There are many things to organise for children returning to school after their summer vacation. Plan ahead to avoid a rush at the end of the holidays.
After the long summer vacation, it is important to be prepared for the return to school to avoid a last minute rush.
School Uniform
Children often experience a growth spurt over the long 6 – 8 week holiday break, so it is best to check that items fit later in the holidays. If there are items that must be purchased from the school, note which days during the holidays the uniform shop will be open. Ensure that uniforms are tried on and checked before the final shop date before school goes back. Check hems of skirts and tunics before school returns and adjust accordingly.
Shoes should be replaced if they are too tight or no longer fit well. Once again, it is best to wait until 2 – 3 weeks before school returns before purchasing new shoes to avoid outgrowing them too quickly. Always waterproof and polish shoes before they are worn for the first time.
Most Australian schools, particularly primary schools, have a ‘no hat, no play’ policy. Make sure that children have a suitable hat or other required garment to wear for outside activities at school to avoid disappointment.
Clearly label all clothing with a laundry marker or iron-on label. Write on the family name only if items are likely to be handed down to younger family members. In addition to labelling school hats, mark the tag using a coloured marker. Children rarely take the time to read names on labels, but will quickly recognise a brightly coloured tag as they pick up a hat to check if it is theirs.
School Supplies
Many shops have stationery sales in the month before school returns. It is possible to economise with most items (eg lead pencils, pencil sharpeners, pencil cases etc), but it is usually best to buy good quality glue-sticks, such as Bostik or Uhu, as cheaper glue is often not as adhesive or long-lasting.
Lunchboxes and water bottles need to be replaced occasionally and the beginning of the school year is often a good time to do so. These are usually also on sale with the school stationery. Choose items that will fit easily into a school bag and which will also be big enough to hold the required recess and lunch containers.
School bags will often last more than one year. At the end of the previous year, check the bag for wear and, if possible, wash it on a gentle cycle in the washing machine. Soaking the bag overnight before washing will help to loosen worn in dirt and stains. If the bag is too worn, replace it. If students have a large number of books to carry or if they need to walk a significant distance to and from bus stops to get to school, it is worth investigating bags that have added shoulder and back support. These will be more expensive than a normal backpack, but are designed to reduce strain on developing spines.
Label all stationery, lunchbox items, drink bottles and school bags clearly with a permanent marker or adhesive labels. If the school requires a standard school bag, students can often use colourful keyrings or other tags attached to the zipper rings to help them more easily recognise their own bag.
Extra items such as library bags and paint shirts are sometimes needed, but these can easily be bought after school has commenced for the year.
Don’t forget to also practice spelling and maths skills to prepare students for a return to their studies.
By planning ahead, the final days before school returns can be as relaxed as the rest of the holidays.
