ThirdCultureFamily | ExpatWoman.com
 

ThirdCultureFamily

ThirdCultureFamily
138
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 March 2015 - 12:57
It's like they came to my house and used it as an example for some of those... Oh the shame.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 March 2015 - 18:01
lol, there must be a Finance/School person on here who feels the need to give me a thumbs down for each of my comments. Maybe they are actually in agreement with you and are thumbing down the fact that your situation stinks. I think the thumbs up/down system can be misunderstood a lot. This comes up a lot on here... :P
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 March 2015 - 16:23
DS school asked for 10,000 either in cash or current dated check to be paid before 27 March. They sent us a letter mid feb, if we decide not to enrol him before the start of the academic year, AED 500 will be deducted from the amount and they will refund the remaining 9500 edited by wickedangel_78 on 18/03/2015 When you say current dated check, I'm assuming they are cashing it right away then? 10k...per child...that's a lot of money!
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 March 2015 - 16:20
I was going to add Kinokuniya as well. I've even bought a multi-faith/religion book there for the kids and it was a good one. Hope you find what you are looking for.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 March 2015 - 16:19
I was just on Twitter about that today. Yes, it's the norm for many schools. I agree with the practice, but wish the KHDA would streamline it so it was the same for all schools. We were asked at the end of February for the fee to be paid by mid-March. This gets credited against the next year's fees. It is refundable until end of April. I have been told this is a generous policy by many people ;).
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 March 2015 - 15:53
The one where they completely mispronounce Holborn. It should be this: http://www.howdoyousaythatword.com/word/holborn/ Also Carrefour, which should be roughly this, even if you don't speak French: http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=carrefour English pronunciations always throw me off. Like Worcestershire or Leicester. Just drop all those random letters already! (obviously tongue-in-cheek comment) As far as Carrefour, I used to say "Care-four" but gradually and naturally transitioned to say "Car-foor" without realizing it. While we are on the topic, I cringe every time someone drops the "u" and says "D'bai" -- many if not most of the radio presenters say that. So mine isn't a radio advert but the radio station interstitials like "D'bai 92" :music:
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 March 2015 - 14:39
I've used them to book a place for my dad in Turkey and my husband in Malta. It worked out well and both places were as advertised. I would definitely consider using the site again in the future.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 March 2015 - 12:19
Have you hard of Touchnote? Its an app that will create and send the card for you. $1.99 including postage. Think its touchnote.com You can create cards from computer, tablet or phone.. Yes, I was thinking of using them as well (price is definitely good). I tried to do a card to see how it would work but I couldn't get it to work with the language that I wanted. I also want my kids to physically write on the cards to add a bit more personalized touch to them. I think their [strike'>grandmother[/strike'> GREATgrandmother would really appreciate that. Thanks for the suggestion! <em>edited by ThirdCultureFamily on 16/03/2015</em>
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 March 2015 - 11:53
$100 for 50 postcards is amazing value. Do you know if the quality is good on Moo? I have never heard of them. They are supposed to be good, I haven't used them myself. I know of them because a woman I worked with recommended using them. She is a professional travel blogger and quite marketing/tech-savvy, so I generally trust her recommendation. The value is good and apparently you can do different photos on each card instead of the same photo printed 50 times. I was only hoping we had a similar local solution but looks like there isn't one. I think I'll go with Moo.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 March 2015 - 10:43
JESS AR without a doubt. Can I ask why?
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 March 2015 - 13:02
Do you send your child in these buses? Nope.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 March 2015 - 12:42
I think I know which nursery chain you mean. I had the same conversation with them but nobody got back to me. In the end we decided not to send DS there. We moved to an area with a nursery nearby and its just walking distance. Unbelievable! I cannot believe multiple people have mentioned it to them and it's still their policy. I tried (in vain) to find an RTA contact but no one would get back to me. I've emailed and tried to call. How irresponsible of this nursery chain. What made me even more angry was when I pointed out all the reasons why their policy was endangering children and sent them links to multiple car seat manufacturer's safety manuals (with references to the page numbers where the warning is written), all they could do was pass the buck. Kept referencing how they were following the RTA rules. Sometimes, "just following the rules" isn't good enough...especially when it comes to the safety of children! They should be going above and beyond. <em>edited by ThirdCultureFamily on 11/03/2015</em>
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 March 2015 - 12:38
There are tons of different ways to do this and you should do what fits for you. For me, I only shampoo my hair once every week or 2 weeks. In between, I will (as I need to) wash with hair conditioner. This is called "co-washing." I tried to go completely without using shampoo by using a baking soda concoction, but I didn't do it long enough. I'm happy with my current routine for several reasons: - Save water (I have long hair) - Minimize the amount of chemicals I put on my body - My scalp has more or less balanced itself because I'm not constantly stripping it of it's oils - My hair has more volume - Save money (less water, fewer hair products to buy, etc) Just wanted to add that the reason why I co-wash is because conditioner contains the same "cleaning" agents that shampoo has, just in lesser amounts. So this is a way to wash my hair with fewer chemicals (because I'm not doubling up on the cleaning agents). <em>edited by ThirdCultureFamily on 11/03/2015</em>
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 March 2015 - 12:18
Also, consider if your child needs to use a booster chair or not. If your school uses the minibus style, they should use booster seats BUT only if there is a 3-point harness seatbelt. If they use a booster seat w/ only a lap belt, that is incredibly dangerous and every single car seat manufacturer says it explicitly in their manuals. [b'>You must NEVER use a booster chair w/ a lap belt.[/b'> I've brought this issue up to the attention of a big nursery chain here, but they have yet to get back to me even though I have followed up with the manager. Their transportation policy is that booster seats are mandatory on their buses, but their buses aren't equipped for boosters. It's shocking that they haven't rectified it. I'm glad that they are passing on the right message of the importance of car seats/booster chairs, however even safety equipment used improperly can be dangerous. Which is exactly the case here.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 March 2015 - 14:19
Is there such thing as a waffle maker that isn't made from the teflon/non stick material? I don't use it for health reasons, we use ceramic or glass cookware. But I absolutely ADORE waffles and there are so many more things you can make with a waffle maker/iron.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 March 2015 - 13:37
Staying home. With my [strike'>feral[/strike'> exuberant children I always need a holiday to get over a holiday so sometimes it's easier just to stay home. Oh we feel that way, too! First world problems, eh?
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 March 2015 - 13:29
Does your school have counselors for primary? At my children's school, they are quite proactive in dealing with anxiety, bullying, shyness, new students, etc. If you have one, I suggest getting a meeting with her to discuss these issues so that she can help with an "intervention" between the kids. Sometimes an adult outside of the usual teachers can have a different impact. I also recommend seeing the counselor because he/she can often help the "victim" with strategies to build confidence and also get out of situations like this. My daughter has been on both sides of this type of situation and she really liked interacting with the counselor.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 March 2015 - 21:48
Thanks for your reply ladies. Funny enough, when I was thinking of what schools it could be, DESC was the only one that came to mind. I don't know 1 family that is unhappy with that school. Anyhow, good luck to the OP!
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 March 2015 - 18:37
I'm curious. When you say you have an alternative that is a better option, which schools would they be? My daughter is too young for all this and the landscape of education is likely to change by the time she is ready for secondary, but it is still interesting to know what alternatives are considered good for smart (but not necessarily uber-motivated or particularly artsy/sporty).
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 March 2015 - 09:59
Great idea about speaking directly with a manager. I think we'll do the same because it's just such a waste of money and space. Thanks Catawba KSE :)
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 March 2015 - 10:39
Thanks for all the detailed recommendations. Sounds like you really can't go wrong either way. About how long did you all stay there? Is 2 days enough...it is quite expensive considering we need 2 rooms or a 2-bedroom villa because we are a family of 5. Which always annoys me considering 2 of my 3 kids end up sleeping in the same bed with me and we basically money. Bleh! First world problems and all that. :(
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 March 2015 - 10:37
No problem. I wondered the same thing when I first sponsored a maid. Glad to help :)
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 March 2015 - 13:36
Hi Daquiri, yes there is a standard contract that the DNRD (immigration department) use when processing visas for maids/nannies. It includes basic rights and responsibilities of BOTH parties. I do not think any other contract is enforceable and/or would be accepted by DNRD. There isn't a copy available to download that I know of, but I can answer questions about what is says if you have any. Hope that helps.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 March 2015 - 11:37
They are all part of Anantara and they will shuttle you between the resorts for dinner etc. We stayed in the hotel resort itself and it's very good with children, as there is a kids club and a large pool. We have also stayed in the Al Yamm villas and they are amazing with private pool. ( Not all if I remember correctly, but there is one by the restaurant) only one restaurant there, a South African, but really good even the breakfast was better there than the main resort. You are staying in the park, so will see some animals around the villa! The Al Sahel are villas by the beach, didn't visit. Great feedback, thanks!
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 March 2015 - 11:36
So I will add the night zoo to my list. Is that part of the regular zoo or something different? I am very much looking forward to the trip. It is somewhere I always wanted to go. The night zoo is the same zoo, just at night. You go on a tram and it takes you through the park. It was amazing to see the animals at night...they were so active. Definitely a unique experience we've never had at a zoo. Enjoy!
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 March 2015 - 10:50
We stayed on Sentosa Island where Universal Studios is located. It was just like being at Disney World. There is so much to do for kids within 5-10 minutes walking distance of our hotel. We only had to drive once in the 5 days that we wer ethere and that was a trip to the Night Zoo. In addition to Universal Studios there are great places to eat, a water park, an aquarium, an open area where there are water fountains kids were running across/playing in, a small butterfly park, and much more that we didn't have time to see. There was not a moment we didn't have something to do, it was brilliant. Love Singapore!
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 March 2015 - 10:46
We've been thinking of going for ages now, but I'm so confused at the different hotel/villa options available. Has anyone been and can offer advice between Desert Islands, Al Yamm and Al Sahel? We don't care that much about a spa, but easy access to a pool, the beach, wildlife, and food is important. Thanks so much!
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 March 2015 - 14:02
I'm looking for wooden or proper long bed rails that are fixed on the bed frame not under the mattress or a bed that is low. My 5 yrs old moves a lot while sleeping and now he sleeps on a mattress on the floor. His bed a double but it is not safe as it is high. I bought bed rails from baby shop but they raised the mattress up TIA edited by wickedangel_78 on 01/03/2015 We had the bed rails from IKEA that slid onto the frame of the bed itself. They didn't go under the mattress like an L-shaped anchor (which sounds like the ones you got from Babyshop). You can try that. We also bought a low bed from IKEA. My husband and I prefer the low bed so that the kids can easily get in and out of it. Also if they fall off, it's not a far fall. It is very low to the ground (ie I can jump from the ground w/ 2 feet onto it). I love this bed because of its height. Hope that helps!
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 March 2015 - 12:23
You are lucky Third culture - I'm sure our 10k is non-refundable and we are not taking the place anymore. Off to check paperwork! Yikes. I guess I should consider us lucky then. I didn't realize schools had nonrefundable deposits. I mean, by definition, a deposit is refundable (isn't it?).
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 March 2015 - 11:25
I don't really mind paying some kind of deposit because I understand it does help the school to get parents to commit to the new school year. However, I wish the schools would be more reasonable with a) the amount and b) the refund timeframe. Our school allows for refunds of the deposit, but only up to end of April. Many of us are at the mercy of our employers and they may choose to terminate or move an employee after that date. I wish they would give us until the end of the school term in June. I think that flexibility truly shows that a school understands and considers our position. Let's be real here, there are more students in Dubai than there are seats at schools; they won't ever be in a position to be scraping around to fill seats. So why not be more flexible? And how about families with multiple children? That means multiple deposits...yikes!
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 February 2015 - 12:45
Yikes, better to go and buy a drill and do the work yourself. My husband has mounted those before and it's super easy. No way it would take even 30 minutes to do 4 or 5. Maybe they have a 1 hour minimum charge for this type of work (which is understandable). So perhaps find a couple other handyman type of stuff to do to fill up the time?
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 February 2015 - 11:27
I have been told by several admissions people that unless you get an exception through the KHDA, you cannot move a child from one school in Dubai to another school in Dubai after January. However, I noticed the other day that Repton's website says they can accept students from "within Dubai" throughout the academic school year. So maybe schools have different cut off dates that are approved by the KHDA?
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 December 2014 - 12:29
Thought I'd share this video with lots of fun tips for the holidays. The first tip he gives is not that great (unless you are a college student), but the rest are pretty good. Love the upcycle ideas like make your own envelope and thank you cards. I also love the pine scent idea...anyone know where to buy pine essential oils? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kE75vRV9tos&list=UU1zZE_kJ8rQHgLTVfobLi_g Which one is your favorite? [Edit: I wish we could edit the thread titles. My lack of capitalization and punctuation makes it hard to understand. Should probably be: Holiday "life hacks" (a fun video)'> <em>edited by ThirdCultureFamily on 11/12/2014</em>
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 December 2014 - 11:00
I wonder if either WhichSchoolAdvisor.com or SouqAlmal.com have something similar. If not, request it and I think both would be interested in doing one. I think it's a bit difficult to judge though because some schools are a hybrid of IB and another curriculum so the results may be skewed. For example, if a school offers American and IB but only their "top" students take the IB because it's touted as being very difficult and the other students opt to do an American diploma, then the school's results may skew higher? Just a conjecture though, not based on evidence or experience.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 December 2014 - 09:07
My daughter does musical theatre with Kids Theatre Works at DUCTAC in Mall of the Emirates. Her teacher, Steven, is all kinds of fabulous. My daughter loves it! I think seeing adults let loose and act silly gives children the confidence to know that they can do the same. :rainbow:
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 December 2014 - 09:04
Cna you put it back to last post at the top now...... I see the benefits in both ways. I think either they should use a cookie system so that if you've already opened the thread then the last post is what shows up first. If it's your first time then do the OP first. I do find it annoying to scroll all the way down if I already know the OP, however I find it equally annoying to scroll the other way in order to find the OP. Or maybe a sort thread button at the top of each thread? :thinking:
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 December 2014 - 09:00
Students on the trip will have to cover the cost of the teachers who are travelling. Insurance for a school trip is also hefty. Generally for safety reasons etc a private coach would be booked from Heathrow to the hotel..doesn't come cheap. Again, depending where they are visiting if you factor in cost of private coach etc it all adds up. I don't agree that the cost of the teachers travelling should be shared amongst parents/students. We are already "paying" their salary with school fees, so why on top of that should we pay for the travel. Shouldn't schools shoulder that as part of the cost of offering these kinds of trips? They do tout these types of experiential learning excursions as one of the offerings/benefits of going to the school. I don't think the cost of the trip is excessive (considering flights and hotels), but definitely not something I would do yearly. There are surely some children who won't (for whatever reason) pay to go on a trip like this...I think schools should do fundraisers to try and offset the cost for those students who need financial assistance. Not everyone living here is privileged enough to spend 10,000 AED on a 4 day trip, I think that's easy to forget sometimes. <em>edited by ThirdCultureFamily on 09/12/2014</em>
 
 
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