Betti | ExpatWoman.com
 

Betti

Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 October 2014 - 00:02
Thank you for the responses. We did go through an agent but he's not responding to any of our emails/calls either. The landlord is Iraqi and the deposit was AED10000. What really annoys me is that we spent a lot of money landscaping the garden and maintaining the property, all money that will only benefit him. Grrrr so cross but I guess you live and learn. (Wish we'd trashed the place now)
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 June 2014 - 21:32
My children were bored at Gems Wellington DSO. They were not challenged enough and were not treated as individuals. They didn't improve on their levels in the two years they were there. I have since moved them and they have improved 3 and 5 sub levels in 1 year, Many of my friends who have children there also employ private tutors.
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 June 2014 - 17:57
My son is at DESC, my daughter is at DESS. The class was made up of Indian or Arabic children.
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 June 2014 - 10:51
Just to add my experience of WSO....my daughter was the only western child in her class. She was left out at break time because the other kids spoke their native language and so she couldn't join in with their games. She went from being a happy outgoing child to being withdrawn and hating school. The SLT couldn't see a problem and refused to move her to a different class. My older son was bored there. He is very bright but he wasn't pushed enough. He used to bring the same library books home as they didn't have enough for all the children. Unfortunately Gems are all about making money. I have friends who work in other gems schools and they are told to 'get bums on seats' . We have since left WSO and I have to say I will never use a gems school again. Having said that I have friends who are very happy with the school. You need to go and have a look and make up your own mind but don't be swayed by the facilities, it's the teachers and pupils that make a good school, not the facilities
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 June 2014 - 06:51
Are there any vouchers for beach club in the blue entertainer book? thanks
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 May 2014 - 12:06
It's perfectly fine to write "wine". It's not as if using the word means you're forcing people to drink it against their will :) This whole "grape" nonsense, that seems to be infecting everywhere, is ridiculous and patronising. I wasn't trying to be patronising, I was trying not to offend anyone. Any time I hear brunches discussed /advertised on the radio, they talk about 'grape' so I was just following suit. If all you had to contribute were these comments, why bother. My original question wasn't about whether I am allowed to write 'wine' or not. It's people like you who make people like me not want to contribute to this site. As you seem to have a lot of time on your hands, perhaps you'd like to check my post for grammatical errors too!! Thanks to those who did provide me with the information I was after.
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 May 2014 - 12:35
Grape as in vino? If yes, I highly recommend Gaucho, who do courses on the Argentine variety Yep, I mean vino. Wasn't sure if I was allowed to write it on here :-)
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 March 2014 - 09:47
My children attended Gems DSO for 2 years. Initially I liked it and they were happy but the school has become too big and impersonal and the children became just a number. My year 5 child was bored as they only teach to the average ability. My son has learning difficulties that Gems didn't pick up on. They just kept telling my 'oh he's just a typical boy'. My friend's child is the only English speaker (first language) in their class which has left them feeling isolated (the school won't move them). They don't have enough outdoor space for the children to play. The staff turnaround is huge. Not many teachers stay beyond their initial contract as they a treated very badly by Gems. Needless to say I have moved my children and have no regrets. Oh and one other thing....their Gems reports put their levels as above average but when they took their assessments for the new school, I was told they were behind where they were expected to be. Good luck, I know what a headache finding the right school can be.
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 December 2013 - 21:52
Perfect LMAO-DXB! Thank you
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 December 2013 - 10:46
We are having a few friends round for NYE and thought it would be a good idea to get a turkey takeaway. Has anyone done this before and can you recommend somewhere? thanks
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 December 2013 - 19:54
I'm not sending Christmas cards this year so I'm looking for a website where I can create a free photo e-card that I can email to everyone. I would rather give the money to a charity than waste it on paper and card!!
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 December 2013 - 19:52
I used a guy called Ghassan recently and was pleased with the results. His number is 0567375687
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 November 2013 - 09:37
Can anyone tell me how shop and ship works and whether you can actually save any money ordering from abroad. Thanks You set up an account Order from most websites ( I primarily use UK clothing websites) Have the parcels sent to the UK Aramex address that S&S give me and then they are delivered to my office here. I have saved a fortune on clothes and rarely buy things here anymore The UK has amazing sales all through the year and the clothes I buy online cost 30% or more in the Dubai shops what happens when you need to return something? Do you send it back via shop and ship?
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 November 2013 - 12:42
Dubai drums in the desert. Great night!
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 November 2013 - 12:36
Can anyone tell me how shop and ship works and whether you can actually save any money ordering from abroad. Thanks
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 October 2013 - 12:12
Thanks ladies. I have just called them and they have opened a small school in Jumeriah which sounds perfect. Thanks for your help
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 October 2013 - 17:28
If you contact THE MUSIC BOX in DSO they have a new branch open in Jumeriah for music lessons and voice. Far more economical than most places and excellent results. https://www.facebook.com/themusicboxdubai Thanks Lolacat. Do you know what they charge? Also what age do they take them from? Do they teach guitar?
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 September 2013 - 20:17
I have asked for my son to be exempt and the school have sent me the following Find below the required documents to apply for: Arabic exemption • Passport copy (with residence visa) • No application will be processed without a valid residence visa • A letter from the school addressed to KHDA in a form of a request which clearly indicates: • The student’s year group (grade/Year) • The reason of the request e.g. lived overseas for a long period or previously attended Arabic B classes. • Full details of the medical condition if any. • The parents’ consent on the school request (on the same letter) • A detailed IEP (Individual Education Program) • Last school report card along with Arabic tests papers and sample of the student’s hand writing. • Updated and comprehensive Medical report (dated within the last 2 years) o Contains full examination report, doctor’s recommendations and diagnosis. o A copy of the doctor’s medical license if issued by a private doctor. N.B. In case the child was abroad for a long period – evidence of residency or overseas school reports are required. Only the school can submit the above documents for Arabic exemption approval. Parents are requested to provide the school with relevant documents. Requests for exemption have to follow a specific procedure as follows: • Parent requests exemption through the school – consent form. • Schools supports request by sending letter with parent’s cover letter or endorsement to KHDA or through the school system. • Exemption request is submitted by school with accompanying documents eg. passport and visa copies, birth certificate copy and medical or educational psychologist reports • Case is analyzed according to criteria • Proposal to support exemption (or not) is presented for approval • Parents and school informed.
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 September 2013 - 21:22
We have recently been through this and were told by RERA that the landlord must give 12 months written notice and that as the tenant you can decide if and when you want viewings to take place. You have every right to refuse viewings until you have vacated the property.
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 September 2013 - 17:32
This has just been discussed on Dubai Eye and is being repeated at 6pm if you are interested in hearing what the school/KHDA have to say.
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 September 2013 - 17:41
I have children at the school and even us parents are not happy with the situation. I now have to be at school an hour before pick up to ensure I get a parking space. Today my 4 year old was almost hit by a car. Luckily I managed to grab his arm and haul him out of the way.....and we were on the pavement!!! Choithrams is also awful at pick up as parents are now parking in there. This is an appalling situation and the management do not give a damn. A child was already run over last term. Are they waiting for a child to be killed before they do something.
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 September 2013 - 14:06
I have just called them and registered my interest in having a reservation. They have taken number of guests and my contact details and they will call to confirm the booking once all the details are finalised. They are not taking actual bookings yet as to confirm your booking you will need to pay a deposit apparently. If you want to go there for xmas, I would recommend calling them just to provisionally book a table. HTH
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 August 2013 - 13:56
So if we didn't receive the written notice until after 26th September (the date the new contract starts) does that mean we would be able to stay until September 2015?
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 July 2013 - 10:35
I have recently complained about construction noise and was told that they can work between the hours of 5am and 8pm. If the noise early in the morning or late at night is heavy machinery, the municipality will send an inspection team to assess whether the noise is unreasonable.
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 June 2013 - 18:25
How about small hand-painted dishes. There are some lovely ones in Souk Madinat.
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 June 2013 - 15:43
Thank you ladies. So the conclusion is that it is illegal and we, as her sponsor, are responsible. Well that has answered my question. I wont be letting her stay out anymore especially as I have no idea where she is when she is not here. Thanks again
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 June 2013 - 13:02
I have a live in maid who has a boyfriend here in Dubai. She has thursday night and friday off. She has recently started asking to stay out several times a week. I don't mind as long as she is here to do here work but is this OK legally and can we get into any trouble letting her stay out? She can not get pregnant so at least that is one worry less. <em>edited by Betti on 30/06/2013</em>
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 June 2013 - 21:10
PlainJane the reason I'm a bit confused is that although King's does have a very good reputation it does not have an established senior school. That is the only thing that is worrying me. Gems doesn't have an established senior school either plus they have just announced that the new facilities won't be ready on time so all students will have to be accommodated in the existing buildings which will be a real squeeze. If I had a choice (and I already have children at Gems), I would choose Kings anyday.
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 June 2013 - 18:31
Just to avoid scaremongering! The teachers who are leaving, many are at the end of their 2 year contract. A levels are outdated ( just my opinion maybe!) but I'm sure if that is what you want you could transfer school. I am actually very happy with the proposals and have been to all the meetings to hear the questions and answers given ( both primary and secondary). They are moving forwards to best equip children for the future....A levels are not the way forward necessarily. However next year they will be asking all class reps to be involved in the think tank so you could always do that to be more involved in decision making? After our consultation previously some things were amended about the new system. And all the feedback forms that were handed out, the majority were positive. Be interested to know how you know feedback forms were positive. Not one parent I have spoken to is happy about the changes and as class reps, we were only told about the changes a week before the rest of school. There was no consultation. The new CEO doesn't give a damn about us as parents. He has a vision and he will implement that no matter what the consequences. As for the teachers. I have spoken to 5 of those that are leaving and all are leaving as they don't agree with the changes. Ha! and cannot believe that they are now encouraging us not to use sibling club after changing the school timings. We are advised that putting younger children in sibling club for an extended period is not a good idea and we should find alternative arrangements. WE WOULDN"T HAVE HAD TO USE SIBLING CLUB IF YOU HADNT CHANGED THE END OF THE SCHOOL DAY!!!!!! <em>edited by Betti on 27/06/2013</em>
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 June 2013 - 20:54
I have just been fined 150dhs for not displaying my parking ticket on my dashboard but on the driver's window. I didn't put it on the dashboard as I had a sun visor up and didn't think it would be seen. However this apparently isn't allowed. Just a word of warning
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 June 2013 - 20:33
Yes I would highly recommend this brunch. Have been there several times with children ranging between 3 and 10 and all of them have a great time. There is a bouncy castle and small ride on toys, petting farm, movies, crafts, face-painting. Kids buffet is good with lots of choice. For adults there is a fab magician who visits the tables. The food isn't as amazing or as varied as some brunches but it's nice.
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 June 2013 - 14:13
Hi I have a friend who can do this for you. Email [email protected], he's in uae. Fab - Thank you. Will email him now
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 May 2013 - 20:04
I'm furious about the fact that we enrolled for UK curriculum with GCSE and A Level and now they have changed it without consultation to IGCSE, BTEC,IBCC and IB, how can they do that ? Apparently they can't without consent from KHDA which they don't have. Watch this space....
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 May 2013 - 20:03
We rent in The Villa too and agree with emlsnre. The finishes are shocking. Our villa is about 4 years old now and already has had to have the roof resealed as it leaked every time it rained. 2 new water heaters, new door locks, a/c units changed and fixed. I would not buy here either. sorry !
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 May 2013 - 20:28
It is a really difficult decision to uproot and leave friends and family behind...not one that should be taken lightly. I have lived here for 2 years now and it has it's ups and downs. The biggest shock for us was how expensive it is to live here. We don't get any help with anything from my husband's company and the rent increases and school fees are starting to squeeze our already small budget. It might be sold as tax free but there are loads of hidden 'taxes' that your have to pay. Be certain that you can live on just your husband's salary as it will be difficult to find a part-time job here. Secondly, it can be a major problem finding a school. My son will be moving into FS2 in September and I am yet to find a school with an open waiting list. Be warned you will have to pay on average 500dhs just to register your interest in a school with no guarantee of a place. I think that FS2/yr1 are the most difficult years to find places for. Having said that there are a few new schools opening in September so that maybe the route you need to take. I found the first year here very difficult. I was used to toddler groups in church halls, parenting groups, chats in the playground. I didn't find any of those things here and felt very isolated. It took me about a year to build a group of friends. Now I love being here (apart from all the annoyances that are just part of living in Dubai). Think very carefully about moving. It is a great experience and I'm glad we've done it but I am looking forward to going back to normality as some stage. If I had had a choice, I would never have come here with children but would have jumped at the chance if it was just me and my husband. Good luck.
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 May 2013 - 12:00
Two hour lessons?!? I don't think anyone as a teacher would support this. I don't wing my lessons and 80min lessons are a struggle for even my brightest students. Parents will be paying for 45-60mins teaching and 60mins of study supervision. Not what I would want to be paying for!! Interesting to hear from a teacher's perspective. Perhaps that's why the teachers are all leaving.
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 May 2013 - 13:35
I am at the end of my rope with getting a response from Kids First! 3 weeks and several calls and nothing There's a new place that opened .. its called The Developing Child Centre and i hear they are really professional ... My son goes to The Developing Child Centre. They are lovely there. Would definitely recommend
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 May 2013 - 11:26
Betti: I read the other thread about changes , but didn't really understand what is the changes...and how r the students being used as a trial. Also with them going up to 4500 students is that for the coming school year? Has the building actually expanded or they r just fitting them in the same area??! They have about 2300 students now and will be increasing that by 1000 in September. They are in the process of building phase 3a but this won't be ready in September so the extra students will be housed in the existing building. The next stage is phase 3B and I believe that once this is completed they will then have the capacity for 4500 students.
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 May 2013 - 22:02
There will be a lot of parents leaving Gems DSO in June so if you really want to go there, keep calling them.
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 May 2013 - 21:57
Changes to school hours, each section of the school has different times, longer for the senior school. Tutour groups in the senior school will be a mix of age 11-16. Lessons will be 2 hours long. The school is already over 2000 pupils growing to 4500. Thats just a few. We were made as Betti stated to pay our registration fees by the end of Feb or lose your place! These changes were annouced last week, leaving parents very little option to change schools if they didn't agree. Parents were not consulted about any of the changes! We personally feel our kids are being used as guinea ****! edited by Tykes on 20/05/2013 Split pick up times and longer days for seniors are surely a good idea? Tutor groups of mixed age, do you mean that group all gets taught together or the tutor is responsible for a range of ages? Lessons 2 hours long? Means the teachers will have to plan their lessons rather than wing them, it's just double sessions which are so much better in senior. Split pick up times are rubbish if you have children in FS1, FS2 and FS3. I will spend 3 hours doing school runs in the afternoon now. Not to mention that my children will have to miss their clubs /activities that they attend after school. And the CEOs response to this? Not his problem!!! We were also never told that the plan was for the school to grow to 4500 students. I thought 2500 was enough. Already my children are moaning that it is impossible to get into any of the squads as there are just too many people going to trials. It's disgusting that we were bullied into paying our reregistration fee back in Feb (or we would lose our place and go to the back of the waiting list) prior to being told of the changes. I heard today that the plans for this school were tried back in the UK but failed under Tony Blair, so now they are using our kids as guinea **** to trial it here in Dubai. I have opened a case with the KHDA as I know others have. If you are unhappy, please email the CEO and complain to the KHDA. After sending my list of reservations to the CEO, he replied that he had received nothing but positive feedback from parents. Does he think we don't talk to one another!!\ I have to add that some of his ideas are good <em>edited by Betti on 20/05/2013</em>
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 March 2013 - 13:56
Gentle bump
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 January 2013 - 22:19
Took me 3 hours to get from The Villa to Silicon Oasis (usually a 10 min drive). It makes my blood boil that everyone starts driving in the sand to overtake the jam then make the jam worse by trying to join the road again further up!!! STOP BEING SO SELFISH !!!!
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 January 2013 - 20:43
The Music Box in Silicon Oasis are amazing. Would definitely recommend them.
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 January 2013 - 22:38
Can anyone confirm whether next wednesday evening is dry as was planning a girls night.
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 January 2013 - 11:47
Oh OK. Can anyone recommend a clinic then?
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 December 2012 - 10:21
Lakeland do them.
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 December 2012 - 17:16
Camera, clothes, books, shoes, dvd
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 November 2012 - 20:03
My daughter is the same, it's hard isn't it...! she got some lovely glittery ballet pumps from Iconic last week (seen similar pair in Kurt Geiger for almost 10x the price!)...so may be worth having a look in there as they had lots of other styles... Thanks Mrs M, where is Iconic?
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 November 2012 - 11:05
Thanks ladies. Have tried all these places.Most of them have huge towering heels that even I would struggle to walk in and although my daughter would die for shoes like this, she's not having them!!! Anywhere else?
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 November 2012 - 15:58
not tried yet but burning coffee powder is supposed to help. Shakepeare's at the Ranches does it. Do you know if this is used coffee or fresh or shouldn't it make a difference. thanks
 
 
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