A Guaranteed Place

By MissyBoo On March 31, 2009 · Leave a Comment · In health, mother of the year, religion, school, Uncategorized

Today we had an interview at the school I want Boo to attend next year. It’s a small catholic school with 200 students (30 kids in each year).

There was about 70 applicants for 30 kindy places next year. Not being catholic myself, not having been to a catholic school, and really not having a clear understanding of how the private school system works, I canvassed the people I knew who had sent their children through the private school system. Going on what others had told me, I expected a gruelling interview about my religious beliefs, why I wanted my child to attend this school and some personal information etc etc.

Nothing of the sort!

We met with the principal, who advised us once we were seated that Boo had a guaranteed place once I handed over the cash. He then had a Wiggles vs Hi-5 conversation with Boo, before telling me about all the extra-curricular activities (everything and more than I want her to learn), the extension programs offered to all children excelling, that all children get there own school computer from kindy right through and then gave us a tour.

Religion, Catholicism and my personal details were not discussed, though multiculturalism, respect, and ethics were.

I handed over my cash, and was ecstatic that it was so simple. I am now glad that I had Boo baptised 2 years ago, despite being so anti the ritual – I wanted her to learn about religion and have the opportunity to make up her own mind, rather than me bestow a religion upon her. That decision was advantageous today. It means I don’t have to battle it out with 52 other families for 10 places!

Trying to get Boo to leave the school is another story, especially after the principal showed her the special gate she could use to come and play in the playground when the school is closed!

To celebrate, I took Boo to the immunisation clinic for a flu vaccination

0 Responses to A Guaranteed Place

Dina says:

April 1, 2009 at 02:20

That’s awesome! I’m glad you guys had such a positive experience.

Reply
Fe says:

April 1, 2009 at 03:27

Congratulations!! I’m so glad that it went so well for you both.

Toto, despite his not being baptised and me not being Catholic, got into his Catholic high school after a slightly more rigorous interview. We were one of very few “non-religious” places they offer there.

And it’s the best thing ever. Toto loves it.

Now I just have to make sure that he listens to ME about birth control and STD’s rather than the Pope (wink) when that time comes!

Reply
Iris Flavia says:

April 1, 2009 at 05:13

Sounds great! I´m not sure I´d like to celebrate with you though

Reply
Melody says:

April 1, 2009 at 05:55

That is great news!

Reply
le @ thirdontheright says:

April 1, 2009 at 11:27

schooling is such an issue – glad you have access to a quailty caring environment … will ease your nerves le

Reply
Guera says:

April 1, 2009 at 13:00

It is great news – very happy for you both! Once less thing to worry about now.

Reply
M+B says:

April 1, 2009 at 13:54

Dina – You have no idea how relieved I am that we had a positive experience

Fe – Thanks. I’m glad we were not subject to the rigorous interview, and even if Boo doesn’t love the school, I do

PS I think you better have that conversation with Toto soon *smirk*

Iris – Come on surely I can find something to have you vaccinated against. I offer bribes

Melody – It’s not as great as your news

Le – Looking at the local public school, its size and its students, my nerves are well and truly eased

Guera – Well thats primary school sorted at least

Reply
tiff says:

April 2, 2009 at 05:36

Glad that everything worked out well. A celebratory immunisation?

Reply
M+B says:

April 6, 2009 at 13:44

Tiff – I’m such an evil mother!

Reply