Be ready for back to school

By Georgia Tacey

Jan 22, 2024

Back to school: Make sure you’re ready for another year. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

With the summer holidays almost over, now is the time to make sure you’re prepared for another school year.

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We have your checklist of everything you need and need to know before term one starts.

The News also has its annual Preps 2024 feature coming out in March, featuring all the new Prep students from schools across Greater Shepparton. Keep an eye out in The News for more details closer to the date.

Term one and other dates

For government schools, students will head back to the classroom on Tuesday, January 30, while non-government schools can expect to return a day earlier on Monday, January 29.

Term two will start on April 15, term three on July 15, and term four will start on October 7.

For a complete list of the 2024 Victorian school calendar, go to https://www.vic.gov.au/school-term-dates-and-holidays-victoria

Uniforms and new shoes

Kids can grow a lot over the summer, so before they head back, make sure their uniforms still fit and purchase any new pieces as necessary, including school shoes and hats for outside play.

Stationery and textbooks

New stationery is always a favourite for kids. If your child’s school provides a list, you can use that as a guide for what you need to purchase, but if they don’t, everyday items your child might need include pens, pencils, markers, rulers, erasers and a pencil case. A calculator is also handy, as well as art and craft supplies.

Be sure to purchase any required textbooks and reading material for their classes to ensure they get the most out of the school year.

Lunchboxes and snacks

A lunchbox and a water bottle are essential items. Bento lunchboxes are a great choice, with plenty of compartments for different snacks. When choosing lunches for your child, focus on healthy options and foods you know your child will like.

Transport and after-school care

Now’s a good time to figure out how your kids will get to and from school, whether you take them or they walk or ride their bikes. If they need to take a bus, make sure your child knows the route and where to go.

You can also see if your child’s school offers out-of-hours care and set that up with the school when needed.