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plum2

plum2
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Latest post on 24 February 2014 - 16:11
The problem will be getting schools to understand that just because a child can't speak well or particularly clearly doesn't necessarily mean that they are not ready for school. Kids First have speech therapists that go into many different schools and offer services. Maybe contact them for advice.
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Latest post on 24 February 2014 - 15:21
Sakhifa I clicked on your link but there is no thread there. :(
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Latest post on 24 February 2014 - 15:17
A friend who had to leave suddenly due to medical issues is coming back for a few days to pack up their apartment and cancel everything. Im sure I remember a leaving checklist in a thread on EW but can't find it now. Did anyone keep a copy? TIA
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Latest post on 24 February 2014 - 15:14
How old are your kids and where do you work/live? <em>edited by plum2 on 24/02/2014</em>
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Latest post on 24 February 2014 - 13:36
I have used the Circuit Factory. Yes, there are some very fit people there but there are also lots who just want to lose weight like you. It is not a judgemental group at all, on the contrary it is a very supportive group via the FB group. Look at www.circuitfactory.ae There are a few people who were very overweight who have done amazingly well. You will see the before and after pics on the website. To start with it is hard but you just do what you can and take breaks when you need to. Your first class is always free. Give it a go. They have classes in Al Quoz, Meadows and Mirdif.
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Latest post on 24 February 2014 - 13:29
Yes, I heard it too. She was found in the car park. Not quite sure how they knew she had fallen from the third floor. She was apparently suffereing from depression it said.
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Latest post on 24 February 2014 - 12:01
Presumably he is working with a speech-language therapist. Can he/she not advise you regarding schools? Having limited speech should not mean that he is not accepted by mainstream schools if his cognitive skills are OK. Maybe you need an assessment by an Educational psychologist to support this fact. There are a lot of new schools opening in September and it is always a lot easier to find a school place with new schools. They just need students initially.
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Latest post on 23 February 2014 - 15:16
You can always ask the school to keep your child with 3-4 of her best friends if they shuffle the classes around. Yes, most schools follow this practise.
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Latest post on 22 February 2014 - 22:22
No, it varies from school to school. Edited to add: it is a transient population. My DD has had 3 of her best friends leave Adubai over the years. It's never easy. <em>edited by plum2 on 22/02/2014</em>
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Latest post on 22 February 2014 - 21:40
Hi. I'm at work all day and no one home sorry. Can you email me and maybe I can pick it up early evening? Thanks <em>edited by plum2 on 23/02/2014</em>
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Latest post on 22 February 2014 - 18:42
She would be in FS2 (called Reception) in a British School. I think you would find a place for the rest of this year.
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Latest post on 22 February 2014 - 18:39
Yes Plum2, I have given to them before and more than happy to do so again. Is there anything in particular that they find easier to sell or is it all stuff welcome? I have emailed the other contact but I have lots of stuff so am happy to split if need be. I am in Saheel :-) Hi I'm in Saheel too :) I think they welcome any donations. Let me know if you want me to collect anything. I see one of the staff from there on Monday evenings so can hand it over easily.
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Latest post on 22 February 2014 - 18:37
Repton senior management do car park duty.
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Latest post on 22 February 2014 - 18:35
Where do you live? I use a great hairdresser at a small hair salon in Mirdif and pay a lot less than that. Try Suzanne 050 5796954 <em>edited by plum2 on 22/02/2014</em>
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Latest post on 22 February 2014 - 14:46
Or the Rashid Paediatric Therapy Centre, a not for profit school for children with special needs. It is between Lulus and MOE. If you happen to live in AR or close by I am happy to collect it for them.
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Latest post on 21 February 2014 - 23:47
I'm in Saheel which is 3 bedroom and up. I have a friend who lived in a Palmera 2 bed plus study for a while and that was nice. I think Al Reem may have some 2 bed ones too. It's a nice place to live.
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Latest post on 20 February 2014 - 17:56
Do you know where? I love Diana Krall :)
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Latest post on 20 February 2014 - 07:47
Millicent Grimm at the Gulf Eye Centre - Fairmont office tower. Highly recommended. <em>edited by plum2 on 20/02/2014</em>
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Latest post on 20 February 2014 - 07:44
We visited this place last night thanks to the recommendation. From the Sh Zayed bridge it is probably a few km. We thought we'd missed it. The signs say Eastern Mangroves. After the entrance, park in the carpark and walk through the first entrance (this is just before the Anantara hotel). It is a stunning location with huge decks right on the edge of the water. We went to Flooks seafood restaurant which was fabulous. We sat outside but even with the heaters it was too cold in the wind so we moved indoors. Wonderful food, licensed and very reasonable. There are several other restaurants there, a Carluccios, Peppertree (Indian) and a couple of others. Johnny Rockets not yet open. Definitely worth a visit.
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Latest post on 16 February 2014 - 07:30
The Mirdif CF classes are moving to Uptown School. Check the website for details www.circuitfactory.ae
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Latest post on 15 February 2014 - 08:58
There is a library run by volunteers at DUCTAC. It's called The Old Library. Www.the oldlibrary.ae They also have a FB page The old library in Dubai. It's not huge but they may have what you are looking for.
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Latest post on 14 February 2014 - 06:57
Hi. What a pain for you! The closest school to Repton would be the Gems Wellington School at Silicon Oasis. Make sure you find the right one as Gems helpfully has several Wellington Schools! There will be lots of school places come September but I guess you need something now. You could try Victory Heights Primary school (in Victory Heights). It is along Mohammed Bin Zayed Rd from Repton. There is also another Gems school called Bradenton in the VH/Motor City area which I think follows a US curriculum if you're interested in that. I am sure that your younger two not getting into Repton is just due to the differences in the primary syllabus they've been exposed to. British schools start reading and writing very early. I'm sure once they have been in a British School for a year or two you could reapply to Repton if you like it . For living areas Arabian Ranches and The Villa are both between these two areas. If you get your two into Gems WSO then you could look at living in Silcon Oasis which is just across the main Rd from Repton. Depending on where you get your younger two into school you might need to put your 12 year old on the bus but she would be fine. By the way there is a time limit set by KHDA about how long children can be out of school. If you have no options you could use K -12, an approved home schooling programme just for the third term and then look for a school place from Sept, which would give you more options. Best of luck!
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Latest post on 13 February 2014 - 18:46
The small study you mention in the Springs villas would certainly be bigger than many maid's rooms! You would have no problem finding a maid happy to live in it and use the downstairs bathroom.
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Latest post on 13 February 2014 - 14:35
Your donation would be greatly appreciated by the Rashid Paediatric Therapy Centre, a not-for-profit school for children with special needs between Lulus and MOE. What they don't use within the school they sell at their regular second-hand sales to make money for resources. 04 340 0005 if you happen to live in the Ranches or close by I am happy to collect and drop off for you. :)
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Latest post on 12 February 2014 - 21:13
I would say 50-60dhs an hour dependent on experience.
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Latest post on 11 February 2014 - 09:30
Love your posts DesertRose1958 :) Just been researching Jordans Eyes from another recent thread. It sounds really good.Thanks
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Latest post on 11 February 2014 - 08:17
Is this going in to FSI or FS2? I believe DESS are starting FS1 this September. FS1 is a very play based curriculum. Whilst they still get to play in FS2, there is a lot more structured academics with the introduction of reading writing and formal numeracy work. This is due to the National Curriculum and would be the same in all British Schools. <em>edited by plum2 on 11/02/2014</em>
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Latest post on 10 February 2014 - 17:40
Stephanie Hamilton takes great informal (not posed) shots. Take a look at her FB page : Nektar or www.nektar.ae She creates stunning photo books. You will see some samples on her FB page.
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Latest post on 10 February 2014 - 16:24
Is this for the border crossing through RAK? No problems with that one. You just need to make sure you have your car registration in the car and that your insurance is valid for Oman (or there is an office at the border where you can buy some). I think it is for the Dibba crossing you need to arrange it in advance.
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Latest post on 10 February 2014 - 16:01
Rashid Paediatric Therapy Centre (between Lulus and MOE) 04 340 0005
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Latest post on 10 February 2014 - 07:37
Hello ladies, Sorry for the late reply. According to the RERA calculator our rent increase should be 31k in 2015. The LL is asking for 40k for this spring when our contract expires but did not give us 90 days notice. Anyway they can't raise our rent until our 2 years is up so we should be safe for now. DH sent them a letter and we haven't gotten a response yet. HorizonMum2: I think we will be here until 2015 but will let u know if anything happens. 220 is a lot for sheikh ahmed villas! I remember when a 3 bedroom was 150k. Ugh.... let's see if these prices continue to rise. I'm pretty sure I remember reading somewhere that the 'no increase for the second year' rule that used to exist no longer does. <em>edited by plum2 on 10/02/2014</em>
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Latest post on 09 February 2014 - 17:21
As long as he has a UAE residence visa it is quite easy (assuming he has a British passport). He will need to have an eye test done at a UAE opticians (they all have the forms) and take this along with his UK licence and photocopy, passport and photocopy to any RTA office and they will do it. You can try taking passport photos or they may take your photo there. I can't remember.
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Latest post on 09 February 2014 - 16:46
There is a school called Widad Centre that follows many of these philosophies. It follows a US curriculum called Oakhills I think. It is in Jumeirah behind the Shangri-La hotel. Look at www.widadlearning.com I have visited it and thought it was really nice. It has an alternative feel. It comes under the ministry of social affairs rather than KHDA as it includes some students with special needs (they would be by far the minority of students).
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Latest post on 09 February 2014 - 16:41
For singing teachers try the Centre for Musical Arts at the Gold and Diamond Park. Jamie is excellent.
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Latest post on 08 February 2014 - 21:52
A new school is opening this September that will offer learning support and special education in addition to regular schooling. Its called The Oasis School and its in Umm Suqeim near Park&Shop. http://www.oasisschool.ae/ Oasis School is already open. It has evolved from what was the British Institute of Learning Development/St Andrews.
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Latest post on 08 February 2014 - 12:43
Assuming you've checked with the rental car company that you are allowed to take the rental car out of the country? Usually you need to show the car registration card. Not sure what you do with a rental. Have you asked the rental company about their insurance company? Maybe you can do it through them. Otherwise the insurance off ice right at the border is very quick.
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Latest post on 08 February 2014 - 12:40
We have used Renovo for a lot of jobs and just pay per job. I have been happy with their service.
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Latest post on 06 February 2014 - 19:34
If you head out past Arabian Ranches on the Al qudra Rd, towards Bab al Shams, you go over the By-pass Rd (611) and then at the second roundabout head left. I think it's the second one. There is a tar sealed Rd that goes for a few km. you can drive off road or park at the road side and walk to set up camp. There are quite a few natural bowls in the dunes that make good camping spots. You can't really escape the noise and light pollution of the by-pass but it's definitely camping in the dunes. <em>edited by plum2 on 06/02/2014</em>
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Latest post on 06 February 2014 - 16:03
Where do you want to fly to? I'm sure it was Pegasus that my son and a group of friends used to fly to Turkey in the summer. They had to change planes in Istanbul. Some of the luggage failed to make the transfer in both directions :(
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Latest post on 06 February 2014 - 15:38
I have a good friend who lives in JLT. She is in one of the last clusters (U?) and has a grocery store at the bottom of her building. There are loads of restaurants around the lake for eat-in or home delivery. There are plenty of salons too. There is a Carrefour Express as you enter JLT from the Emirates Golf Club end. The traffic used to be awful at peak times but has improved hugely as the new roading becomes finished. The park in the middle looks great and is almost finished. I think some towers are better than others but the finish in her building is of a high standard. HTH Lots of great info plum2 but the OP is asking about JVT not JLT ? LOL! It's the end of a long week spent fighting off a cold! Sorry!
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Latest post on 06 February 2014 - 14:29
I have a good friend who lives in JLT. She is in one of the last clusters (U?) and has a grocery store at the bottom of her building. There are loads of restaurants around the lake for eat-in or home delivery. There are plenty of salons too. There is a Carrefour Express as you enter JLT from the Emirates Golf Club end. The traffic used to be awful at peak times but has improved hugely as the new roading becomes finished. The park in the middle looks great and is almost finished. I think some towers are better than others but the finish in her building is of a high standard. HTH
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Latest post on 05 February 2014 - 14:52
Repton is open.
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Latest post on 05 February 2014 - 14:51
Dubai College is closed for years 7-9. Years 10-13 are encouraged to attend but school will close at 10.30am. I guess they will try to get the buses away before the race goes past!
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Latest post on 05 February 2014 - 08:27
When you have to collect children from school (if schools stay open) or meet children off school buses it is rather critical for people to work out whether they will actually be able to get there. You cannnot just 'wait and see what happens' if you are responsible for others. If I was a non-working mother I might choose to keep my children at home for the day but, as most employers are unlikely to give a day off, it could be a problem for many!
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Latest post on 05 February 2014 - 07:38
I've just done a passport renewal on line for a NZ passport and it was really easy. You even upload the photo electronically (that was a bit tricky to get it the right size etc) so no more rushing around getting someone to sign the photos. They take phone numbers of your referee so maybe they contact them directly. We shall see. They say 10 working days to process and then return by courier. I'll let you know how long it takes. Well it was processed in 8 days in NZ and is now on its way back. They send you courier tracking system so you can see exactly where it is. Great improvement on the old system! Hope the British system works as well.
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Latest post on 05 February 2014 - 07:36
Here are the numbers of two men I have used in the past. They are reliable, speak good English and can follow instructions. Sajjad 055 4788128 Taher 050 654 9237
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Latest post on 05 February 2014 - 07:32
I think just about every school has a Learning Support department (by many and varied names) these days. What age is your child?
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Latest post on 04 February 2014 - 17:35
Sorry, I should have made that clear. Yes, K 12 are a home schooling system altho I believe they also offer some classes on campus. They are recognised by KHDA though which is important for getting your son into school afterwards. You could also look at Cascade Learning Centre in JLT. I believe they also work with some children who are waiting to get into a school.
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Latest post on 03 February 2014 - 14:48
If you live in the Ranches or close by I have 2 you can borrow. Alternatively Ikea sell various types and one is quite cheap (that's the one I've got!).
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Latest post on 03 February 2014 - 13:40
Hi I think all schools do their own tests but for year 3 or 4 they would all look at reading (usually through reading comprehension), writing and maths. Someone else posted recently about going into KHDA, explaining the situation and getting an official letter giving approval to go into a year below their child's age. Might be worth a try. I also replied to your post on the Schools board.
 
 
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