Get set up for a great year of learning

The new school year has a habit of sneaking up on families. One minute it’s cold swims and hot chips at the beach, the next you’re hunting for lunch boxes and realising the kids’ shoes are suddenly too small.

As parents and carers, we all want the same thing: to set our children up to feel confident, organised and ready to learn from day one. A little preparation can ease the start-of-year rush and help your learners — big and small — begin the school year feeling supported and settled.

Here are some simple ways to get ready for another year of learning.

Start with what you already have

Before diving into the stationery list, take some time to look through drawers and cupboards at home. Involving kids in this process helps them feel organised and responsible for their learning tools — and you may uncover perfectly good pens, folders or books from last year.

Choose items that go the distance

Reliable lunch boxes, drink bottles and school bags that last beyond the first few weeks make daily routines easier. When kids can depend on their gear, mornings run more smoothly and there’s one less thing to worry about during the school day. Labelling items also helps keep everything where it belongs.

Lean on your school community

School communities are a fantastic source of support. Uniform swaps, second-hand options and parent groups can help families access quality items while keeping resources circulating within the community. It’s a simple way to connect with other families and start the year feeling positive.

Review routines at home

The start of the school year is a great time to reset household routines. Reviewing subscriptions or apps can simplify family life and create space for new habits — like homework time, reading or earlier bedtimes — that support learning during the term.

Make school lunches easy

Nutritious, ready-to-go lunches help kids stay focused and energised throughout the day. A little planning on the weekend — such as making a variety of things that are ready to go like boiled eggs, veggie sticks with dip, a batch of meatballs or sausage rolls makes it easy to build a snack style lunch box. If you’re looking for inspiration, our meal prepping blog post has some ideas to get you started.

A little planning, some thoughtful choices and support from your local community can make a big difference. Here’s to a smooth, confident and positive start to the school year for you and your learners.