The school holidays in Queensland are about to come to an end! After enduring more than a month, parents are probably eager for the new term to begin. The first day of the 2024 school year is next Monday, we feel a bit nervous (especially about the upcoming lunch prep)!
What should I prepare for prep?
- The most important thing is, of course, the Book pack.
The school usually sends an email to parents before the Term 4 break with a link to the school’s partnered book pack supplier.
The list includes the stationery items needed for Prep. Our school uses EDSCO, and you can choose to pick it up from the store or have it delivered. Other moms from higher grades have told me that you can also use the list to shop at Officeworks, which might be cheaper. - Lunchbox, Fruit Box, and Lunchbox Bag
Last semester in the Prep room, we saw various lunchboxes, but we focused on two things: “capacity” and “easy to open”! Who knows how many lunchboxes the teacher has to open every day?
Some kids had too small lunchboxes, not enough to eat, finishing everything in the first lunch break and ending up hungry during the second break. We bought the b.box large lunchbox at Costco, two for $50, and it comes with an ice pack!
Since Queensland is relatively hot, we didn’t consider a thermos for hot food. We’ll mainly prepare small meals, sandwiches, and sushi for our kids, promoting healthy living. Our school’s morning tea is between 9:30 and 10:00 AM, and parents usually bring fruits or yogurt. We think a simple fruit box is best – enough quantity and leak-proof. These are easy to make, and you can easily find ingredients, fresh fruits, and healthy snacks at supermarkets! This greatly reduces preparation time! - Shoes and School Uniform
Our school doesn’t have strict rules on the style of shoes, just that they should be black. We recommend moms to get Velcro shoes without laces for Preappies, it’ll be much more convenient! The teacher has to tie countless shoelaces every day, it’s true!
For uniforms (formal + sports), we’ve only prepared two sets for now. Wash and change them regularly. Some moms advised me not to buy too many initially because kids are sure to misplace them. - Developing Habits for Kids
The transition from Prep to Kindy is quite significant! Parents must help their kids develop independent habits in advance, such as carrying their own backpacks, taking care of their belongings, using utensils before meals, putting on shoes and clothes by themselves, sitting and writing, and using the toilet independently.
These seemingly small things are crucial life skills for their first year in elementary school!
Wishing every Prep child a memorable and joyful Prep year!