thread: Public schools in the Bayside area (Melbourne)

  1. #1
    Registered User

    Oct 2009
    Bonbeach, Melbourne
    7,177

    Public schools in the Bayside area (Melbourne)

    Hey guys

    Just wondering for those of you living Bayside in Melb, what sort of (public) school options there are around, primary and secondary. A bit of a PT commute is fine for secondary school. We'll likely be moving soon, and although we're planning on staying in the Bayside area, we'd like to move with the knowledge of what sort of schools are on offer locally for the girls, as our next home will be long-term.

  2. #2
    Registered User

    Dec 2007
    Victoria
    7,260

    Come to our school!! It's beautiful, and awesome!

    Realistically though, there are tons. What kind of school are you looking for? What environment do you want? Big, small? Make a list of things you want, things you need and things that are kind of a bonus, then choose...to come to our school!!

  3. #3
    Registered User

    Oct 2009
    Bonbeach, Melbourne
    7,177

    Lol! where's your school? I just googled, there are STACKS! I guess the things (talking primary school here) that matter the most to us are size (not too big). I like schools that have a focus on gardening, sustainability etc. Definitely one that can nurture individuals, encourage thinking outside of the box and creativity. Being involved in the community. Is that asking too much haha?

  4. #4
    Registered User

    Dec 2005
    Melbourne, Vic
    4,338

    My DD1 was at bentleigh West before we moved, was great and they do focus on largely on sustainability etc, theyve won environmental awards. We were happy there for the short time we were there! Think they were zoning tho due to increase in enrolements, just double check on that

  5. #5
    Registered User

    Jul 2008
    Melbourne
    3,244

    Carrum ps is meant to be awesome - under 300 students and a big 'green' focus. I believe it's very popular though and you need to live close by to get in.

  6. #6
    Registered User

    Jan 2010
    1,975

    I have heard the same about carrum primary, big focus on sustainability. Don't know much about the way that the curriculum is taught. I know they have chooks and vege gardens! If you were going private, Cornish College has a huge focus on sustainability and community mindedness, it's small and very focused on the child as an individual. Also has chooks, farm animals and an Eco kids program as part of the curriculum.

  7. #7
    BellyBelly Life Subscriber

    Jun 2008
    In snuggle land
    4,499

    Re: Public schools in the Bayside area (Melbourne)

    Bumping this. We're currently researching moving South, between Aspendale Gardens and Carrum. We'll also research Frankston South, but we'd like to stay as close in as possible. Part of the house vs location decision we need to make is schools. I have no idea what skills DS will be good at, but want a school that encourages kids and will be supportive of our parenting style (AP/RIE). If we stayed Outer East, I'd be sending him to the Village School. Independent learning and ponies

    I realise things can change a lot in 5 years, but a general indication is good.

  8. #8
    Registered User

    Jun 2007
    Dandenong Ranges, Melbourne.
    5,673

    Re: Public schools in the Bayside area (Melbourne)

    Can I ask what RIE is?

  9. #9
    BellyBelly Life Subscriber. Love a friend xxx

    Sep 2008
    Melbourne
    1,424

    Re: Public schools in the Bayside area (Melbourne)

    Ginger - Google Janet Lansbury

    L&B are you interested in Steiner? I think there's a Steiner stream in a school in Oakleigh. Otherwise, no idea about schools in that area. Except a private boys school with the initials BGS. Worked there many years ago any my experience was AWFUL... but it may have changed.

  10. #10
    Registered User

    Jul 2008
    Melbourne
    3,244

    Re: Public schools in the Bayside area (Melbourne)

    LandB - we've chosen aspendale primary. Have heard lots of great things from parents of existing students. We're doing a tour in about a month, so I can let you know how that goes if you're interested? A couple of friends have been really impressed with bonbeach primary. Carrum still getting good reviews and is small.,patt lakes and asp gardens both sound good but they're both around 700 students, which is a bit big for, my, liking (although this apparently means good funding). Chelsea and chelsea heights get so-so reviews but that's only second hand info.
    Cornish college getting great reviews (used to,be the 2nd st leonards campus).
    Phone is about to die but if you're interested in,kinders pls feel free to pm me

  11. #11
    BellyBelly Life Subscriber

    Jun 2008
    In snuggle land
    4,499

    Re: Public schools in the Bayside area (Melbourne)

    Santosha - i dont know enough about Steiner. What I've heard has been mixed: child led development vs dictate how to run things at home. I like what I've read about Montessori, but unless we end up on the peninsula, it would be a big commute.

    Sloane - thanks for that. Is Adpendale zoned? I know Carrum is.

    I'm pretty impressed with Cornish so far, but dont know that we could afford it for primary.

  12. #12
    Registered User

    Jul 2008
    Melbourne
    3,244

    Re: Public schools in the Bayside area (Melbourne)

    Aspendale isn't zoned. We're actually a couple of suburbs away. Ds is also at a kinder in aspendale and we couldn't be happier.

    Asp gardens is zoned.

    I forgot to mention edithvale - it's had a bit of a bad rep but speaking to a cpl of people - one parent of a prospective student and one student teacher who spent time there, they said thee staff were good but it's just terribly under-resourced.

    Sorry for going on and on, it's just that ds starts school next year and I've just starred my masters ok teaching and need to nominate schools for my rounds so it's at the forefront of my mind!!

  13. #13
    Registered User

    Dec 2007
    Victoria
    7,260

    Re: Public schools in the Bayside area (Melbourne)

    Just FYI, my daughter goes to the Steiner stream at a local primary school - there are no dictates of how to behave/exist/function at home at all. Those you will find, are usually given by private, Steiner-dedicated schools.

    The programme at our school is fabulous.