simpleasabc | ExpatWoman.com
 

simpleasabc

simpleasabc
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Latest post on 16 April 2012 - 09:58
ASD's calendar still lists September 2nd as the first day of the 2012 academic year, finishing on June 13, 2013. Exactly how it's normally scheduled in the US. My daughter's school hasn't changed their academic calendar for 2012-2013 yet, but they're still on holiday and the announcement was only made yesterday, so I would expect it to change shortly. I think what this chap says makes a lot of sense (quoted from today's Gulf News): Quote: Raymi van der Spek, executive director of University of Wollongong in Dubai not in favour of unifying holidays. He said the institution did not receive any official document from the MOHESR recently. However a request was sent by the MOHESR's Commission for Academic Accreditation to universities at the beginning of the year to change their holiday and spring semester dates he said. "It will be extraordinarily difficult for private universities to do this because there are universities that align themselves to the parent campus in terms of delivery of the curriculum." He added that the decision will greatly affect those schools and universities that offer an international curriculum. "When it comes to school exams, for the International Baccalaureate or the ICSEs (Indian Certificate of Secondary Education) or the GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education), they have exams across the world at the same time. "You cannot have an international curriculum with a local time frame," Van der Spek said. Unquote. If the Indian curriculum schools are exempt from this alignment because their academic year begins in April, I wonder if international schools could also be exempt because of having to comply with external exam dates?
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 16 April 2012 - 09:37
So now: Semester One: 15 weeks (105 days) [b'>End of year holidays: 4 weeks (28 days)[/b'> Semester Two: 12 weeks (84 days) Mid year holidays: 2 weeks (14 days) Semester Three: 12 weeks (84 days) Summer break: 9 weeks (63 days) ... or there abouts, I must be a week or so off as my days are tallying up to 378, with 273 days academic terms v 105 non academic term. It's 21 days December to January, not 28 days, I think that's where your extra week has gone :)
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 15 April 2012 - 23:19
I really do think 3 weeks in December is unreasonably long for those who have to take the IB Diploma in May and who won't be going to school for at least a month after their exams have finished. edited by simpleasabc on 15/04/2012 maybe, but if they are at IB Diploma level, shouldn't they be studying during the holidays anyway? The Scottish Highers are in May - and we had 4 weeks each at Christmas and Easter. Those only doing highers and not also A levels got to go on an outward bound sort of thing after the exams... maybe their parents should have complained and insisted the terms were changed instead? Of course they should be working during school hols but they also still need a lot of course teaching at that stage. Usually teaching stops mid-April, this way they're losing out on a lot of teaching which has probably already been programmed for a different academic calendar.
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 15 April 2012 - 22:37
That's a shame, given that important external exams take place in May and June, it seems wrong to extend the New Year holidays and then extend the summer term to July. Not enough preparation time for students taking important exams. the term dates look pretty close to the ones I had in the couple of years I was at boarding school (though the Christmas and Easter holidays were both longer), and we managed with May/June exams.... And I am sure that English state schools in those days all had terms running on into July - we in Scotland finished at the end of June, and there were a couple of weeks difference (we had to go back mid August though). I really do think 3 weeks in December is unreasonably long for those who have to take the IB Diploma in May and who won't be going to school for at least a month after their exams have finished. <em>edited by simpleasabc on 15/04/2012</em>
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 15 April 2012 - 22:08
He has a huge sense of his own importance.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 April 2012 - 22:07
That's a shame, given that important external exams take place in May and June, it seems wrong to extend the New Year holidays and then extend the summer term to July. Not enough preparation time for students taking important exams.
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 15 April 2012 - 21:05
Do you mean Sept 2012 or Sept 2013? My daughter's school is showing return to school on 6th Sept 2012, holidays 26th to 31st Oct inclusive, 21st Dec 2012 to 5th Jan 2013 inclusive, other hols as well, then end of year 28th June. I hope it stays that way!
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 15 April 2012 - 16:07
could you not make a romantic picnic? I could, but don't really like sand in me sarnies :) (There is supposed to be a smiley emoticon there but I can't get it to work. Nor do my full stops show up, for some reason. Unless they're non-emoticons too..) If I had access to a Fortnum's hamper and a proper picnic table and chairs, it would be different!
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 15 April 2012 - 15:47
Just looking that one up, Polly, let's see if it's more affordable for us -:)
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 15 April 2012 - 15:46
Thanks, Kelly - gosh, that looks fantastic but I think it's way beyond our budget - I'll just sit and look at the pictures and dream about it..
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 April 2012 - 15:05
Great, thanks, OT, it seems Google Translate it is!
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 April 2012 - 14:59
Is Google translate good enough? Does any Arabic speaker/writer recognize this name: ايزابيل please?
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 April 2012 - 14:54
We are looking for a car service (not Dubai Taxi) that will provide transportation to/from the Dubai Airport for business travel - which can be scheduled in advance. Marhaba only provides the service if you book their Meet & Greet - so paying for 2 services but only need one. Can anyone recommend a service that you have been happy with? TIA Some airlines offer a limo service to and from the airport with a business class ticket.
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 15 April 2012 - 14:52
Thanks, Monkey Face, I'll look out for them. Don't think I know Al Liali. Would places in the Gold & Diamond Park do them, do you think?
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 April 2012 - 14:49
Arabic name necklaces. Where can you find those, AB? I don't think I've ever seen them.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 April 2012 - 14:43
At the time we researched this, a couple of years ago, we found out that Toyota Prados are the ones which retain their value best, even when bought second-hand in the first place (IYSWIM). We couldn't afford one, even second-hand, so I have a Ford Explorer on which we hope not to make too great a loss when we leave, unless of course I do major damage to the bodywork when parking..
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 15 April 2012 - 11:24
What's the point of hiring via an agency, if you have to stay involved in these things? She is their responsibility, let them handle it instead of you doing the "dirty work" for them. That's what you are paying them for anyway. If you had wanted to be involved in cases like this, you wouldn't have gone through all the extra expenses an agency brings. yes, part of my definitely feels this way. I know DH is annoyed with the extra work that this has all brought. But as someone else has stated, maybe the agency feels that the police won't follow it up if you, as the victim of the crime, don't report it yourself - otherwise, if the agency reports it, it's only hearsay and the maid can say they're lying about her because they have it in for her. <em>edited by simpleasabc on 15/04/2012</em>
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 15 April 2012 - 10:55
From what I've gathered on here, JAPS (Jebel Ali Primary School, Feefmick, DBS is Dubai British School) has an excellent reputation for primary education, but unfortunately, doesn't provide secondary schooling, though I think it may act as a "feeder" school for a couple of the more "desirable" British Curriculum schools - you'd need to find out from people whose children have gone from JAPS to a secondary school here. So, it possibly depends on how old your daughter is and whether you will still be here for her secondary education. For what it's worth, given the choice, I'd take JAPS over DBS any day, but that's just me.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 April 2012 - 09:54
Yeah, NiP, you really needed that good news. Things are looking up a little bit, then. Phew.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 April 2012 - 09:53
I thought chickenpox was contagious during the incubation period, rather than after the spots showed? Or maybe it's during incubation period and for 15 days after? Best to ask a doctor and then see with the airline.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 April 2012 - 23:32
Yes! If much of your enjoyment of being here is going to involve camping off road, then start off with an off road vehicle! Buy a second hand one, you can get great bargains at auction or from Ras al Khor or even one of the distributors who sell used cars still under warranty! Enjoy!
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 April 2012 - 15:23
You can manage your booking and book a wheelchair online with BA, too, SK :)
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 April 2012 - 11:55
Hi, there! Just to say congratulations on your pregnancy and you might get more help/advice if you post in the pregnancy section of the forum.
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 12 April 2012 - 14:21
actually the blueberries were about 14 or 15dhs and at spinneys the same blueberries are 27 dhs. for the same type and weight and from the same country? And also sour and bitter?
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 12 April 2012 - 14:14
Is this legal here, though?
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 12 April 2012 - 09:06
I can't help you with practicalities, but just to say I believe you have a better chance if there is actually a job in place. When my brother and his family emigrated from London to Vancouver, they had to spend months of preparation, medical tests and visits to the Embassy before they could go. Perhaps your husband could take up the job with the LMO visa pending? Won't the new company help him with the visa? Could their HR department not advise him in the first instance, at least?
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 12 April 2012 - 08:58
I think there might even be a kids' club which arranges activities like drawing and painting and mini-golf as well as swimming. There's also a children's playground and peacocks, if I remember rightly :)
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 11 April 2012 - 18:10
If you know where you will be living and which nursery you want her to go to, why don't you contact them now to find out the procedure?
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 11 April 2012 - 18:08
A school-teacher friend of ours always says there is more good than harm done if you take children out of school to travel to new places with you, as they are still getting an education, though not through formal book-learning. Obviously, this doesn't apply to children in external exam years, so up till the age of 15 or 16 is fine. Does your DH not understand that it is people like him who cause your son to become ill by allowing their own sick children to go to school and spread their germs? It's extremely selfish, if nothing else.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 11 April 2012 - 18:02
I'm afraid I don't know, but I understand Banana has a neighbour who might oblige. ;)
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 11 April 2012 - 17:59
This may be helpful: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education_in_England
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 11 April 2012 - 17:55
When you say public schools, do you mean state or private schools? I think the procedures would be different for each. As far as I know, your child is entitled to go the the nearest state school to where you live, so many people try to live in an area close to a well-known good state school. Private schools will have admissions procedures and waiting lists, I should imagine.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 11 April 2012 - 12:07
And Welcome from me, too, also, as well :)
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 11 April 2012 - 12:04
I'm sorry I can't help you with skin care nor doctors. Just wanted to thank you for the update and say how glad I am for you that your D***Head has gone to SF for the mo and is leaving you to sort yourself out. Please, make sure you are settled in your own apartment before he returns. Are your parents still not seeing things from your point of view, at all?
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 11 April 2012 - 09:22
SkyKitty, your posts reminded me of a story my husband told when he was employed by a private aircraft company. It's probably apocryphal, but apparently, one of the stewardesses got really fed up with a high-handed male passenger who was full of self-importance and who kept ordering her to get him stuff in a very unpleasant fashion, treating her like dirt. In the end, she handed him his umpteenth glass of water and asked "What's the magic word?", to which he replied "Abracadabra". <em>edited by simpleasabc on 11/04/2012</em>
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 10 April 2012 - 09:47
Look it is up to you how long you leave it to take your child to a doctor....but on a public forum then you expect others not to agree with you or comment . If it were my cats, I would have them at the vet after one day but then I am super cautious. NiP's daughter was taken to the doctor on Day 4 (having had a day in between when she seemed back to her usual self) and despite treatment, the poor child is still suffering from the ear and throat infection diagnosed by the doctor.
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 09 April 2012 - 11:39
Give us a clue?
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 09 April 2012 - 10:19
I just got my 18yr old DS to look at the the Du website. He said it looks like they don't have any download limits. Is that true? That would be wonderful. Fingers crossed:) Theres no download limits in Dubai. Only internet speed limits. Because of the buffering, it can sometimes take me double the time to watch a streaming tv prog than its actual length and we've got the second broadest band poss with Du (who told us there was no point getting the widest band as that width is not actually provided).
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 08 April 2012 - 10:58
My husband went snorkelling at the Flag beach Which one's the Flag beach? :) Oh, I thought everyone knew that? (I don't, I couldn't find it!) You know the Emirates flag at the end of the Beach Road in Al Bada'a? Apparently, it's behind there, somewhere.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 08 April 2012 - 10:39
Thanks for the wishes, GM. No need to postpone the rain dance, it was raining in Al Barsha 10 minutes ago..
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 08 April 2012 - 10:29
Thanks for the update, AA. My thoughts are with Sami and her little girl.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 08 April 2012 - 10:27
My husband went snorkelling at the Flag beach the other week and said there were loads of tiny jellyfish around. He reckoned that because they were babies, they didn't sting, but I've no idea how accurate that is :)
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 08 April 2012 - 10:26
How's your DD today, NiP? Has her little bro caught it? Hope your two are all right soon, Purple.
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 08 April 2012 - 10:24
Baker & Spice does delicious organic food, though it's still not necessarily low calorie and is very expensive. Their 4 salads offering is gorgeous but I shouldn't think they're any use for weight loss, particularly as they serve up such lovely organic bread on the side..
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 08 April 2012 - 10:13
Thank you, Amelia, sorry you're missing your son today and congratulations to you, too, on being his mother :)
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 08 April 2012 - 10:09
Thanks, Nip. There was a ray of sunshine in our garden just a second ago, so maybe it'll be nice for Brunch later on (all these places doing a Sunday Brunch today - makes me feel so special ;) ) Happy Easter, everyone who celebrates it :) Can't believe I got asterisked without even trying :)
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 08 April 2012 - 10:05
I'm never happy when it's cloudy here, but am particularly ****** off with it happening on my birthday :(
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 06 April 2012 - 09:49
Last time I looked, travelling on Sunday 8th was not too bad, even on direct flights with Virgin Atlantic. It might depend on your flexibility on the return date, as well. Have you checked out www.momondo.com?
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 06 April 2012 - 08:08
Thanks, that was fun :)
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 06 April 2012 - 07:59
Hi, Claire, you're up amazingly early in England, or are you visiting here?
 
 
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