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Jan 10 2011

Back to School Checklist

Category: Back to School

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Organising all tasks that need to be completed before the kids return back to school can become overwhelming.  Buying uniforms, shoes, bookpacks, cover books, iron on labels, etc there are so many things to do.  Hopefully I can help ease your frustrations of back to school mayham with this Back to School Checklist free for you to download. 

Use this checklist to help you remember all items you need to purchase.  Cross off each item as it has been accomplished. 

I have been receiving emails from readers asking for back to school advise, here are your answers ladies!  Keep the emails coming, more than happy to help:)

When should I start organising for back to school?

I purchased the kids bookpacks two weeks before they finished school last year as I didn’t want to be running around during the school holidays with 3 kids on board.  I also chose not to use the booklist supplier the school recommended as the pack is delivered just prior to school starting.  As I have 3 kids books to cover and all supplies to label I wanted to allow myself some extra time.  I would start organising now so you don’t have to rush just before school starts. 

What Labels do you use?

  • I use labels from That’s Mine which I find are great quality.  
  • I also have a Brother P-Touch label machine which I use on alot of the supplies like twistable crayons and text books.
  • I use a Black Nikko or Sharpie pen to write on items such as glue sticks and sharpeners. 
  • I also keep on hand a silver paint pen to use on dark items such as black pencil cases.
  • Use a sharp knife to scratch an area out on the end of lead/colouring pencils, write name using a fine felt tip black pen.

My child always looses his school hat, what can you recommend?

I am presuming the hat is more than likely being taken by another child who may think the hat belongs to them.  I use iron on labels so other children cannot remove them.  I have also known parents to sew on patches which you can purchase from stores like spotlight.  Use a white paint pen or liquid paper to write on dark colour hats on the inside rim. Or you could get their name embroidered onto the back, however this may not be a good idea as you don’t want a stranger learning your child’s name easily.

Do you replace your kids school bags each year?

No I don’t.  I purchase Billabong bags from their local factory outlet, which I find are cheaper than in store.  I find them great quality and they have lasted 2 years.  I wash them at the end of the year, using a kitchen brush and some detergent, rinse, dry and looks good as new!

 More great back to school ideas to come this week

What are your back to school tips?

 

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  • Mama Currie

    Thankyou for your back to school tips. I also find the Billabong bags are fantastic, my son is using his for the 4th year. At the end of each year I put them in my washing maching on a gentle cycle, bags come out like brand new. Dry them on the line. To label my childrens hats I use fabric paint in bright yellow, I also do this to my childrens school shoes as all black shoes look the same to little ones. Once again thankyou for the great ideas just love them

  • http://www.leechbabe.com Marita

    Our school uniform is dark green. We got Annie's name embroidered on her art smock – bright orange for easy identification, also her jacket after she lost it twice – black, it blends with the jacket but we know it is ours. As for hats I found they were the only thing that didn't go missing :: phew ::

  • Regina

    You probably have plans for a post on this topic but I am just wondering how do you cover your kids books? Chloe is going in to grade 1 and this is the first year I have had to cover books. I was just going to cover text books in clear contact and exercise books etc in brown paper with some stickers on them. Is this considered daggy do you think? Chloe will be awfully upset if she gets to school and is the only one that has her books like this (she has confidence issues)

    • Katrina

      For sure it's coming Regina, hopefully Wed. I have a few ideas I am going to be showing. Clear contact is really easy to use, alot better than the metallic contact with all the licenced prints over it.

  • Cassandra Eastwood

    thank god we dont have covering issues at our school, we pay a levy and the kids get what supplies they need over the year this includes, books, pens, pens, textas, crayons etc. It is fantastic that way and the books dont get sent home to be covered (all books are then the same at the school with nothing on them). I feel for all parents that have to cover their kids books cause all kids want to fell included and have the best that everyone else has no matter the cost. Good luck everyone with back to school, carnt beleive it is not that far away. I love having holidays with the kids.

  • Regina

    Great thanks Katrina I will be looking forward to it.

  • Suzy

    Our school recommend only covering one or two books with contact, as it is a waste to the enviornment… and none of the kids seem to have an issue with this. My son goes into grade 2 this year…..

    • Katrina

      That's a fair comment, however I do find that having them covered protects the book from grubby hands, wet water bottles in backpack, doggy ears etc.

  • Alicia Ilievski

    My baby starts school this year….My biggest issue is her school uniform. She is super tall so her uniform is massive (I had to go up a size as they dont have odd numbers). Anyway I have no idea how to take up the hem. Do I cut it and then sew it? Or fold it heaps? Also do I use a machine (which I have but have never used EVER) or do I hand sew? Am I completely clueless LOL.

    My kids have Tupperware containers for lunches (both Kindy and now school) I have been warned that Tupperware doesnt always make it home. Apparently kids/parents peel the labels off. I didnt really want to label them with black marker as it looks unsighly. Any other neat suggestions?

    • Katrina

      your so funny Alicia. Firstly, my kids use tupperware at school, this is their 5th year and not one container has been lost or stolen. I use black marker on the snack cups, but use labels on the lunchboxes and drinkbottles. If you are really worried use the black marker, but write on it very neatly. See how you go, it's very sad if they do get stolen, don't know what some people think really to steal a kids lunchbox :(

      As for the sewing, I had to do the same last year. Determine how much needs to be hemmed. Fold half of that amount over, pin and iron. Fold the next half over, pin and iron, then if you want a blind stitch you will need to hem by hand but I would be more inclined to use the sewing machine, it's alot easier. Does this help. Otherwise if you are still lost try seeing if there is a you tube clip that can help you.

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  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Debra-Cannon/660329212 Debra Cannon

    Thanks for a great list :) I have shared it on my facebook business page for all the other mums and dads out there to help get off on the right foot for the new school year! You have certainly helped me to be more organised!!!!!

    http://www.littleboystoys.com