What should I do?

[C~Q]

We have decided to move to Brisbane as DH works there and is sick of driving all the time, anyway after lots of changing our mind we have decided to move when our lease is up which is end of Oct/beginning of Nov. However the move means changing schools for DS who is in Grade 1 and i'm really unsure about what to do, the way I see it I have 3 options;

1. Drive 30 mins there and back twice a day for a month and half till term ends.
2. See if I can get him in the new school in mid-November.
3. Take him out of school for the last month.

I really don't know what will be best and obviously there are pors and cons of each.

Agghhhh - help!!!!

Can anyone give any advice or think of any other options? For those locally, we live in Upper Coomera, he goes to school in Pimpama and we're moving to Holland Park.

[Indadhanu]

Ok, my advice is coming from someone as a pre-service teacher, and not yet a parent.

School's may be a bit unwilling to take a student midway through term 4, so late in the year, but I think number 2 would be best for your DS. Mainly so that he can meet others, you can meet other mums in the area, he can form some bonds, and maybe even during the summer break he can have some playdays, so when he starts the new year, it is not all unfamiliar and unknown.

Some schools would push for you to travel, rather than move him at such a late stage.

I'm not sure if you could keep him out of school for 6 weeks... I guess it depends on whether the school plan on covering any material in that time...

Is getting work from his school and have him do it at home an option for you...?

EDIT: Another option, probably not so feasable especially if you are moving at the time, is to enrol in a school after the September holidays in your new area? You would only be travelling 4 weeks up to the new school rather than 6 weeks back down to the old school...?

[~Jo~]

We have changed schools for the last term when my dds were year 5, year 3 and pre primary and had no probs whatsoever. It actually made them make new friends really quickly for the chrissy holidays and they have so much fun in the last term preparing for Christmas. Having said that..if travelling is an option, maybe that would work for you. I personally couldnt justify giving an extra month off.

Jo

[C~Q]

Home schooling sounds like a good idea but I think we would drive each other bonkers!

I think i'll talk to the new school (when I find it) and see what they think. It sounds good to get him introduced to kids first.

The problem with driving up to the new school for 4 weeks instead is a bit of a problem in that we'd be driving with all the traffic - into Brissy in the morning and that would be HECTIC!!! Not even going to mention it to DH or he'll whinge about how he's had to do it for so long!!! He wouldn't be able to take him though as he goes in at different times.

Hmmm, i'm liking putting him in early I think.

[traceyvon]

Hi,

I am a teacher, although in NSW. Either way...the school can not refuse you enrolling your child, no matter what time of term it is. The last 4 weeks of school is not that stressful, especially in Year 1. Kids finshing off things and enjoying the xmas activities that are going on in the school. As a teacher and having had children come into my classroom at that time of year, I am more focused on that child making friends and getting to know the school. Year 1 is much eaiser to move kids then the later years.

Anyway....that is just my opinion. Your the parent.... your call at the end of the day. You will do what you think is right for your child and that is really all that matters.

Tracey