[pkrs]

Hi, we are considering a job offer to hong kong from Australia. We have a 5 year old daughter and we were wondering if the australian int school has a good reputation??. Also as she is so little are parents allowed to catch the school bus with them or would you just have to find your own way if you wanted to accompany them?? I just cant imagine her being ok on a bus by herself at age 5.
Do the schools provide lunches?

[KnowItAll]

pkrs : the buses are usually run by third parties and parents are not allowed on the bus.

She'll be ok .. our kid was on the bus under 4 years old.

Lunches need to be packed (not sure about AIS.. specifically)

[discobay]

A child as young as yours would benefit from being taken to school by a parent rather than going by school bus. It is the norm here for international schools. Older children that is those of primary school age will tend to get the school bus as their time at school is longer and the designated parent often decides to go back to work part-time.
Personally we still drive ours to school and he is in primary school but not the AIS.

[KnowItAll]

discobay : I sort of see your view .. but to be honest, the school bus thing has turned into a bit of a social thing for the kids. They plan whose house they're going to for lunch and their afternoon playgroups on the way back. Atleast thats the case with our kid and three or four others who live in our building.

[discobay]

I see your point too ... sort of. For me the early years are going to be the years I will always remember. When they grow up they will become very independent and there won't be anything you can do about it. If one parent has the time and a car then why not? If money is tight then sure book the bus.

[pkrs]

Thanks for replys girls. whos house to go for lunch?? Arn,t they at school for lunch?
Have you heard any bad/ good things about the aussie school?
Discobay you have a car? Is it difficult and expensive to drive in Hong Kong? I have driven in sydney which is pretty busy but i am guessing nothing as bad as hong kong.

[discobay]

Driving here is fine if you know your way (it's not as dumb as it sounds). Signage here relies on you knowing basic principles of driving IN HONG KONG. Some of these include never indicating because (a) you own the road, (b) it would give the game away as to which way you wanted to go hence increasing the opportunity that someone else overtakes you and (c) you own the road.

I've lived in Sydney and driving there was fine. Signage was good though one-way systems are a pain like every where.
Second-hand cars here are good value.

[KnowItAll]

>> whos house to go for lunch??
>> Arn,t they at school for lunch?

Sorry for the confusion. Kindergarten kids go to school for half a day, so my son and his buds tend to plan their lunch on the trip back from the KG.

[KnowItAll]

If you get free parking at the school, I'd recommend looking at a car for sure.

[sunniefaith]

Originally Posted by KnowItAll

>> whos house to go for lunch??
>> Arn,t they at school for lunch?

Sorry for the confusion. Kindergarten kids go to school for half a day, so my son and his buds tend to plan their lunch on the trip back from the KG.

KIA, wow...your kid is starting young! Very social. Have to meet your little one someday.