what about something like this...
you have 80000 QF points, a quick check of the QANTAS site shows LHR-SIN needs 84000 points, browse around and see how far your points will take you... then look around for a cheapie fare from Asia.

of course award flights will be hard to find in peak travel periods too

maybe you can ask your employers for some time off and leave just before the peak season dates.

It must be tough having your family so far away, but good to have a free place to stay

good luck

OR look into doing an exchange teacher year, I have a lot of teacher friends who have done this, in both directions,