good primary schools near mawson lakes

[Guest hot potato]

hi, just arrived in Adelaide and loving it so far. currently house hunting and one of the areas that suits us is Mawson Lakes, however I see the primary school here has a bad reputation? can anyone recommend a good primary school near this area - either public or private - as i have 2 kids, the eldest being 5 so need to get her settled in a school! any help with schools greatly appreciated!

[Guest salisbury massive]

Well I wouldn't say it has a bad reputation but a few people have taken their kids out and put them elsewhere. Its all very open plan, the school doesn't have a library on site and the kids have to cross a road to get to one. To be honest you've got a bit of a problem because the areas surrounding Mawson are not that brilliant and the schools unfortunately suffer for it.

 

If you don't mind travelling 15 minutes in the morning I would check out Keithcot Farm Primary, http://www.keithcotps.sa.edu.au/ Its a well maintained school and has excellent facilities. There is a kindy attached for your smaller kids but we don't start here until they are 4 years old. There is a day care attached but it can be pricey. http://www.keithcotkgn.sa.edu.au/

 

Have a look on this website, its the department of education site and you can access lots of schools from here http://www.decs.sa.gov.au/locs/ Click on the red bit on the map, then the top bit that says Tea Tree Gully & Elizabeth on it. Then just click primary schools and it will bring up all the schools in the North East. I hear Madison Park is quite good, http://www.madisonps.sa.edu.au/ and also Gulfview Heights http://www.ghps.sa.edu.au/ A really nice school is Para Vista Primary http://www.paravistacpc7.sa.edu.au/ It looks a bit concrete and old fashioned when you rock up but don't be put off. My friends kids go there and they love it. In fact 3 of my friends all moved their kids from another school to Para Vista.

 

hope that helps and let me know if you want any more info.

 

Jo

[Guest hot potato]

thanks for your help Jo, i have put an offer in on the house now so will take a look at the schools you mentioned and will hopefully start her in the new term! all help gratefully received!

 

Lynne

[Guest salisbury massive]

If you are looking at private schools, there are heaps around and you've got the advantage of Endeavour being at Mawson Lakes later for High School.

 

Here is the Independant schools website http://www.ais.sa.edu.au/html/about_schools_listing.asp

 

Locally there are a few schools, Kings Baptist at Wynn Vales, I go there and can recommend it. Pedare Christian College also at Wynn Vales. Both these schools take from Reception. There is also Golden Grove Lutheran at Wynn Vale and St Pauls Lutheran at Blair Athol not far from Mawson Lakes. My friend has all her kids there and loves it.

 

Jo

[Guest hot potato]

thanks Jo, again all your information has been very useful. I think we will give Mawson lakes school a chance. it would be great for the kids to be at school with kids who live nearby. lynne

[Guest salisbury massive]

Hi Lynne

 

Definately go and have a look, one mans meat is another mans poison so to speak. Also, don't be put off by uniforms here, they are much more casual that in the UK, trackie pants, trainers and polo tops. I think the things that went against Mawson Lakes were the library and some of the classes are open plan classrooms so there can be a lot of kids in one place. However, you'll find children move from school to school frequently so moving them again probably wouldn't be an issue for you. Also don't forget your daughter will be going into Reception again but talk to the head with regard to this if you feel she might be taking a step backwards and they often have mixed year groups and could put her in a Rec/year 1 class or even a year 1/2 class. The kids here start school the term after they are 5. your daughter has probably already done quite a few english terms and might find the change hard to understand.

 

Lots of luck

 

jo

[Bill J]

We loved Golden Grove Lutheran Primary, our son grew in confidence and with his learning so much. They run a free bus from Endeavour College as their kids have automatic entry there for high school which was great as they have a big wait list otherwise. Teachers were amazing and we’ve loved Endeavour too.