Cyprus-Forum.com

[lisaF]

Hi folks

My house is ready now I will be looking to live in Coral Bay permanantly from December 2007. I will be over for August though am aware lots of places closed. I am seeking advice regarding my two children Shannon 4.5 years and Cameron 3 years. I was going to send them to International School of Paphos in two years time though have brought the move forward. I would like to consider placing them in Greek School. Does anybody have info/experience of this, know closest/best schools around Coral Bay? Any leads would be helpful. I shall be out there next week and would maybe like to meet up with anybody for coffee etc who feels they could help. I will be grateful to hear from you many thanks Lisa Frazer

[paliometoxo]

you like them to learn greek now?

[hunnibee]

Hello Lisa!! Well Done on making the most life changing decision of your life!!!
I moved to Limassol in May, my children are 4 and 1!! I put my daughter (4) into a greek kindergarten within 2 weeks of arriving, I got a job at a bar and some of the regulars told me I'd done the right thing as when shes older she'll benefit not only with having 2 languages (3 if we include Welsh from the welsh school she went to before we moved!) but she'll also benefit having 'local' friends not just English friends, whom we'll meet in time of being here! I was told to Persevere with her as she may find it hard adapting. THIS was the best advice I had as a few weeks later she started performing in the mornings saying no-one liked her, she had no friends etcetc I felt bad and started searching for English schools which taught greek, while they looked more colourful they were alot more expensive! I took Emily out of school for 2 weeks and bought her some reading writing books (English) from ELC and schooled her at home while I made my decision... All the while I had the head-teacher of the greek school phoning me asking where she was!! In the end I went to see her head-teacher and explained what was happening and she told me that Emily was totally different when she was IN school. I asked them to talk to her in greek but then follow with English (This was the way they taught her the Welsh in her old school!) and asked her to go in school a little later (8.30 instead of 7.30) and finish later! Now shes coping alot better, shes settled into having a 'siesta' in school and has made friends, they performed a ceremony about 3 weeks ago and were all dancing on stage and Emily said her lines in Greek!! Shes also singing Greek songs!! Like I said the guy who told me PERSEVERE was right...What he said stuck in my head and I knew If I took her to an English school after taking her to a Greek one she'd munipulate me all the way through school!!!!

I hope this helps in some way!! GOOD LUCK!!!

[paliometoxo]

yes good luck

[lisaF]

Thank you so much Hunnibee you have given me a lot to think about! I'm glad your Emily is now coping I'm sure she will thank you for your perseverence when she is older!
Lisax

I would like them to learn Greek as soon as possible so maybe a home tutor and an International School would be my best route for now as they are still very much pre-school.

[Aquaholic]

Hi LisF - I have no kids so can't help there although from a subjective point of view I'd say you've just been given the best advice so good luck.

What I would like to suggest though is a course I have done which is only £30 a year (because it's subsidised by the Government) - Greek for Foreigners. It's 1 lesson a week & they teach you to read & write as well as speak Greek. I believe they run these courses all over Cyprus.

If you Your children are to be schooled in Greek then you might find it beneficial to be able to read & write & not just speak it yourself. Besides, I really really enjoyed it - sadly my working hours have changed now & I can't make the lessons but it has at least kick started me & I'm trying to carry on learning from people around me. It's a really good way to make friends too - I've had some really warm receptions to my efforts to communicate in Greek, even if sometimes my efforts are comical! As long as you are trying it seems to be appreciated & the more you try the faster you learn!

Anyway, best of luck with your move I hope you are very happy here.

[hunnibee]

your very welcome if I can help I will!! Another piece of advice...be prepared that the way the schools are run here is COMPLETELY different! If you do decide to go with the greek schools each child has to have a year in kindregarten before they can be entered into the state primary (the normal age for entering primary is 5 and 8 mths) Maybe they will accept them if they've done an 'intensive' Greek course (learnt the basics for the age!) I dont know I've not looked into it as I heard about this and moved her into kindergarten school before she was 4 and 8 mths..this is something you might have to research..If I can find out I'll let you know!
Also I'm not sure (of course) what sort of parent you are, but the Nanny State (UK) is left behind when you move here! I've seen Emilys teachers cuddle her, some have kissed her goodbye, in her ceremony a few weeks ago there were kids in bathing costumes dancing on stage!!! This as you'll know would NEVER happen in the UK because some mums dont approve...personally I think its nice that Emily feels her teacher actually LIKES her not just sees her as a 'number'!!! Greek schools serve dinner which is Greek food (most is delicious!!) but the look of it isn't always appealing which Emily wasn't used to the food...she's getting there my mum keeps cooking us greek meals and we make her try them hoping that when shes in school she'll know what it is!!
If I think of any more info I'll let you know!!!

[lisaF]

you are all very kind many thanks for advice I am getting very excited for move and your words give me comfort in the knowledge that there are many going through same challenges and are enjoying the journey!

with love

Lisax

[paliometoxo]

thats nice. i hope its everythig you imagine it will be and more you will love it here..

[hunnibee]

Lisa youre most welcome! If you have any more questions just ask and if I can help I will!!!

PS do you know about child benefit here???? let me know if you dont!