Eltham/Research school help

[AnnB]

Hi everyone, this is my very first post!

As well as baby number 2 due in 6 weeks, we are moving house next month which has given us a dilemma for our almost 5 year old who is due to start prep in Feb.

We had pretty much decided on his school based on where we currently live but are now considering the local school instead. Does anyone have an opinion/information on either Eltham East primary or Research primary to help us with our decision, as we need to make up our minds quite soon.

Our son can be quite shy and senstive at times and we are thinking that the smaller local school (220 kids) may be better than our original choice (490 kids).

Many thanks for any help anyone can give,

Ann

[littlelara]

I have a gf who teaches at Glen Catharine, I could ask her if you like?

[AnnB]

I would really appreciate that, thank you

[MummyTummy]

Hi Ann,

I've just asked a local teacher friend of mine too. I think you are right, if you have a more sensitive child you might find a smaller school might be better for them.

I have a friend who went to Eltham East PS herself, but she's in her 30s now!! She loved it, and usually the little local schools do have good reps. As for Research I can't imagine there would be much issue there either, I used to live in Research and I know the kind of community it is. But I'll let you know what my friend has to say!

[BellyBelly]

Eltham has some really great schools, you should be on a winner no matter which school you choose. I loved living in that area Good luck

[TeniBear]

Our son can be quite shy and senstive at times and we are thinking that the smaller local school (220 kids) may be better than our original choice (490 kids).

I was just like your son, and I moved schools quite a bit. I found I made friends easier in the bigger schools, probably because there was more of a "choice" of people to befriend...

[BellyBelly]

Ann, have you seen this article on the main site?

Selective Mutism: When There’s More To It Than ‘Being Shy’

It's what my daughter had/has.

[Mother Goose]

Eltham East has an excellent reputation. It is where I will be sending DD (if we can get in as I currently live out of the zone) when she starts in a few years.

Research also has a good rep though. Both schools are excellent.

[diva det]

hi there
my kids go to briar hill primary and we love it
its a small school and has a steiner and a main stream element
its not far from eltham at all
eltham east is a great school- has a well known choral / music program
eltham primary is suppose to be good as well- a bit smaller
dont know much about research P.S but all the school in the area a pretty good.
good luck and welcome to the area!!

[AnnB]

Thanks for all your help/advice everyone - has helped alot, many thanks, Ann

[MummyTummy]

Hi Ann,

just heard back from my teacher friend, and she says the best thing is to tour both schools and make your decision from there. She knows more about Research and says it is just lovely and a really great school, and the Eltham East primary has a fantastic music program, which may of course be really good for your shy/sensitive child?

Good luck with it, but really the area is good and the schools all have good reputations, so I don't think you will make a wrong decision!