about schools
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 09/09/2006 - 04:11In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
Hi Cindy,
We`ve been here for 2 years with our daughters (now aged 12 and 13). They had been learning Italian for a couple of years before we came but, true to form, they hadn`t actually learnt very much. They did need a lot of input when they first started at school (probably don`t expect too much help to come from the school) but are now doing really well. It will be a lot easier with younger children.
I`d say the school system is very old fashioned and quite hard on them. 8am-1pm Monday - Saturday with heaps of homework and very few holidays except in the summer. they also only get a 10 minute break in the middle of the morning and don`t leave the classroom for it. They do very little practical work too so not much `light relief`. However, most of the kids that I know who`ve come through the system seem to get a good education along the way.
I`d agree with fudgeioto that we feel much safer here when walking the streets and you certainly don`t see crowds of drunk youngsters.
About Schools
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 09/17/2006 - 17:42In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
Martina - On the school subject, we're lloking to move to Italy next year (final destination not yet confirmed) however, can you tell me when the term starts?
Thanks
Steve
[QUOTE=The Smiths in Puglia]Hi Cindy,
We`ve been here for 2 years with our daughters (now aged 12 and 13). They had been learning Italian for a couple of years before we came but, true to form, they hadn`t actually learnt very much. They did need a lot of input when they first started at school (probably don`t expect too much help to come from the school) but are now doing really well. It will be a lot easier with younger children.
I`d say the school system is very old fashioned and quite hard on them. 8am-1pm Monday - Saturday with heaps of homework and very few holidays except in the summer. they also only get a 10 minute break in the middle of the morning and don`t leave the classroom for it. They do very little practical work too so not much `light relief`. However, most of the kids that I know who`ve come through the system seem to get a good education along the way.
I`d agree with fudgeioto that we feel much safer here when walking the streets and you certainly don`t see crowds of drunk youngsters.[/QUOTE]
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
The school year generally starts in mid September (13th this year). They have just about 2 weeks off for Christmas (maybe a couple of days less) and 2 or 3 days off at Easter. Then there are a few saints days dotted about and, if you`re lucky, there will be an election and they need to use the schools for that. This year because the election was close to Easter, it meant a longer Easter holiday which was good. The paucity of holidays makes it quite difficult to travel around much as on Sundays we just tend to relax and get ready for the coming week! The summer is good though, they usually finish at the beginning of June so that`s about three and a half months holiday.
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
We are in our 50s and have a trulli near Ceglie. We had a break-in in April and got recompense from our insurers. We were strongly advised by the locals to pay a small monthly fee to a local private security firm who will fit alarm systems and respond within minutes to an alarm going off, and check around the area periodically.
Tony Winstanley
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
[QUOTE=Tony Winstanley]We are in our 50s and have a trulli near Ceglie. We had a break-in in April and got recompense from our insurers. We were strongly advised by the locals to pay a small monthly fee to a local private security firm who will fit alarm systems and respond within minutes to an alarm going off, and check around the area periodically.
Tony Winstanley[/QUOTE]
I agree. Private security firms are generally a good idea. We use one at our new house (although never bothered in 3 years at our trullo). They come up to the house each day just to check everything`s OK. We haven`t had our alarm fitted yet (we`re doing that ourselves and just waiting for the electrician) and I believe they provide personal alarms which the company will respond to too. We look on it as a bit of an insurance policy - a sort of preventative measure. Some areas are more susceptible to break-ins than others unfortunately, and many Brits seem to like these isolated areas, whereas the Italians are happier in a crowd!
Private Security Firms
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 09/20/2006 - 13:47In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
[LEFT]We too use a private security firm to check our trullo near Ostuni. Wasn't sure if it was necessary but the previous owner (local) used them so we thought we should.
However, when my daughter visited recently and had to leave the hire car at the gate late at night when they arrived because someone had locked it such that she couln't open it, early the following morning (6am - a bit too early for daughter!) the security chap turned up with a key to the other gate to let them in that way - we had let him know she was coming (only really by sign language and pointing to calendar, etc as he speaks no English and we speak very little Italian). He had obviously realised what the problem was - I was very impressed.
The same guy always visits us when we are there and attempts valiantly to hold a conversation with us - a lot of grinning and nodding goes on plus a little bit of German which seems to be a more common language between us!
I don't mind the relatively reasonable cost. Not exactly sure what they would do if there was any trouble as although they have our contact phone number can't imagine us managing to communicate over the telephone - but hopefully with their assistance it won't be necessary.[/LEFT]
House break in
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 02/23/2008 - 11:27In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
:smile:Hi Tony, we just brought our trulli/farmhouse last October in the country side of Ostuni - no doubt, opportunists at winter time and are interested to hear of your private security firm. Can you please advise on the monthly fee you pay? Also, can you advise on a good insurance company for house contents cover?
Maggie
[quote=Tony Winstanley;43859]We are in our 50s and have a trulli near Ceglie. We had a break-in in April and got recompense from our insurers. We were strongly advised by the locals to pay a small monthly fee to a local private security firm who will fit alarm systems and respond within minutes to an alarm going off, and check around the area periodically.
Tony Winstanley[/quote]
private security firm
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 02/23/2008 - 11:34In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
Hi there, I like the sound of your security firm, daily site visits etc. I had to laugh when I read of your efforts with communicating with the every so friendly southern Italians. Can you please let me know of the details for your firm?
Many thanks
Maggie:bigergrin:
[quote=Flyingpigs;43884][LEFT]We too use a private security firm to check our trullo near Ostuni. Wasn't sure if it was necessary but the previous owner (local) used them so we thought we should.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]However, when my daughter visited recently and had to leave the hire car at the gate late at night when they arrived because someone had locked it such that she couln't open it, early the following morning (6am - a bit too early for daughter!) the security chap turned up with a key to the other gate to let them in that way - we had let him know she was coming (only really by sign language and pointing to calendar, etc as he speaks no English and we speak very little Italian). He had obviously realised what the problem was - I was very impressed.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]The same guy always visits us when we are there and attempts valiantly to hold a conversation with us - a lot of grinning and nodding goes on plus a little bit of German which seems to be a more common language between us![/LEFT]
[LEFT]I don't mind the relatively reasonable cost. Not exactly sure what they would do if there was any trouble as although they have our contact phone number can't imagine us managing to communicate over the telephone - but hopefully with their assistance it won't be necessary.[/LEFT]
[/quote]
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
[quote=mo1j;83371]Hi there, I like the sound of your security firm, daily site visits etc. I had to laugh when I read of your efforts with communicating with the every so friendly southern Italians. Can you please let me know of the details for your firm?
Many thanks
Maggie:bigergrin:[/quote]
Hi Maggie
Make your enquiry on [URL="http://www.pugliaposse.co.uk"]www.pugliaposse.co.uk[/URL] - you will get more of a response.
Regards
L
Hi there,
We are moving to puglia with two children aged two and five. We have bought a site near san vito. It will probably be next year by the time we get there as we are selling our house here. I would love to hear something about the italian schools around us, and the education system in general. How have your kids found school there? Did they speak any italian before they started?
I am also a bit worried about the safety aspect, so it was good to read your message.
Regards,
Cindy