Undoubtedly, we can all agree that this school year has been anything but normal. With parents having to home-school at the drop of a hat, to the interrupted extra-murals and the disruption of staggered learning – I’m sure we’re all relieved that the school year will soon be coming to an end.
“Soon?” you ask. Why, yes. In case you haven’t realised it – with life whizzing by, as it tends to do – by the time this post is published it will be a mere 41 days until public schools close. And if you remove the weekends, then that only leaves 28 days. As for most private schools – there are only 18 school days left!
If you’re reading this post in a country outside of South Africa, you may not know that our school year runs from January to December. So, the end of the school year also coincides with the festive season and everything that comes along with it.
While many parents breathe a sigh of relief knowing that the morning rush and the extra-murals will be coming to an end, we tend to forget that the holidays are not necessarily as long as we imagine them to be.
If we throw in Christmas-gift shopping, planning our Christmas dinners, planning our year-end getaways, not to mention planning New Year parties – before we know it, the new school year will be right on our doorsteps, and we would have done nothing to plan ahead.
So, here are a few tips on things that you’d need to start thinking about now, to ensure an effective wind-down of one year and a calm transition into the next.
Gifts for Teachers and Others
If you plan on giving your kids’ teachers a little gift, start by making a list:
- The class teacher;
- Teaching assistant;
- Swimming instructor;
- Ballet teacher;
- Cricket coach;
- Nanny;
- Babysitter, etc.
Work out a budget and make a note of what you are planning to get each person. Gift vouchers with a personalised card from your child is always a good option. If you know the teacher / instructor a little more personally, then possibly get them something other than a voucher. A picture of your child inside the card is also a nice keepsake.
Note: Don’t forget about the cleaners, security personnel, kitchen staff, etc.
Uniform
Trust me, if you think you can leave the uniform shopping until the new year, you’ll be sorely disappointed.
Not only will money be tight after the festive season, but you’re going to battle to find the exact item you need in the correct size you require.
Get all your new school clothes before schools close: socks, shirts, vests, cardigans, pants, sporting uniforms, etc. You could probably leave the shoes until the new year, especially if you have a rapidly growing little one, but if you’re able to get this early as well, do so.
If you have a little one not in a formal uniform just yet, buy their clothes as well. Mixing ‘going out’ and ‘school’ clothes never works. Make a clear distinction between these clothes and try not to mix them.
And while you’re at it, don’t forget school bags, lunchboxes and school water bottles.
Artwork
If you have little ones, they will probably come home with a good few months’ (if not an entire year’s) worth of artwork. Start thinking about what you’re going to do with it all.
If you’d like to keep it all, ensure a good storage place. A big container with a lid is generally a great idea.
Perhaps pick one or two pieces of art to frame or put on display for a short period. If you’re only keen on keeping a few art pieces, decide beforehand on a maximum amount you’re willing to keep and don’t deviate from it.
Truthfully, getting rid of your child’s art can be brutal, but you’ll end up with a mountain of scribbles if you don’t start sorting it out now.
So, when they arrive home on the last day of school, make sure that you have
1) A plan
2) Containers ready, so that the process can be quick and painless.
Extra-Murals
Sit down with your kids and chat about which extra-murals they enjoyed best this year and why. Of course, cost would factor in here too. As a family, decide which extra murals your children will be attending in the new year.
Also think about which ones will be done at school and which ones would be done privately. If possible, get whatever equipment is required ahead of time. And don’t forget to register them for next year.
Stationery
Buy the paper for wrapping school books early. Make sure to buy a few rolls in advance. If you leave it too late, you’ll end up wrapping their books in Christmas wrapping. Trust me. I’ve been there.
Also start stocking up on the required stationery. This could actually be done bit by bit throughout the year to avoid the hefty bill when having to purchase everything at once. Some schools also prefer specific brands of items, so be sure to get them early to avoid being left empty-handed.
Prep Your Child for the New Grade
This might sound like a no-brainer, but with everything else going on during December and January, this can be quite easily forgotten.
Chat to your child about what will be the same and what will be different in the following school year. Make them aware of school expectations as well as your expectations. Speak to them about not necessarily being in the same class as the friends they had this year.
Some schools offer an opportunity for them to meet their teacher and see their classroom beforehand. Make use of this golden opportunity. The more informed your child is, the better they will settle in.
And last, but not least of all …
Prep Yourself, as a Parent
While we bask in these no-more-crazy-rushed mornings, we also need to prep ourselves for the new year ahead. Get your planners and desk calendars before the year is over. If there are any additional items which your child needs to take to school (hand soap, sanitiser, tissues, etc.) buy them now as well. The more you do now (before you start with the festive season prepping) the more you’ll actually be able to relax.
Remember, as a parent you set the tone for your household. If you’re calm and organised, so will the rest of your family be.
Happy prepping!
