Paulo,
happy to help if I can. We're ex-UK, having lived in Sydney and Australia for 5 years. We've 2 boys, now age 8 and 10, and I'm a Business Consultant; so we understand some of your issues.
I think the best things is to choose your area first, then start looking for schools. Schooling starts at age 5.5, so you should be looking to enroll both of yours in pre-schools.
In terms of area; there aren't any real bad ones, nut it is best to consider somewhere close to the rail line. We consider north of the harbour to be best for families - it really didn't begin development until after the Harbour Bridge opened in '36 (I think), and so it's still leafy with relatively large blocks etc. That's not to say that there aren't nice suburbs south of the Harbour. Many people choose to live by the beach or in the mountains, both of which are suitable to commuting to the City. A good place to start is www.domain.com.au. I'm also happy for you to e-mail me with more info/questions (andyzaple@bigpond.com), and I'll help where I can.
Andy

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Dear Paulo,

I am an Australian now living in America. Good luck with your move to Sydney. It is a wonderful city and you and you family will love living there. I agree with the British gentleman, the Northern suburbs are a wonderful place to live. We have two children and lived in the Frenchs Forest area. Public tramsport is not the best, but the schools and other facitities are wonderful. The northern suburbs close to the rail lines such as Chatswood, St Ives, Turrumurra, Wahroongah and all great.

The Northern suburbs of Sydney offer great family living in good homes and a good size block of land. There are lots of trees and nature. It is very beautiful. I would never live anywhere else in Sydney.

Sydney University is close to the rail station and bus lines. Transport there is very good.

School does start at 5. The school years begins end of january and goes through to December. The public school in the area you decide to live must accept your childs enrollment. If you select a school outside your suburb then they can elect to either take your child if they have room, or reject the child.

Pre school, for before the age of 5, can be either private, or run by the local churches. It can be hard to find a place. Our children went to the Monterssori preschool and we were very happy.

Good luck with the move. I am sure you will be very happy.

Belinda

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