is that so funny ??? You have been on EW for well over 6 months and posting you were here more than six months ago, which would be you moved here in October 2010!
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 09:48
welcome Welshmam :) Been here 6 months but still feels like a holiday lol We were lucky that my husband was here a while before us so once we decided to move he could do a lot of the running around with the schools... Good luck !! 6 months!! LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL careful - you'll do yourself a mischief lolol why is that so funny ???
183
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 09:46
Our family has been in Dubai for nearly 2 years, DH came out 9 months before us because I wanted our boys to finish their academic year in England (and I was scared!) We arrived at the end of August having found places for our boys which was quite difficult as they have some academic problems. Can totally recommend English College for the help and assistance with dyslexia they have given. We had 2 months sleeping in the shell of our house in England after shipping our furniture out but looking back it wasn't as bad as it sounded. We started off in Arabian Ranches and loved it but found the daily drive too much so moved to Umm Suqeim. I didn't want to move but it has been great and the location is brilliant. The boys have friends over all the time. I was petrified the first time I drove in Dubai but it does get easier. I suppose I just wanted to say all these things seem insurmountable but they aren't! Dubai is a great place to live and my boys have blossomed. As a family we are so glad we made the move. Hope this helps.
1617
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 09:17
Welocome to Dubai...I've been here two months and love it! Star International in Umm Suqiem is a fantastic school by the way, with small class sizes even when full (for Dubai anyway). I'll have a glass of wine (or several) with you when you get here!
1511
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 09:12
welcome Welshmam :) Been here 6 months but still feels like a holiday lol We were lucky that my husband was here a while before us so once we decided to move he could do a lot of the running around with the schools... Good luck !! 6 months!! LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL
1511
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 09:12
Just wanted to finally say a proper hello and to admit that I have been lurking on here on and off for two years! It looks like we are to leave good old Wales for Dubai. DH has been asked to get his head round negotiations for a swift move for him - i.e. 2 weeks! and I will follow. I need some good advice from all you in the know - firstly how to remain cool calm and collected - I am very concerned about the school situation. I have 3 children, they arrived rather late in my life and in quick succession, so DS 13 who is in Senior Yr 2 currently, DD who will be 12 in April and in a 1st year of Senior and another DD who will be 11 in July and will enter 1st year senior in Sept. What to do and where do I start I would really welcome some advice please - british curriculum schools - I have viewed the previous threads about schools and I don't want my first post to cause a to do! but I am not too sure about senior school places etc.. DH when in Dubai will be at the office in Jebel Ali, however will travel an awful lot - I will ask him to see if the company has any debentures with any schools, if not where should I start? My little one is dyslexic and my older son is dyspraxic and on the autistic spectrum however he currently is in mainstream and it is not really a major problem as he is only mildly affected. I have previously been expat when the children were much younger and we were in KL - have been back in the UK for nearly four years. I am thinking that it is not so easy this time as for me their needs are different and they also are in the know so have to deal with leaving their friends etc.. I have made a rule for me to follow from yesterday pm - a glass of wine each night with a reminder to keep calm and carry on. If there are any ladies who can help me get through this in a good way I will be most grateful and would like to meet up when finally over as that is another thing I am concerned about is that I don't have little ones to meet up with ladies who are on the kiddies circuit anymore. Hey this is long enough and I do apologise as it is so late for you - thanks for bearing with me and I don't mind talking with anybody via email if they feel they don't want to post up and cause a full blown school debate! (I mean it in a nice way1) just have'nt worked out the smileys yet! plse excuse the spellings aswell. Thank you so much and I feel better I have had the courage to say Hi. Sorry to tell you this, but you really need to think very long and hard about moving senior children into Dubai who have learning needs, places for the good secondary schools in Dubai for year 7 are full, year 8 you may be lucky. Most people who have secondary students with learning needs move to their home country or send their children to boarding school, you need to think very carefully about this. The schools that will have places and jump to make you offers will have good reason why they are able to do that. The only school i can think of that may be able to help would be the new GEMS Wellington at DSO, but you would need to speak to the Head as to whether they could cater for your childrens extra learning needs.
787
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EW GURU
Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 08:43
Star International in Umm Sequim are opening their senior school this year so there will be places available and very small year groups. Definitley worth looking at
3901
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 08:40
welcome Welshmam :) Been here 6 months but still feels like a holiday lol We were lucky that my husband was here a while before us so once we decided to move he could do a lot of the running around with the schools... Good luck !!
2725
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 01:59
salsb - We're moving to Dubai to get away from the kids, they're staying behind in UK - all grown up now, or so they would have me believe.:\: My 2 are all grown up and dont I know, its brilliant. Love it.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 01:46
salsB- thank goodness!! Make sure you don't get up too early and enjoy your sleep. My mind was working overtime thinking how on earth could one possibly still be up and then have to be up so early for work, or getting kids off to school first thing. I am pleased to hear you don't have to do that - If you are normally around late that is good for me when I just think of a question that should have really been asked during the day I will not panic and remember that you are a late bird! Hope you have a good sleep lol I am a couple of hours behind you and I am ready for some shut eye!
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 01:39
My goodness salsB you are still up - I think I know what you are saying about driving - I will not have the option and will have to force myself to think positive and possibly not be an ambler on the roads but a bit more assertive. That is another reason for me to find schools first and then housing at a manageable distance from the school - although I guess I could also consider school transport if I feel it is safe and affordable. Oh decisions decisions decisions! Hope you get some sleep soon, please don't tell me you have to be up at some very early hour:) Yes cant beleive im up so late!!!!!!!!! lol, no I dont work, havent got time, haha
15
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 01:35
My goodness salsB you are still up - I think I know what you are saying about driving - I will not have the option and will have to force myself to think positive and possibly not be an ambler on the roads but a bit more assertive. That is another reason for me to find schools first and then housing at a manageable distance from the school - although I guess I could also consider school transport if I feel it is safe and affordable. Oh decisions decisions decisions! Hope you get some sleep soon, please don't tell me you have to be up at some very early hour:)
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 01:25
Rubberduck, If you have children at school I think you will have no choice but to drive. I dont drive here, never entered my head, do miss it thou.
15
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 01:21
Rubberduck - I feel for you! I have not reached to doing stage yet! You have just made me feel very guilty, how could I have possibly forgotten to mention our dog - she is a 3yr old golden retriever and will of course be following along with us! I am going to have to put our house on the market here and see how it goes, and will have to do a container over aswell - thanks for the heads up on the shipment time. I know this time is a bit more complicated because the children are that much older and do require schooling - not that my son would really mind! We will look for a villa once I know which school we can get the children into and from what I gather one can end up doing rather long car journeys to and from school and I must admit after the country lanes up here I am not looking forward to driving SZR! I can only advise what my preparation involves for a flight - a glass of something prior, rescue remedy spray at take off then I ask the crew to kindly bring me a camomile tea - I usually end up in the galey chatting on long haul to and from Asia! I am sure by the end of everything you have to do you will be able to get the courage and the strength to cope really well with the flight - you can always invite people to come and visit you and then you might not feel so obliged to go back to the UK to visit - that will save you the worry of flights. I will definately keep you posted on our agenda etc.. and you will be most welcome to join me in a coffee or it might even have to be a bit stronger to look forward to a new chapter in our lives. I do wish you all the best with getting everything organised and do let me know any tips as they will be gladly received. Take Care and good luck.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 00:47
If I could have done it again, I would have come over "out of academic season", as finding school places (and a home) in September sucks, as they say. Please, try and make it over here for the last academic term of this school year, once you have decided which is the best school for your family. I completely understand your thinking about Eid and September, but honestly, pack up in a rush and get the children into a good school now! As I said before, I can't advise you about the right schools for your children, I really think Fiona Coutts is the best person to advise you! Rubberduck, TenFour for a meet whenever you want - I might as well not have a child, she's so independent, so happy to catch up with you when you arrive!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 00:47
em2san- thanks for the advice, just these little major things you have pointed out did not cross my mind. I had read on here a few days ago when Ramadam was but did not think about the consequences - other than I thought it might be a good idea for the childrens sake not to be around in August - heat, Ramadam and that other children might be away on holiday. The more I am getting kind advice the more I am thinking we should make the move before the summer term ends - Thanks Ladies, greatly appreciate it and keep youre advice coming, it is so nice to get input from you all.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 00:38
Hi rubberduck - thanks for the welcome - it makes me feel good that someone is going through this aswell. I apologise in advance but I will be coming to you for advice as you will be doing all the things one needs to do a few weeks ahead of me. Hope you are coping and looking forward to the move. Are you selling up in the UK? Do you know where you are going to be living yet? I hope all goes well for you and that you settle in quickly and as smoothly as poss.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 00:33
Welcome :) You should definitely not wait till September and join your DH in Dubai as soon as possible. As its always better to be in Dubai when searching for schools, houses, et cetera because things may not be as advertised on the internet. Most schools have limited seats but hold entrance exams in summer holidays. This year, Ramadan will fall in August so things will slow down considerably so best to get all visa processing, accommodation, car and school work out of the way.
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 00:26
There are ways and means to meet other expats, dont worry im sure you will.
15
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 00:23
Thanks Ladies for the welcome: CM - Thanks for the smileys - I am sure they will be put to good use! I hope you have also enjoyed the spring weather we have enjoyed this last week - sunshine and air! SalsB - Thanks for the welcome - my you are up late, I must admit I don't know how some of you good ladies manage it with such early starts! simpleasabc - It will show I have been a lurker! correct me if I am wrong but I believe you have recently gone through all this and I hope you have settled well into the life Dubai offers. Many thanks for Fiona's number - I think you are very right this will be a good contact. I was not going to join DH until Sept (i.e. after Eid) when the schools go back but I had this feeling that I might just not get the children into schools - so my plan might have to change and to get the company to possibly look into placing the kids sometime during the summer term. It might just be two glasses of wine each evening! I will worry about my stress levels if it reaches a bottle! Thanks again ladies for your welcome and support - it means a lot as DH is not the best at thinking about the plans for the family etc and what it entails actually having moved around quite abit and thinking about it he has never been around doing the big move and so things never change:)
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 00:07
My friends and I are always discussing this and I think, from what I've heard, that you are lucky to be moving at this time, as you have more chance of getting your children into a good British Curriculum school at the beginning of the summer term than at the beginning of the academic year (B*ms on seats, don'tcha know!). If I were you, first of all, I would do a search for Fiona Coutts, education consultant, on here. Find her phone number and call her. She is extremely accessible and knowledgable and will advise you well in the first instance. Oh, sorry, so rude, welcome to Dubai, I hope it goes well for you! Did a quick search for Fiona, here you go, she's very helpful: FIONA COUTTS <[email protected]> her cell number is 050 544 8916
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EW GURU
Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 00:06
Hiya, can't really help as I am now back in the UK and my LO is pre-school anyway! Am sure you will get loads of help re schools etc but just wanted to post a reply to say 'welcome!' as it may be morning before you get many replies and I didn't want you to think you were being ignored! ;) As for smilies, when you post, click on the link below the 'add message' button that says 'smilies' and you will get a limited choice. Or you can type : and then ) or : and then ) or : and then D and you will get a :) or :) or :D when you press the 'add message' button! All the best for your move, Dubai is what you make it and can be a wonderful place! :)
 
 

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