VictoriaM | ExpatWoman.com
 

VictoriaM

VictoriaM
562
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 January 2015 - 21:06
Nomad, my husband has already tried that, with no niceties as far as I'm aware, but the watchman clearly didn't pay much attention! You hit the nail on the head with your comment about watchmen ruling the roost with fear and intimidation. We've had problems with harassment of gardeners, problems with harassment of kids playing ball and being threatened with acid on the grass, intimidation of maids now with stories of killing cats.... It's so out of order and causes so much stress and never ending debates. Some of these things have been going on since we moved in 2 years ago......but there is no management or leadership for our compound and no rules so we carry on wasting our time going round in circles!
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 January 2015 - 17:42
He did not tell ME this, he told my maid. But he denied it when my daughter challenged him on it. I have not been able to find him to clarify. I think he will deny it to my face, so he is lying to someone. I just really feel he/they (the are 2 of them like this) are totally unprofessional trouble makers who stir things up. My husband told him yesterday to talk to us about it rather than to our maid, poor lady. Is he seeking her out to tell her all this? yes possibly, he approached her to comment, with a big smile on his face, about my husband going to complain to him, and the conversation then moved on to other issues. I have rarely encountered such a ridiculous "he said, she said" situation and wish we could sort this out sensibly. The problem is partly that he is always smiling so it is very hard to tell when he is being serious and when he is just joking.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 January 2015 - 16:49
I couldn't agree with you all more! It is quite unbelievable and this man is a total disgrace, as you say. I'm on the Bin Kitty page so will post something and see what they say. However, contacting the municipali wont help, as its is the municipality that has given him carte Blanche to kill the cats! He contacted them about the problems the compound is having with cats. As I said in my last post, He was to,d he could kill them, even if they have collars and are outside the compound. Frightening stuff for pet owners.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 January 2015 - 16:20
Well the peace didn't last long did it! Turns out its more the watchmen/maintenance guys in the compound that are fed up with the cats, stray and owned, fighting at night, causing other problems like the neighbour and her dirty cushions. So the neighbour might be ok, but these guys are not! They have been stirring things up with our maid for the last 2 days. Today the watchman said he had killed one of the stray cats that was fighting, and possibly some kittens he found in the compound (he was very evasive). The municipality has told him he can even kill cats with collars outside the compound as they are not allowed out. Think we definitely need to get out of here! I've got to the end if my tether and don't think we can rationalise with these guys. Cats in general just seem to be too much of a problem at the moment in areas like this where I'm told the locals half heartedly 'own' them with no responsibility and let them breed.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 January 2015 - 19:04
Yes I saw that thanks March.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 January 2015 - 13:13
The tutoring going on is often/usually for both English and maths, though some may just do one or the other depending on their strengths. In terms of the school, its most necessary for creative writing, which they don't seem to do much of and needs to be at a far higher level for DC. I find parents are open about it, but maybe not all.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 January 2015 - 09:53
Chewit, Kings certainly isn't getting around a third of leavers into DC anymore. I believe the numbers went down significantly a couple of years ago. It's now around 15 out of almost 100 pupils. However, there are more decent secondary choices now so it could be that some pupils are targeting schools other than DC. Historically I definitely agree with you on the sports. BUT I think the focus on sport is really improving this year. They finally seem to have recruited some decent PE teachers (they have changed every year we've been there!) and raising their game. For instance they are sending teams to the BSME games in Quatar in March for the first time. My child is doing an incredible amount of sport there, though how much the standard is coming on remains to be seen. Traditionally it's been poor versus other schools and very apparent at matches. FWIW I also see improvements in other non academic areas. Music and drama both seem to be getting stronger too, with some amazing teachers. The advantage of having the secondary school perhaps is they have more specialist staff to call on, such as the amazing head of performing arts who has been doing some work with y6 at Kings Dubai. So to balance things out, there are factors at Kings that are actually getting better, and others that may be getting in the opposite direction!
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 January 2015 - 09:26
Newbie, thanks for the tip re DESC. I've heard the same. It's a bit worrying really - I know some very (and I mean Very) strong candidates that didn't get into DESC without a lot of pleading. It seems they may reject the strong candidates they think will get Into/go to DC. And then they don't pass for DC and are left without a place anywhere.... Hoping DDs not so good that they reject her outright on that basis.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 January 2015 - 09:20
March, where did you read that regarding an element of priority for JAPS kids? Not seen that mentioned anywhere. Champs and Newbie, in terms of stretching the kids, things do get better in y6. The kids are split into 5 groups for maths, and the top group is working at level 6. I've no idea who decides whether they can take the level 6 papers, but tbh I'd be surprised if they had to be pushed to enter a child of the right standard - they got a lot of level 6s in the SATS last year. Though as I said before, how much of that is due to the school what with so much tutoring and parental involvement. BUT, for English they have only just been set (put onto ability tables). It's all a bit too late, and call me cynical but funny how this happens round about the time of the DC exam ie too late to make any difference. Perhaps they pull out the stops for SATS but not before...just a thought. In fact that makes sense, they prioritise getting great SATS results to market the school on, but do little to help pupils get into other schools so they retain them. Good strategy!
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 January 2015 - 22:31
Well Newbie has cut to the chase and said what I was thinking but didn't want to voice! Homework is just as you both say - a lot of cutting and pasting from the Internet, with no thought involved. Theres a lot of ipad use, and almost all homework seems to involve some form of technology. Homework is all online and often entails completing something via a link. It's not just the kids of those who are pro the modern approach who choose to use the computer for homework. we are old school too, but our kids always choose the easy option of a PowerPoint presentation or similar, much to our dismay. we have had to force them to write! i have to say we are at last starting to see some creative writing being taught, but its a bit late at almost half way through year 6! Parents are finding their kids are sitting entrance exams with no idea of how to structure a story! Yes the school has become mre profit driven. Every letter seems to be a bill. Every bit of good news comes with a price tag. It has become a standing joke. Sorry, but what is a maths passport?? Never heard of it.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 January 2015 - 21:36
Hi Champs, Hope the following helps. Academically, its fairly good, but there is a lot of tutoring going on which may say something about parents' confidence levels in the school and also means the school can't take full credit for its excellent SATS results or the secondary school places its ex pupils obtain. It's quite modern in its approach with lots of theme and project work and less traditional rote learning (times tables etc). Thats a personal one - you may hate it or love it. Its not really our cup of tea and the project homework drives us mad sometimes! but i do know others who think its a great, creative approach. From what little i know, I think DESS, JAPS may be slightly more traditional in teaching style. No Kings does not provide any help at all in securing places at other secondary schools. Very different to what I hear of JAPS, but the two schools are in totally different situations and have to deal with that. Yes I know of a few people who've moved Kings to Japs and their feedback was favourable. They seemed to think they had made the right decision. The view was that it was more academic and they pushed the kids harder. And of course they prepare them better for entrance tests etc. I believe around 15 or so got places at DC last year and roughly the same for DESC. Lastly, do you mean have any kids gone Kings to schools other than JAPS in years 5/6? If so yes a couple to DESS for the automatic entry to DESC and at least one to Nord Anglia. There may well be other changes I don't know about - there are a lot of kids and many I don't know. Hope that helps. Fire away if there's anything else or if you work out how to PM.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 January 2015 - 19:36
Sure. Excuse my ignorance, but how do we do that?
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 January 2015 - 17:47
Sorry, for the slight change of subject, but does anyone have any experience of the Nord Anglia secondary section? Primary seems to get such good reviews but the secondary is very empty (or was when we had a tour), and not heard any feedback.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 January 2015 - 13:56
Paws crossed!
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 January 2015 - 12:03
Yippee, i went to talk to the neighbour that was complaining about our cats, and she has decided that they are no longer a problem now that she has covered her outdoor furniture!!! What a nice, solution, and what a shame it all got blown out of proportion. All stirred up by the maintenance/security guys who made a mountain out of a molehill. Very relieved - no need to box the cats in somehow or move house (for the moment at least). Thanks all for your helpful tips and advice. I think I'm going to dig up some of our plants to create a sandier area in our garden for toilet purposes anyway. The ground cover plants have done their job a bit too well! And a least if it all goes pear shaped again I know where to find Erwins details for putting up mesh screens in the front garden to block the cats in.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 January 2015 - 11:47
2016 is a totally different matter! Not too late at all. Applicatioms tend to open quite late, so you probably won't even be able to apply until around October this year.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 January 2015 - 11:41
The Kings secondary building is still not ready and not in use, so yes it is probably best to be a bit wary until the premises are fully operational at least.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 January 2015 - 14:44
Hmm, think I've got one like that Izzy, but trying to re home, hopefully somewhere with cat loving neighbours!
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 January 2015 - 14:42
I think DC applications for y7 in 2015 are now closed. The exam is next weekend.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 January 2015 - 11:26
Lol, two of ours used to do that too, come back in to use the litter tray! Now they have discovered a big sandy area on a neighbour's terrace. It is in the shade of a huge tree so grass won't grow there and it is just scrubby and sandy- perfect for cats to poo in!! I was blissfully unaware of this until I went to talk to the neighbour's maid. No wonder they are complaining. As you say Izzy I think they use the same spot for the toilet over and over, must be something to do with the scent and territory. I think we would need to get rid of the smell of their poo in the neighbours area to stop them using it. Anyway, I'm still waiting for the management lady to tell me what they have decided about cats in the compound before we can decide what action we need to take.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 January 2015 - 11:17
Also, our cats just rip the mesh that's in the fly screens. Maintenance replaced them all recently, and one of the cats ripped a hole in one yesterday and escaped! Presume it needs to be quite strong mesh to stop them clawing/biting holes in it..
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 January 2015 - 11:12
Fantastic! Thanks Kitten and Tigerente, that's just what I need. I'm in the BinKitty group so will look him up. We've just given it a go and the cats are desperately trying to escape. We have covered all the holes with bin bags for the moment - not a good look but needs must. The one question remaining is whether, if we do this, the cats will be able to climb the walls?. They are about 7-8 foot high...
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 January 2015 - 19:31
Geordie expat, most of the plants on the railings are bouganvillea actually. So maybe we just need to grow it a bit more. There are big gaps where the cats get through.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 January 2015 - 17:21
Geordie bird. Yes that's what I was thinking of. I'm not sure though whether they'd be able to get over the top as for now they have no need to try! We'd have to rip all the climbers out and get mesh put up against the railings. Possibly the sort of thing Jim will fix it can do??
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 January 2015 - 15:26
Izzy, just another little question. You say some of yours are outdoors. How do you stop them using neighbours' gardens or communal areas as a toilet? I've now discovered this has been happening too and can understand how this would make people mad! Could be others cats too of course.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 January 2015 - 15:22
You wouldn't have wanted to hear it Izzy! But seriously I have no idea.... No matter, we were pretty much done anyway. Thanks so much for your tips. I've taken some of them on board but now it is out of my hands - waiting for the management to decree! If anyone knows of a compound that is particularly good for pets then please let me know. Other tHan that I may post separately about Arabian Ranches and the dreaded exits in case we decide to head back that wAy.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 January 2015 - 13:52
Hi Admin Any idea where my thread about cats and compounds has gone?? It seems to have vanished! Thanks.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 January 2015 - 21:13
All the information about the new format this year is on the Admissions page of the school's website. It's one maths paper, one English (a piece of writing If i remember correctly), verbal and non-verbal reasoning. I think I found it in the FAQs about y7 admissions.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 December 2014 - 13:04
Our experience is that pupils in one school are scattered all over. It is far less local than I had imagined. I think that is partly because there is so much moving of schools. Whilst it is certainly preferable to be close, at least to begin with, you may find it is less achievable in the longer term if kids change schools or move on to secondary and end up in different schools,. Keeping close to school can mean a lot of house moves!
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 December 2014 - 14:28
You're welcome! It's such a tough one isn't it. At least most of these decisions are reversible, so if you don't get it right you can always change, and many do! Good luck. By the way, you could always post a new thread entitled JAPS v Kings and see if you can get any more feedback.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 December 2014 - 22:17
Hi Champs In retrospect (isnt hindsight a wonderful thing!) we probably should have changed schools. From a logical perspective we knew this at the time, but prioritised our DD's feelings. As it transpires, DESC is far and away our first choice secondary. DD could have had automatic entry instead of competing with hundreds of other applicants, as she is now. As a non-profit making school, we trust DESC to put the needs of its pupils first, to act in partnership with parents, to consult and listen to both. Sadly this is not the way we are being treated at Kings. We could not wholeheartedly recommend Kings at the moment. It does have many positives like very good teachers, strong leadership, an innovative approach to learning and a lot of happy pupils. However, management has alienated many parents and destroyed trust. The school is becoming increasingly driven by its profit motive. Staff turnover has been high and the new schools are unfinished. In particular, the secondary premises is still not in use, so many year6 parents are looking at other more established options. Personally i would take JAPS over Kings, at least until the secondary is complete and more established. JAPS is non-profit, has high academic standards and overwhelmingly positive reviews. It's main disadvantage is the lack of an attached secondary, and the secondary admissions process is certainly stressful here. But the school does seem to handle this well by pushing pupils academically and providing the information required for parents and pupils to select target schools (eg presentations by secondary schools). The same cannot be said of Kings.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 December 2014 - 22:06
That sounds really nice and easy Xn - all the options are a bit daunting! We already ordered from Baker and Spice though. Interestingly their 'turkey dinners' are actually chicken not turkey! But their food's usually delicious, so fingers crossed. Merry Christmas!
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 December 2014 - 17:45
Thanks ladies. In the meantime I called Jones the Grocer and Baker and Spice. B&S can still do turkey and trimmings for delivery on Christmas Day! Just waiting for menu now. If that falls through I'll try one of your suggestions. Merry Xmas!
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 December 2014 - 21:24
The whole proposal is ludicrous: the cost, the volume of food, the time angle, the inflexibility. Not convinced common sense will prevail though! Many of us mums will be loathe to go back to preparing packed lunches and will go along with it for want of a better option (a familiar refrain at this school). Yet another cosmetic 'enhancement' at this school that simply costs the parents and adds nothing to the actual educational experience.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 December 2014 - 15:51
Yes I believe you can now hire sun loungers, though haven't done that personally. There are toilets, showers, water sports, volley ball and a growing number of refreshment kiosks (spotted a new cafe this morning).
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 December 2014 - 14:10
Ooh,now Im confused too SaraLou! The one we call Kite beach is the one with the facilities, water sports and now various little outlets behind Saga World. Perhaps it's actually kite SURFING beach, though people seem to call it kite beach. How confusing! Is there anything at what you call kite beach by Sunset mall? Ie in the way of facilities?
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 December 2014 - 13:50
Sunset Mall isnt particulalry close to Kite Beach. I always turn off beach road round about Saga World.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 December 2014 - 13:39
Love the tips Monnie. Second the gratitude diary idea - I've tried that recently and it really helps to change your mindset.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 November 2014 - 14:32
Well that makes sense Genkgirl, and yes it is ultimately for our benefit then. It was just odd that two different departments of the same hotel had different requirements and couldn't explain why! Room reservations would take the card number only whilst F&B needed ID and copy of card (or copy of screen shot if bank transfer). Surely one establishment would have one set policy? I think it's sorted, but still waiting for restaurant reservations to call back, so may go pear shaped again!
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 November 2014 - 11:43
Good luck ST90. That sounds like a great place to start. You really do need to get to the bottom of this!
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 November 2014 - 11:32
Why the caution on the new Kings schools Lovingthesun?
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 November 2014 - 11:12
I've seen them in places like Home Centre too.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 November 2014 - 11:05
Anyone else have any idea on why a hotel (or any other business) won't accept credit card bookings by phone? Talk about making life difficult!
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 November 2014 - 23:00
Screen shot of bank transfer confirmation may also contain confidential information so not advisable. Only option I can see s going up there personally, which seems crazy (not exactly close!). We've never encountered these difficulties in two years here so doesn't seem like one of those 'only in Dubai' things either.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 November 2014 - 22:45
That doesnt make sense. We are booking a room and they will take payment over the phone for that, but have a totally different system for the brunch. If it were security driven surely they'd have the same procedure for everything?? Can't pay by transfer with evidence for various reasons and sadly no driver here!
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 November 2014 - 17:28
I second the idea of starting with a nutritionist rather than a Dr specialising in weight issues who may propose surgery too readily. You could try ANdrew at Bespoke Nutrition. He is very good, will send you for whatever tests you need first of all to rule out any specific conditions, and has other specialists on hand. Good luck! Your exercise regime sounds amazing and with all that commitment and a healthy diet you really deserve to lose the weight.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 November 2014 - 20:00
So do I Spaintactic. It's totally put me off going for a swim. I asked one of the compound watchmen/maintenance guys and he said dogs not allowed in pool. I can't easily get photos as we can't see the pool from our villa, its only happened a few times, and I've never seen it myself (it was my daughter that saw it, several times). The chances of me being there when it happens are slim, maybe they wouldn't even do it with other adults around. It's a 'family swim including dog' sort of thing according to my daughter. Really not right in a shared pool. The watch,an chap is going to get me the contact details for the new manager so it can be reported.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 November 2014 - 12:04
Yuck indeed! I don't have a problem with the dog being in the compound unleashed sometimes either, as long as they are supervising and clearing up if necessary. The pool is a different matter. I am wary of approaching them directly for fear of creating bad will in the compound - we all have to get on, and our kids are very good friends, as I mentioned. Plus I'm not good at anything confrontational like that!! That's why I'd prefer doing it anonymously if possible.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 November 2014 - 08:03
Glad I'm not the only one who thinks its unacceptable. We don't have any signs up or visible rules anywhere so it would depend on one of the security/maintenance guys actually seeing this happen, which they may not. I don't want to mention it to the owners concerned directly as our kids are very good friends, so it is tricky. I will try via the management in the office, but I think policing it could be really hard.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 November 2014 - 22:25
Lol, it was very respectfully attired LOlacat! It was the 'topless' discussion that prompted my question about acceptable behaviour in compounds though. Also not very culturally sensitive to have dogs off a leash and swimming in the pool in a compound with quite a few Muslim residents..
 
 
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