Had a busy day yesterday, buying books, stationary and uniforms, think we spent about $800 dollars in total, haven’t paid the school fees yet! Ellies French books were expensive, but she can keep them in year 10 also. There is a strong second hand market for school books – not surprising though! Ste was talking to someone at work whose wife orders them off Amazon UK (don’t have amazon here) and gets them shipped over, still cheaper! The price of books here is extortionate, paper back books that sell for 4 pound in UK are 13 pounds here, even the really old ones!!
Ellie is definatley NOT impressed with the uniform! The school colours are really nice, burgundy, navy and light blue, a bit like St Aelreds, but light blue knee length socks ( which they all roll down) and black low heeled lace up shoes, think doc marten type! Ellie was retching as she was putting them on!! They actually look OK, and I have been trying to get her to wear better shoes with her dodgy ankles for years!! Bit drastic moving to Aus though.
We filled in the many forms that are required, and we were told that if we did not bring in these forms she would not be allowed into school, so yes, we set off without them! Had to turn round and come back, making us late! Anyway, we were met by the head of year 9 and a pupil in her form who will buddy her. Australia are doing their SATS this week, so Ellie was told she will have to do them also, exams on her first day, what a start!
So I am now a lady of leisure, Ste at work, Ellie at school and Xena in jail, I will have to find something to do. Cant work yet because my nursing registration in Aus hasn’t come through yet. Will go and investigate Sandringham town/shops I think, bet they dont have a home bargains!!!
Weather is quite chilly, was raining going to school, but blue skies again now, the girls have to wear their winter uniforms now, seems strange seeing people in scarves and big coats, its quite pleasant for us!
May 12, 2010 at 10:20 am
Glad to here Ellie has started school, what a pain her having to do exams on her first day.. Sounds like you might need to get a job soon just to pay for Ellie’s school costs. Won’t be long before Xena gets out of jail, I’m sure she will keep you busy investigating her new walking areas. x
May 12, 2010 at 10:22 am
Make the most of the time out and the peace after the last few weeks. Have fun looking for the bargains I’m sure knowing you you’ll find some. Hope Ellie settles in school, pity about the Sats though (there doing them here this week).
May 12, 2010 at 6:23 pm
Ellie’s uniform is not that bad as she still has a smile on her face . x
May 12, 2010 at 7:32 pm
Arr!!! Ellie….Home and Away!! lol.. looks fab, niccceee lesbian shoes, (joking) .. cant believe the expense of it all..mind you, we now have a Tory/Lib Dem Government so wouldnt be surprised if this country goes the same way?? xx
Hopw youre all well and settling in? xx
May 12, 2010 at 10:19 pm
Hi you marshes! Sounds like you have done such alot in a short time, and that you are finding your feet. Weather over here still chilly…bet your not missing that! Will catch up with you once a week-it sounds lovely. Trudy x