Preparing for the school term doesn’t have to be overwhelming. As the school term approaches, parents and students alike often find themselves caught in the rush to prepare for resumption. Whether your child is attending a day school or is set to experience the unique environment of a boarding school, having a well-organised checklist can make all the difference. Here is a comprehensive list of essentials tailored for both day and boarding students, ensuring that your child starts the school year confidently and fully prepared.
General Checklist for Resumption: Boarding and Day
Regardless of whether your child is a boarder or day student, there are certain items that every student needs to have ready for the new school term:
School Uniforms: Ensure you have the required number of school uniforms, including socks, belts, and appropriate shoes (both for school and sports). If your child is starting a new school, get the required number of school uniforms, sportswear, and every other uniform required by the school.
Stationery: This includes notebooks, pens, pencils, erasers, rulers, sharpeners, calculators, and any subject-specific supplies like geometry sets, crayons, graphbooks, etc. Also, get their list of books and buy all the essential textbooks.
Textbooks and Notebooks: Double-check the school’s booklist to ensure all required textbooks and exercise books are purchased ahead of time. Buy all the essential textbooks for each subject.
Lunchbox and Water Bottle: For day students, a sturdy lunchbox and a water bottle are essential. Boarding students might need additional items like food flasks or coolers for snacks.
School Bag: A durable, comfortable school bag that can hold all the daily necessities. Ensure the school bag is age-appropriate and can take all their essentials.
Identification and Documentation: Some schools require students to carry an ID card, passport photos, or other documents for various school activities or off-campus trips.
Label Everything: Especially for boarding students, label all belongings with their name. This helps in identifying items in case they get misplaced. You can also do this for your children who are day student.
Health Checks: Ensure that all required health checks and vaccinations are up to date before resumption. For boarders, ensure they have a supply of any necessary medications, along with a medical report if required by the school.
Specific Needs for Day Students
Day students often have different needs compared to boarders. Here’s a checklist tailored for day students:
Daily Meal Prep: Ensure that you have a schedule for daily meal preparation. Pack nutritious lunches and snacks that your child enjoys and that meet the school’s dietary guidelines.
Transportation: Arrange for reliable daily transport, whether it’s a school bus, carpool, or private arrangement. Also, ensure your child has a backup plan if the primary transportation method falls through.
Home Study Area: Set up a dedicated space at home where your child can do homework and study. Ensure this area is free from distractions and well-equipped with the necessary materials.
Personal Items: Make sure your child carries personal hygiene items, such as tissues and hand sanitisers , especially during flu season.
Specific Needs for Boarding Students
For boarding students, the requirements extend beyond daily school supplies. Here’s a detailed checklist to ensure your boarder is fully equipped:
Bedding: Pack all necessary bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, a duvet or blanket, and a mattress cover. Don’t forget a mosquito net if required.
Clothing: Beyond school uniforms, include casual clothes for weekends, nightwear, undergarments, and enough pairs of socks and shoes.
Toiletries: This should include all personal care items such as soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and a small carry-all to keep these items organised.
Laundry Supplies: A laundry bag or basket, detergent, fabric softener, and clothes pegs are essential. It’s also wise to include a sewing kit for any emergency repairs.
Personal Items: Boarding students should have a set of personal items, including a small first-aid kit, any prescribed medications, personal hand towels, a water flask, and snacks for in-between meals.
School Supplies: Similar to day students, ensure your child has all the necessary school supplies but in quantities that will last longer between trips home and your visit.
Dorm Room Essentials: Items such as a bedside lamp, alarm clock, study lamp, and personal organisers for keeping their room tidy are often overlooked but very important.
Identification and Documentation: Some schools require students to carry an ID card, passport photos, or other documents for various school activities or off-campus trips.
Miscellaneous: A lockable box for valuables, books for leisure reading, a Bible or religious text if applicable, and items for extracurricular activities (sports gear, musical instruments, etc.).
