mrs_cobb | ExpatWoman.com
 

mrs_cobb

49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 November 2015 - 11:51
Mrs Cobb what you are saying makes no sense. Were you a better teacher at the non-profit than you were at the for-profit school because you were being better remunerated? I would think teachers if they have any integrity would do their best at any school they were employed. I'm not quite sure how you interpreted my comment to mean that... What I was suggesting is that the PM schools tend to attract younger, less experienced staff partly because the packages are not as good at the NFP schools. There was no suggestion that my teaching changed due to a change in remuneration. Although, having said that, I do think that it's important for anyone in any sector to feel that they are valued for their experience and contributions. This can be a significant motivator for productivity and morale.
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 November 2015 - 20:01
Having worked in both types of schools in Dubai I feel that I can make the observation that the profit making schools tend to pay their staff quite poorly. This results in the school employing less-experienced teachers and retention of staff is poor.
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 September 2015 - 21:07
But the teachers will HAVE to be there, right? It isn't their choice, it is in their labour contract, correct? So it may just be a case of a number of children not being there. But I still think a lot will turn up as this notice suits working parents whose holidays weren't going to start until the Wednesday so they've been trying to work out what to do with their children on the Tuesday, and now the KHDA has given them a solution. I have it on good authority that my school will be honouring pre-booked holiday arrangements made by staff (the day will be unpaid). Given the school did confirm with the teaching body on more than one occasion that Tuesday would be a holiday, they really have to.
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 September 2015 - 20:52
The whole thing has been a bit of a debacle... My school sent out an email yesterday morning confirming that Tuesday would indeed be a holiday only to renege 24 hours later. Not the school's fault but an order from the KHDA it seems. If the school didn't have classes on Tuesday then it would fall below the required 188 "instructional days" required by the new KHDA guidelines. Of course with so many absent staff and students, I would expect that many classes will have to be collapsed and very little real "instruction" will be able to take place anyway.
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 September 2015 - 19:45
Having worked in a couple of secondary schools in Dubai, I can say that it depends entirely on the school. The "profit-making" school where I worked had more behavioural problems than the "not-for-profit" school." I put it down to fact that the former is growing at an exponential rate, there is a high turnover of staff and the school is still trying to work out who it is.
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 September 2015 - 11:41
It seems that it's just that branch. Strange.
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 September 2015 - 21:21
http://service.worldnomads.com/customer/portal/articles/1677462--i-m-pregnant?b_id=4646
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 August 2015 - 21:26
Softplay areas are meant for kids to run around and let out their energy. You cannot deny this to them just because you're worried about your child. Some of playareas have a separate area for younger toddlers. If you are worried about your child, you should stay by her. That's what I did when my LO was small and we were on a playground full of big kids. I was literally by her at all times. There is no doubt that soft-play areas are for running about and having fun. However, when children start engaging in anti-social behaviour, it is the parents' responsibility to manage it. I resent the implication that I (as a responsible parent) have to police the behaviour of other's children for fear of smaller children being hurt.
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 May 2015 - 20:46
I think Caramel is a great place to take your husband for his birthday. Very attentive service, good drinks and lovely food. We usually order a number of smaller tasting plates to share... It's a nice night out.
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 May 2015 - 09:13
Hi Oceanview... I am an Australian mum, living in Silicon Oasis and I am also a teacher. Have a pretty good understanding of the school situation and am happy to help. If you want to get in touch, let me know the best way to contact you. Cheers for now. <em>edited by mrs_cobb on 03/05/2015</em>
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 April 2015 - 21:44
There are a number of areas/buildings where cabin crew are located. These include (but are not limited to) Downtown SZR, Tecom and Silicon Oasis.
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 March 2015 - 15:49
Bump
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 January 2015 - 19:19
I used this thread to search for a caterer for a party we held for 55 people last weekend. We decided to go with Elements and were so pleased that we did. The customer service, the wait staff, the bar staff and the FOOD! Amazing. Highly recommend them - will use them again for sure.
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 October 2014 - 16:14
The picnic brunch at Al Badia Golf Course is lovely.
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 October 2014 - 09:00
Moving to Dubai and having a newborn can be a lonely existence.
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 September 2014 - 16:07
Any suggestions about where to watch the Grand Final on Saturday? We'll have a 10 month old and a 12 year old with us! Many thanks.
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 August 2014 - 19:14
I have also heard really good things about Dr McEwan
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 August 2014 - 14:32
There's a creche next to the Pharaohs' Club at Wafi too.
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 July 2014 - 17:30
I also have a 7 month old and am in the process of baby-proffing our home. There is a lot of stuff at ACE (Festival City) as well as some bits and pieces at IKEA.
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 July 2014 - 16:44
The last few times I have been to Ikea (with a stroller) and have required assistance, I have always had 5-10dhs to give to the helper. I think it's a small token of appreciation. However, I understand that it can be seen as a bit cheeky to ask for a tip.
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 July 2014 - 15:31
Not IN the Mall, but close... Try La Serre Boulangerie at the Vida Hotel. Really yummy & a short stroll from Dubai Mall.
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 June 2014 - 16:17
I don't suppose anyone knows whether any of the coffee shops will be open in Dubai Mall during Ramadan? Thank you!
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 June 2014 - 20:50
Mine said "Accompany who is kind to you... No to drugs" Very weeeeiiird...
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 June 2014 - 14:37
H&M at Mirdif do, but their range is pretty limited compared with the UK stores. Mothercare has a sale on at the moment and they have some maternity clothes as does Mamas & Papas.
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 May 2014 - 15:22
Brilliant. Thank you all.
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 May 2014 - 19:01
I bought some in C4 at Mirdiff yesterday. It's with the cling-film and aluminium foil.
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 May 2014 - 10:15
Bump
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 April 2014 - 20:06
The food at Traiteur is exceptional. There are plenty of options other than seafood. I was at Al Qasr a couple of weeks ago, in terms of food quality it wasn't nearly as impressive. Both are great brunches, but offer very different experiences. <em>edited by mrs_cobb on 02/04/2014</em>
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 April 2014 - 16:12
You might be talking about Dr Misha Sahu at Infinity Health Clinic. She's Australian trained and very good. We liked her a lot.
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 March 2014 - 10:05
Bump
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 March 2014 - 19:58
Brilliant. Thank you ladies.
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 February 2014 - 20:00
Are your children studying Literature or Language/Literature?
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 February 2014 - 14:40
We use SMATS too. They have regular info nights that we found very informative. Their number is: 04 447 0935
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 February 2014 - 16:09
Once you've got the baby's birth certificate, you'll need to apply for citizenship by decent. The forms need to be lodged at the Visa office at Wafi. It's only once you've got the citizenship certificate that you'll be able to apply for a Passport. The documentation is all online. Good luck.
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 January 2014 - 08:39
That's the stuff. Thank you.
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 January 2014 - 15:33
The picnic brunch at Al Badia is a great option with kids. It's on a Saturday though. Lots of room to run about, some activities, doesn't matter if they're noisy as you're outdoors. You can request a picnic blanket or tables and chairs. Lots of shade. Top day out!
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 December 2013 - 14:21
I delivered at Garhoud just over 3 weeks ago. It is a very 'Arab' hospital and as a result, I think that any 'western' expectations you may have will not be met. At least this was my experience. Things like skin-to-skin contact was not promoted; having the baby in the room with you seemed like a very foreign idea to them; doing your own nappy changes was foreign; lactation consultancy was practically non-existent; no option to bath your baby yourself etc. These things were all disappointing. However, there were some good things too... The nursing staff were almost all very good. It is a smaller maternity hospital than City so it was quiet. The food is amazing! I hasten to add that I had a c-section... Not too sure if this had any bearing on my experience.
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 November 2013 - 17:51
If you're flying on Emirates their inflight entertainment is excellent. Loads of movies and games for kids to keep them entertained.
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 November 2013 - 13:49
These guys are great: http://www.fantco.com
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 November 2013 - 20:28
Depends on where you want to go? Will you be north or south?
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 November 2013 - 18:46
Sadly, no luck at the suggested catering shop. Nor at Tavola at MOE. Wow, who would have thought it would be so hard?
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 November 2013 - 16:20
Hi LadyBee... Thanks for your quick reply. I actually went to Raw Coffee today... No joy, they don't have any in stock. I know I need a 58mm tamper... You're right, espresso experts can be pretty fussy about their equipment. But I'm prepared to risk it if I can find one ASAP. Cheers, mrs_cobb
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 October 2013 - 20:13
bookcat, if you're a Melbournian, try to get an appointment to see Dr Frank Burke. He is at Victoria House Medical Imaging in Prahran: http://www.victoriahouseimaging.com.au
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 October 2013 - 16:00
See if you can find someone in Dubai who will do a Hydro-dilatation. It is really the most effective way to break up the adhesions.
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 September 2013 - 20:32
I'd heard that these two options were a bit sedate... Happy to be told otherwise?
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 August 2013 - 14:58
Buying locally or ordering from abroad? Either!
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 August 2013 - 11:45
Hello ladies, I am starting to look for a car seat for our baby (due December). I would like the following: - convertible (rearward facing/frontward facing) - Isofix WITH top-tether At this stage it looks like the Maxi-Cosi 'Milofix' is the only option. Is anyone aware of any other well-regarded seats that have these specs? Many thanks. mrs_cobb
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 June 2013 - 15:43
Good afternoon ladies... I'm due on December 16th. It's all feeling a bit surreal at the moment. :)
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 June 2013 - 21:52
Try the "sliders" at Caramel in DIFC. They're amazing!