goodytwoshoes | ExpatWoman.com
 

goodytwoshoes

goodytwoshoes
43
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Latest post on 29 April 2016 - 10:11
N2016 You are welcome. It's a very difficult decision to make from afar! But having all your children in one school is a big advantage - and yours are luckily the right age group! I also have children in the Junior school and would recommend the school as a whole without hesitation. You will also possibly find some negative stuff being said about the school (and some seem pretty fired up about it!) - all I guess before our time here - and with a school of this size, that grew quickly, and in this region with a range of expectations of what a school should deliver, it was never going to please every student and every set of parents. I feel it has been through it's 'teething period' and it is delivering a good education to my children. The IB Programme has been showing better and better results year on year and they seem very committed to this trend continuing. As regards 'compounds' - I presume you mean housing developments :-). Villa developments close by would be Silicon Oasis (look at Cedre Villas) , The Villa, Falcon City, Al Barari and Arabian Ranches or Victory Heights also not a long commute. Mirdif in the other direction also not far and has more standalone villas. goodytwoshoes - would be interested to know - how heavily is technology integrated into your daughter's daily learning? is she still taking notes in a notebook? writing things out? is homework done on paper or online? do you know anything regarding the older kids in this matter? maybe i'm old school, but i've noticed much to my dismay that kids here are doing all/most of their work on laptops and tablets. while this is okay for some, it's not something i'd prefer, or at least i'd like as little of it as possible, and more emphasis on pen and paper. maybe i'm crazy? beeniedubai - I don't think it's integrated a lot in her daily learning. She still takes notes in a notebook, she still writes most of her homework exercises. Some are done online on programs like myimaths but mostly she writes. Unless it's a technology related subject such as ICT of course. She doesn't bring a laptop or tablet to school. Some things, like projects, she will write or draw, or sometimes, as a personal preference, prepare on Powerpoint. She has a revision folder that she's using at the moment and it's all hand taken notes. Not sure about the older kids, am sure it's throughout the school though. Hope this helps.
goodytwoshoes
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 April 2016 - 10:02
Thank you, wish I had known earlier - after trawling the malls I found some in Max and H&M if anyone else is looking!
goodytwoshoes
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 April 2016 - 22:21
N2016 You are welcome. It's a very difficult decision to make from afar! But having all your children in one school is a big advantage - and yours are luckily the right age group! I also have children in the Junior school and would recommend the school as a whole without hesitation. You will also possibly find some negative stuff being said about the school (and some seem pretty fired up about it!) - all I guess before our time here - and with a school of this size, that grew quickly, and in this region with a range of expectations of what a school should deliver, it was never going to please every student and every set of parents. I feel it has been through it's 'teething period' and it is delivering a good education to my children. The IB Programme has been showing better and better results year on year and they seem very committed to this trend continuing. As regards 'compounds' - I presume you mean housing developments :-). Villa developments close by would be Silicon Oasis (look at Cedre Villas) , The Villa, Falcon City, Al Barari and Arabian Ranches or Victory Heights also not a long commute. Mirdif in the other direction also not far and has more standalone villas.
goodytwoshoes
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 April 2016 - 10:42
I have a daughter in Repton Secondary School. She started in Year 7 last year and is settled and happy there. As parents, we have had no negative issues at all with the school, she is thriving academically and has great supportive teachers who seem to really take an interest and know her. Sport is competitive. One negative, I would say that the after school activity programme could be more varied and include sport for the children who have an interest, but might not necessarily make the squads! If you have any questions you would like to ask, I would be happy to answer. What Year Group are you looking at?
goodytwoshoes
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 March 2016 - 17:21
Hi Zdubai Thank you. I have learnt something about the visa. My husband was working then in Cape Town thus a permanent visa, so I thought tourist visas still applies and is straightforward. The only thing I noticed from UK is that from 1stJune 2015, all parents travelling with children, under 18 years of age to/from South Africa must produce an unabridged birth certificate for each child which shows details/names of both parents of the child. Hi debliz Arh, thank you for confirming the whale season. I thought it was from September to December. Yes, everywhere you go there are festivals. Too many wine estates. In Fairview, Paarl, there is also cheese and wine pairing. bye: Believed the cancelled the birth certificate requirement because tourism to South Africa came to an abrupt halt and many, many people were being rejected at immigration and sent home. Can you tell me where you got this information from? Seems from the South African Department of Home Affairs and SA Airways websites this requirement is still in place? Am travelling there soon with kids and will bring the birth certificates anyway, but can't find this written anywhere. Thanks.:confused: Hi goodytwoshoes I am so sorry I should have given out this link with my message. www.dha.gov.za It gives you all the details. Didn't mean to frighten you. :( Thanks gunpowder13 - you didn't frighten me as I was aware of the new requirements. I was asking sheikhandbake because she said she 'believed they had cancelled the requirement because tourism to SA came to an abrupt halt'. But this is not supported by any of the SA government websites. I was wondering where she got that information from because it is misleading and could put future travellers with children in a position where they are turned around at the airport like the story you have mentioned!!!
goodytwoshoes
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 March 2016 - 10:23
Hi Zdubai Thank you. I have learnt something about the visa. My husband was working then in Cape Town thus a permanent visa, so I thought tourist visas still applies and is straightforward. The only thing I noticed from UK is that from 1stJune 2015, all parents travelling with children, under 18 years of age to/from South Africa must produce an unabridged birth certificate for each child which shows details/names of both parents of the child. Hi debliz Arh, thank you for confirming the whale season. I thought it was from September to December. Yes, everywhere you go there are festivals. Too many wine estates. In Fairview, Paarl, there is also cheese and wine pairing. bye: Believed the cancelled the birth certificate requirement because tourism to South Africa came to an abrupt halt and many, many people were being rejected at immigration and sent home. Can you tell me where you got this information from? Seems from the South African Department of Home Affairs and SA Airways websites this requirement is still in place? Am travelling there soon with kids and will bring the birth certificates anyway, but can't find this written anywhere. Thanks.:confused:
goodytwoshoes
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 November 2015 - 10:04
I have a girl doing the same grade. As the exams here take place annually in March/April she may not be able to cover the whole syllabus in time for this year's exams - but I can recommend Step Up Academy in Motor City. They do all the grades and have excellent teachers. She would need to do 2 classes a week minimum if she wants to do exams.
goodytwoshoes
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 November 2015 - 19:27
Are there any ladies art classes on Mondays or Wednesdays in Dubai other than at Ductac. Im looking for a group who get together to paint on a regular basis. Ask on the Arabian Ranches Ladies Group page - they are connected to someone in the area that teaches a group on a Wednesday. arabianranchesladies dot com
goodytwoshoes
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 November 2015 - 19:22
Lots of ballet schools here - was your daughter doing grade exams ISTD or RAD? If so what grade does she want to continue with? Also what part of Dubai are you living in?
goodytwoshoes
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 May 2015 - 09:09
How old is your child and how academically focused are they? I was in a similar position last year and my children did the assessments for Repton and a Gems school through their own school at home who coordinated it with the Registrar there. Do the tour, don't do the assessment yet and don't rush your decision. If financially it is difficult for you and you find you are happy with the other schools that you have seen, then make your decision on the that basis. But try to see all the schools would be my advice and then decide which fits best with both your budget and your child's needs.
goodytwoshoes
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 May 2015 - 16:10
Try the Radisson Blu Farnham Estate in Co. Cavan - it's not far off your route and though I can't personally recommend, I have friends who have stayed and said it's lovely! Enjoy your trip to the Emerald Isle :-)
goodytwoshoes
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 May 2015 - 11:51
Maybe something to do with a case taken by three maids against UAE ambassador regarding mistreatment and pay in Ireland and their rights under Irish law? Absconders may be more frequent and this is the Irish Governments way of dealing with it? Here's the article http://www.arabianbusiness.com/uae-recalls-irish-ambassador-amid-staff-mistreatment-claims-573425.html
goodytwoshoes
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 December 2014 - 17:39
Thanks everyone for all your comments. goodytwoshoes, thanks for your comments, just wondering did you happen to look at any other schools before deciding on Repton? If so are you able to share? Was also wondering what the views are about Nord Anglia, does anyone have anything to share about the school so far? I'm only interested in the senior school division. Many thanks. I did look at other schools, but my criteria included one campus for both my kids. I hadn't much choice at short notice (only found out late May/early June of our imminent move) so with availability of places in the relevant year groups had it narrowed down to four schools, two of which were new schools and two more established including Repton and a GEMS school. I had experience of a new school in another country in the region and I saw first hand all the teething problems that come with start-ups (and there were a lot!) and therefore decided that - particularly not wanting to take that chance with senior school - to choose Repton for both kids. It seemed more organised and structured and I was given part of my tour by a Yr 7 student who was confident, friendly and happy in the school. I really can't find any cause for complaint since September, my child is happy (and given that this child did not want to move from their old school, it was both a relief and an achievement) , the school is organised, the teachers come across as invested and interested. Hope this helps!!
goodytwoshoes
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 December 2014 - 20:48
Hi King123. I am also new to Dubai and chose Repton for both my kids. I have one in Senior (Yr 7) and one in the junior school. We moved from another British Curriculum School in the GCC and we are very happy with our choice in Repton after our first term there. In particular, the Senior School has been supportive both pastorally and academically and our child is happy and settled, playing sport, doing drama, music and dance. I have found the staff professional, friendly and interested. I hope this helps because I too had some doubts as it was hard to find comments from actual current parents.
goodytwoshoes
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 September 2014 - 12:54
Many thanks for your replies - yes the shipment is through an agency -hopefully it will be within 5 days or it's camping for us!
goodytwoshoes
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 September 2014 - 20:36
It was with one of the major removal companies if that makes any difference? Do companies usually get faster clearance? TIA
goodytwoshoes
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 September 2014 - 19:04
Hi klaraleva - not a huge amount of help I'm afraid as we are no longer in Doha. I did ask my husband again and he says the 10-15 years experience is a government requirement for staff on projects they are involved in (which are in the majority in Qatar). He did say however, that maybe trying Mace (www.macegroup.com) might be a good one, as they also employ younger, less experienced applicants.
goodytwoshoes
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 September 2014 - 18:24
Hi Tinkerbell123. Don't know if this is any help but your question made me recall an ad that I saw in the Gulf Times on Thursday. It is for Equine Staff Opportunities in Dubai, UK and Australia with Godolphin. They are seeking applications at all levels for stable staff both riders and non-riders to work in any of the three destinations above. Riders must be under 63kgs. To express interest visit www.Godolphin.com to download an application form and send it to [email protected]. Hope this helps and good luck!
goodytwoshoes
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 September 2014 - 10:21
Hi. My husband works in construction and I know that many jobs will never be advertised through these channels. You need to try researching as many of the international project management companies who operate in Qatar such as Atkins, Hill International etc. who will all have their own websites with positions advertised. Applying directly is always better and my understanding is that they are always searching for people with experience. Best of luck with the search.
goodytwoshoes
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 July 2014 - 18:58
Hi JoyceB, I cannot offer any real advice but your daughter's story is similar to one of my friends. Eventually the outcome was, that my friends husband pushed her away so much that she did eventually find a life and happiness with another partner. Men find it harder than women to express their feelings and grief and with an upbringing like that, I hope he can work his way though it. If there is no way forward and she does want children though, she shouldn't wait until it's too late to find that happiness with someone else. Sad as it is, the reality is that some people are just too broken to be fixed? As her mother, I am sure you will guide her as best you can to make the right decisions for her. I wish you both luck and you are in my thoughts.
goodytwoshoes
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 July 2014 - 17:43
Maybe look at living in the Gharrafa area? Lots of compounds have good access to the D-ring/Al Shamal highway. Also Q-Bel Air compound further down D-Ring or Al Mesillah area (Al Mesilla Gardens Compound and there is a newer Beverley Hills there) You are right - one or other will have a trek but given that you may eventually get a place in ASD -not being quite as far out as Duhail/ISL might be better. I don't know anyone with kids that age group in ACS, it's a school I've never heard anything particularly negative about. Also new Gems American Academy opening up in September in Al Wakra might be an option?
goodytwoshoes
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 July 2014 - 02:26
Thanks ladies - that's great, gives me a starting point. Is there anything good bad or indifferent I need to know about Mirdif? Any places to avoid? Many thanks :-)
goodytwoshoes
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 July 2014 - 15:48
Any salon shampoo specifically for hairfall should help a bit - the Nioxin range is excellent. Also, if you buy a filter for your shower head it helps significantly in taking any chlorine or residues out of the water. I've used both and has helped a lot with my thin, highlighted hair.
goodytwoshoes
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 July 2014 - 15:41
Hello ladies! I hope someone can help with a question regarding best areas to live that are traffic convenient in the mornings for school in Nad Al Sheeba and for my husband's office in Sharjah? He won't always be office based so that is more flexible than the school journey for the kids. We will be looking for a family friendly area for a 3/4 bed villa with a budget of no more than 180-185k. We are only moving end of August so just looking for areas that will be most convenient to start my search for accommodation from! Thanks in advance!
goodytwoshoes
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 June 2014 - 22:42
Thanks! I sent you an email, if you want to take down your address now :-)
goodytwoshoes
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 May 2014 - 16:22
Thank you ladies. I was hoping to keep them together in one campus if I could? How about Repton, any opinions? I do accept that these are individual opinions but it would be helpful to get both positive and negative feedback if possible. DESC and DESS do not have places in the relevant year groups, JESS are not accepting applications. Kings only in their new campus. I am a little reluctant to try a new school start up as I have seen the teething problems that go with this in their current school. Many thanks :-)
goodytwoshoes
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 May 2014 - 14:24
Hi DizzyDuck - can I ask where your son goes now? I am a newbie coming from British System and have 2 bright athletic kids Yrs 3 and 7 and am trying to get together a shortlist of schools for a September start. Was thinking of GWSO but your comments have made me think twice. Any advice gratefully received!
goodytwoshoes
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 May 2014 - 18:31
Hi there. You won't find a compound that's very close to Sherborne School and not that many options with your budget I'm afraid. Try Al Rehab in Gharaffa, or some of the smaller Al Waab compounds like Villa D'Este. Also try Colosseum Village in Muaither, they are all drivable to Sherborne. If you can extend your budget, you could try Al Fardan 2 or 5, or Beverley Hills Al Rayyan.
goodytwoshoes
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 February 2014 - 14:25
Thanks ladies. Boots Soltan is one of the ones that she reacts to, but it's been a few years since we've tried so maybe we can try again. ROC Minesol works for her, but haven't seen it here, if anyone does, please add a reply here! :-) Thanks!
goodytwoshoes
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 February 2014 - 16:19
A friend of mine moved to this compound recently, she's extremely happy with the place. She says management and maintenance is good, compound is quiet. A lot of Indian families living there as it was solely a RazGas compound until they released 30 or so villas recently, but more other nationalities moving in now. I visited and was impressed. She also has kids and they play out happily. Hope this helps! <em>edited by goodytwoshoes on 22/02/2014</em>
goodytwoshoes
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 October 2013 - 11:23
Wishing you and all the kitties lots of luck in finding their new homes. It's such a difficult one in Doha, there are so many cats and kittens, everywhere. Hope you find a place for each of yours :-)
goodytwoshoes
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 October 2013 - 14:23
Have you tried posting on the various Facebook pages - Cats in Qatar, Qatar Veterinary Centre, a lady called Al Mannai Sam (search her on FB) and ask for their help? It's my best suggestion as we would love to foster a cat but sadly my kids are highly allergic to them so we can't have one indoors, and we have many feral outdoor cats which we already look after! Good luck I hope you find them homes!
goodytwoshoes
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 October 2013 - 12:13
Many thanks for your reply. Is there a 'good time' to go the waterparks? For example Friday morning here is a good time to go but the afternoon is really busy?
goodytwoshoes
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 October 2013 - 10:49
Hello there! I am over from the Qatar board and my family (2 adults 2 kids) and I are visiting Dubai for the first time over the Eid break. I was wondering if anyone could tell me if it is worth my while buying one of the Kids Dubai Entertainer books for activities such as Wild Wadi and other family entertainment during this time? Are the vouchers 2 for 1? Are they valid during Eid? Would really appreciate anyone's input! Many thanks! :-)
goodytwoshoes
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 April 2013 - 23:41
I would say from Al Fardan Gardens 2 would take 30-40 to Sherborne and I would definitely think Beverley Hill Al Raayan is an easier journey, particularly if you are doing it twice or sometimes three times a day depending on after school activities etc. The neighbourhood there isn't really that bad? It's pretty central for reaching most main routes and there seems to be quite a few families from the school based there. The back routes will become more apparent, ask a friendly face at the school when you get here and follow them once or twice, everyone is quite helpful. You'll soon fall into a routine and get used to Doha! ;)
goodytwoshoes
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 April 2013 - 23:27
Any updates anyone?
goodytwoshoes
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 December 2012 - 21:41
Hi marycatherine, I am also a firm YonKa fan and I have yet to locate them in Doha. I have a US website that will post them here though and it's reasonable if that is any help to you? If you do find somewhere - please share!!
goodytwoshoes
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 October 2012 - 00:09
Still not clear, I am almost afraid to go and get the kids hopes up! No picnics at all? Really??? I am already past the point where I just want to go and live somewhere normal but this really is the final straw.............
goodytwoshoes
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 April 2012 - 18:52
Thanks for the contact details - will give anything a try - once! Update: I called for an appointment, but they only have availability next month! Not much good for back pain relief today.......but maybe a sign that he's a good acupuncturist if you can wait? <em>edited by goodytwoshoes on 12/04/2012</em>
goodytwoshoes
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 April 2012 - 18:43
Hi Minegirl, I think you would get work here without a problem and that you could potentially earn more than your husband. Specialists are always sought after in the English speaking community but I would defer to others who may know better in your field of work. His salary alone is enough to have an okay life here - a decent compound villa is going to cost you from QR18,000 - 25,000 depending on what level of comfort you are looking for. In the better schools, fees will cost roughly QR3,500 per child per month but you will have 60% of this allowed for. With a two year old you will have to decide about child care. There are a few nurseries or many opt for a Nanny/maid. Extra outside school activities are expensive here, if your children want to do for example horseriding, swimming, sailing etc. these activities tend to cost more than you would pay elsewhere. If you have no commitments elsewhere (e.g. a mortgage to pay in UK) you can have a comfortable but not extravagant life here on your husbands salary alone.:)
goodytwoshoes
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 April 2012 - 16:39
Hi there. Also a good choice and price range from Jarir Bookstore. We got lots of helpful advice from the staff there as regards features and what we actually needed it for and they didn't push one model over another, also give a full warranty!
goodytwoshoes
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 April 2012 - 18:05
Thanks so much all - AXA even have a facility for online quotes! Job done!
goodytwoshoes
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 April 2012 - 11:44
Hi there, could any body recommend a car insurance company? We need to change 2 second hand cars from third party to comprehensive cover and I am not quite sure how to go about it? If any one can help I'd appreciate it! Many thanks in advance.
 
 
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