Back to School

Did you head into the new year with a glorious, fool-proof plan to get the kids super organised for back to school, only to leave everything to the last minute? Don’t worry, us too. Cue the season of organised chaos…

The start of the school year is upon us, which means it’s time to start thinking about how you can prepare and get organised for Term 1. We’ve consulted with some of the parents and carers at CareSouth to gather their essential back-to-school checklist items and other handy tips to help you and your family breeze through the school year ahead.

Our back-to-school checklist

Supplies

Has everyone got their supplies? From books, pens, and other stationery items, kids need the essential tools to kick-start the school year. Don’t forget labels too, we don’t want them to lose anything on the first day!

Backpack

There are many styles of backpacks you can choose for kids these days. If last year’s school bag has been dragged across the concrete or eaten by moths in the back of a wardrobe, it might be time to purchase another one. Local second-hand stores often have a great range of pre-loved backpacks too.

Lunch box & water bottles

Our top tip is to meal prep! Setting aside some time to plan lunch and snacks for the week can help take the pressure off, with one less thing you have to think about during the week. Double-check zippers and seals on their lunch boxes too in case of any annoying leaks – your future self will thank you for it.

Uniform & shoes

It has been 6+ weeks since the kids were in their school uniforms, so save yourself the panic on their first day by trying on the uniforms now. We’ve all been there; it’s a high chance the kids have had a huge growth spurt and are left to wear too-small uniforms for the first week or so. And as they say, start the year on the right foot!

COVID safety

Unfortunately, it’s shaping up to be another year of uncertainty. We are living in ever-changing times and it’s hard for both parents, carers, and children to keep up with all the rules, but it’s important children understand how to be COVID safe at school.

The Create Foundation has some amazing resources for vulnerable kids to safeguard them throughout the pandemic, available here, https://create.org.au/gus-talks-covid-19-with-the-kids-for-the-kids/

Other handy tips

Write important dates in your diary – it’s always the one you forget that means the most!
Create morning and evening routines
Have family conversations about a child’s personal safety, NAPCAN has an awesome tip sheet on how you can start having these types of chats with kids, available here https://www.napcan.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/NAP20_ChildrensWeek_tipsheet_FINAL_GENERAL.pdf

We hope you all have a great school year ahead!