Schools I Happy Valley

[Guest bishop3912]

We have received the go ahead that we have got the rental we wanted on Seaview Road, Happy Valley :-). Can anyone give me recommendations for schools I know there is Happy Valley primary, Aberfoyle Primary, Braeview Primary and Reynella East, my 8 yr old has mild dyslexia so the school needs to cater. Also r there any mother & toddler groups for my 2 yr old. Thanks xx

[Guest The Dimmocks]

High congrats on getting the rental you wanted. Cant help on the school side as to what they like my daughter goes to Woodcroft Primary. Hoping that she and her brothers will go to Reynella East High School when they older as it meant to be a good school.

I take my boys to The Old Cottage Playgroup on a Tuesday afternoon if you look in Social section on here there is a sticky for it. Great group of ladies and kids.

Michelle

[Guest tosher]

Congrats on the house, we love Happy Valley. I would say any of the above, but NOT Aberfoyle Primary. Sorry can't help with the toddler groups.

[Lea]

My daughter goes to Braeview and absolutely loves it. Can't fault the school it has several special programs for kids who need support in their learning.

 

Have a look on their website and give them a call to chat with the principal.

http://www.braeview.sa.edu.au/Braeview/welcome.html

 

Lea

[Guest guest4504]

Congrats on the house, we love Happy Valley. I would say any of the above, but NOT Aberfoyle Primary. Sorry can't help with the toddler groups.

 

Can you tell me why not Aberfoyle ? Happy Valley and Aberfoyle park would be where we like to end up. thanks.

[Lazy Cow]

I would send my kids to the nearest school, provided the school are prepared to help with the dyslexia of course! Even though I'm sure your kids will make friends through clubs etc, it is nice when the kids in their neighbourhood are also the kids at their school.

 

As for Aberfoyle Primary, well there are four primary schools in the area, three at Campus and one, Aberfoyle Hub Primary, which is off Windebanks (Jeanette Crescent). Both my kids went to Hub Primary and we have no complaints. The school has (or used to have) a couple of rooms dedicated to kids with special needs. They are also run a SHIP program -Ignite at high school- with a fair few kids going on to Ignite.

 

Everyone has their own experiences and own opinions...this is just mine of course.

 

:cute:LC

[Guest tosher]

Hi, the Aberfoyle school has a new(ish) Principle. (In the last two years) She has scrapped the ship program, jump rope (they were state champs) and the pedal Prix (also state champs) My daughter was there but we took her out after a bullying incident that we felt was not dealt with. She is now at Pilgrim which is a private school. The fees are very reasonable and the difference is massive. Hope this helps

[sparkly cat]

Hi, the Aberfoyle school has a new(ish) Principle. (In the last two years) She has scrapped the ship program, jump rope (they were state champs) and the pedal Prix (also state champs) My daughter was there but we took her out after a bullying incident that we felt was not dealt with. She is now at Pilgrim which is a private school. The fees are very reasonable and the difference is massive. Hope this helps

 

I actually agree with Tosher, my daughter goes to Aberfoyle Hub Primary not to be confused with the Aberfoyle Primary's at the Campus, she has been going there for 4 years now and the principle when she first started was excellent but as Tosher said the new principle isnt as good and I have had problems with the principle about class changes too, but the OSHC is great and run by some really good people, also has some great Teachers too.

 

Sandra

[Guest dibdobs]

The Aberfoyle Primary School Campus has 3 schools all on the same grounds. Nativity (private) Pilgrim (private) and Thiele. (Not private)

 

Several things are shared between the schools, like the gym, library, performing arts centre and several of the specialist teachers.

This means my kids get to use facilities that you would only normally get in a private school.

 

Thiele is a great school and i am very happy with it.

 

I have never been to the Hub Primary so can't comment.

[Lazy Cow]

Wow! What a shame the Hub have ditched competitive Jump Rope, their team was really good. To the point when there was some drama about it becoming too focussed on winning and not just about having fun.

 

As for Pedal Prix, are you sure they no longer do it? :shocked:They Hub team took overall first place (for primary schools) for the fifth consecutive year at Murray Bridge last September so that would be a real downer for the kids there. Why did they scrap it?

 

I am surprised there is no longer a program for students with high intellectual potential running at the school, even if they've dropped the SHIP name. Certainly the high school is still testing and gaining many Ignite students from Hub.

 

Shame neither of you have had good experiences with Julie Gallaher, the 'new' principal...I remember ( and I expect you do too, Sparkly Cat!) the 'old' principal and I thought Julie would be a fine replacement. Julie G. must have joined Hub almost three years ago (cos my youngest is now in Year 10) and it's funny that she's still thought of as new! What chance do we have!

 

Bullying is a truly terrible thing but I remember a couple of years back APHS had one kid leave to go to Reynella due to bullying and the same term, one came from Reynella because of bullying!

 

Despite that, I'd still say visit and draw your own conclusion because what works for one won't necessarily work for another but at least you have a few more questions you might want to ask?

 

Good luck! LC

[Guest tosher]

Sorry, I think the pedal prix will be scrapped at the end of this year. My daughter was in the Jump Rope team, State champ 3 times over, she loved it, the teacher that ran it left the school and the Principle didn't get a replacement.

 

Yes it is the Hub school we are on about not the campus one.

[Guest guest4504]

Hi, the Aberfoyle school has a new(ish) Principle. (In the last two years) She has scrapped the ship program, jump rope (they were state champs) and the pedal Prix (also state champs) My daughter was there but we took her out after a bullying incident that we felt was not dealt with. She is now at Pilgrim which is a private school. The fees are very reasonable and the difference is massive. Hope this helps

 

Hi. thanks for info . The school you said no to, which is that ? Is Pilgrim at a different location. Im alittle confused at the 3 on campus, is there a different principle at all the schools on campus. thanks

[Lazy Cow]

Hi. thanks for info . The school you said no to, which is that ? Is Pilgrim at a different location. Im alittle confused at the 3 on campus, is there a different principle at all the schools on campus. thanks

 

Aberfoyle Hub Primary School is in a whole different location to the three schools that form Campus. Kids from Windebanks and the area surrounding the Hub / Hub Village shopping centres tend to go there. That is the school Tosher is referring to.

 

Campus schools are over the other side of Aberfoyle Park. There are now only three schools at Campus,two private, church schools and Thiele which is the state school. Thiele kids tend to come from around 'that' area ie. Manning Road/Sunnymede etc. It's called Campus because they share one large site. They also share some facilities although each school has its own identity. This might explain it a bit better! Aberfoyle Park Primary School Campus I Welcome

 

Tosher: how disappointing for your kid. Was she involved in one of the winning years for Jump Rope or last year when they lost? Why did Peter Murphy leave? He is such a great teacher, absolutely epic. I checked with one of my girlfriends when she popped round yesterday and she said that SHIP is now integrated into each year, rather than being a separate program. Interesting... I can see positives and negatives to that one! How long was your daughter at the school?

 

Anyway Deus, you think Campus is confusing now...there used to be four schools there, two of which were State and so in direct competition with one another!

 

LC

[Guest tosher]

Hi Lazy Cow, yes my daughter was in the wining team, as far as I know they did not enter last year as there was no team?

Pete left to go be with his Mum in NSW. But is back in Adelaide now working at another school, North I think.

[Guest bishop3912]

Does anyone have any info/experience regarding Happy Valley Junior School as this wld b my nearest? Also what private high schools r in the area that r recommended. Thanks in advanced, looked round HVP the other day & kids loved it (especially their new kitchens 4 kids cooking & kitchen gardening).

 

Regards C x

[Lazy Cow]

Hi Lazy Cow, yes my daughter was in the wining team, as far as I know they did not enter last year as there was no team?

Pete left to go be with his Mum in NSW. But is back in Adelaide now working at another school, North I think.

 

Aah, of course...that would explain it lol! Lucky northern school though hey? Our son's year with him was one of his best ever. Well, the school worked for us and we have many happy memories there, just a shame your daughter obviously doesn't - apart from being on that winning team which is awesome! Peter's Jump Rope team were amazing to watch.

 

Oh well, back to reminiscing....

LC

[suziewozie]

Does anyone have any info/experience regarding Happy Valley Junior School as this wld b my nearest? Also what private high schools r in the area that r recommended. Thanks in advanced, looked round HVP the other day & kids loved it (especially their new kitchens 4 kids cooking & kitchen gardening).

 

Regards C x

 

 

My youngest is at Happy Valley, has been for 3 years now. Realistically , we are very happy with the School. It is only a small school, but we much prefer that to one of the bigger primary schools. Its sports day there this friday, come down and have another look at the school and see how great it is. If you want I can meet you there and show you around.

[Guest bishop3912]

Thanks Suziewozie, glad to hear that the school is good (IYHO), yes met with Kylie and Sue on Friday and Sue showed me and the kids around, my kids loved it and cant wait to go there, they didnt even want to go look at any other school!!! Sue did say it was sports day on friday so the kids would have fun, they are going in tomorrow to meet their classes/teachers etc then they start on Tuesday of this week. Can parents go to the sports day? wld be good to meet up (a friendly face is really good) as Im just as daunted about meeting new parents as the kids are going to a new school lol.

 

Regards Corinne

[suziewozie]

Hi Corinne,

 

Oh yes parents can go and have some fun too. Last year my hubby and I helped out on our daughters tug of war game, and then so did lots of other parents, it was really funny.

I will pm you my mobile number and then we can arrange to meet up on friday.

I am sure you will find the parents really friendly there, we did.

You will need to find out what team your children are in for sports day as they then wear a coloured top to represent their team. Luckily all your children will be in the same colour, eg either red, yellow, green or blue. If they want they can even spray paint their hair that colour too.

Hope that helps and if you have anymore questions please ask.

Susan.

[Lazy Cow]

Hey Corinne, why don't you see if they need a hand in the school canteen? I used to be avolunteer at the Hub canteen and it was such fun! And I got to know the kids, the teachers AND the gossip!

Good luck for sports day!

LC

[Guest bishop3912]

Susiewozie, thanks I will call u to arrange to meet up. It would be good to meet lots of other parents for some sanity lol!!!

 

Lazycow, I would love to help in the canteen and other bits and pieces in the school but I have a 2 yr old, I know in UK schools I couldnt take him in with me, not sure about rules here in Oz, if I can take him with me then I cant wait to help.

 

Regards Corinne

[Guest The Dimmocks]

I help out in the canteen at Woodcroft Primary once a week when my boys go to occassional care. My time to have some adult conversation without kids around me. It only 2 and a half hours but it good fun and get to have a good laugh.

[Guest bishop3912]

Thanks The Dimmocks, does sound like fun, especially getting some sanity lol!!! may have to look into a little child care :-0 xx

[Guest css]

Thanks Suziewozie, glad to hear that the school is good (IYHO), yes met with Kylie and Sue on Friday and Sue showed me and the kids around, my kids loved it and cant wait to go there, they didnt even want to go look at any other school!!! Sue did say it was sports day on friday so the kids would have fun, they are going in tomorrow to meet their classes/teachers etc then they start on Tuesday of this week. Can parents go to the sports day? wld be good to meet up (a friendly face is really good) as Im just as daunted about meeting new parents as the kids are going to a new school lol.

 

Regards Corinne

 

hi.we are hoping to come over oct time and have 3 young children,8,5 and 2.I have been looking at schools and keep going back to happy valley.I can see your post was a few years ago now so could you please tell me how you find it and how your children got on,thankyou clare

[Guest bishop3912]

Hi CSS yep my kids go to Happy Valley School. So far it seems ok, they have been there since March 11. Some teachers are better than others but hey thats any school lol. The kids and parents are really friendly and most importantly my kids really enjoy going to school there. Kylie Raymond is lovely and would be more than willing to show you around the school. They also have OSHC care for those parents that work. They are also part of the Schools Kitchen Garden programme so have a veggie garden and whatever they grow the kids pick and cook with in cooking lessons in the new kitchens!!! The school also has Chooks and the eggs r also used in the cooking lessons :-) not bad as UK kids dont get to do cooking really until senior school. Hope this helps regards Corinne