A Guaranteed Place

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 ;)