The Ultimate Back to School Checklist for 2022

Time is flying as we have fun through the Summer holidays! It’s nearly time for our kids to head back to school and once again, we are here to help you get organised.

You don’t need to be overwhelmed with your BTS preparation. Follow these handy hints to get ahead and avoid the last minute worry.

• Check with the school - Most schools have a list of required items for the year ahead.
• Take an inventory - You may have leftover things from last year you can use instead of scouring shops and starting from scratch.
• Make a list and stick to it - Having a plan and sticking to it can save you a lot of time, stress and money.

From Kindergarten to Year 12… we’ve updated this ultimate checklist to cover all Back to School bases.
 

CLOTHING/ACCESSORIES

• Formal uniform - Hint: Fabric paint now comes in pens and is a GREAT way to label school clothing without annoying iron ons etc.
• Sports uniform
• Formal uniform shoes
• Sports shoes - Hint: Shoes from last year still fit but just need a bit of a clean? You can put them in a garment bag and run them through the washing machine (on cold with delicate wash). Don’t put them in the dryer though!
• Socks (formal and sports)
• Hat (formal and sports)
• Appropriate underwear - Hint: Shorty underpants are a great option for girls who wear dresses/skirts for modesty. Also consider packing additional underwear for emergencies.
• Jumper/jacket
• Gloves/mittens
• Scarf
• Stockings
• Singlets - Hint: Layer bamboo or cotton singlets under uniforms in cold weather
• Hair ties/ribbons/pins/scrunchies
• Backpack
• Library bag
• Small foldable umbrella
• Raincoat - Hint: Look for a lightweight coat that folds into a small size
• Art smock
• Purse/wallet

STATIONERY

• Pencils
• Pens
• Coloured pencils/markers - Hint: Look for washable, non toxic markers so you don’t spend your year scrubbing clothes!
• Highlighters
• Watercolour paints
• Liquid paper/whiteout
• Ruler
• Protractor
• Scissors (or safety scissors)
• Hole punch
• Eraser
• Pencil sharpener
• Stapler/fasteners such as paper clips or crocodile clips
• Notebooks (lined, blank, graph paper)
• Folders/binders with subject dividers
• Coloured paper
• Post-it’s
• Art book
• Glue sticks
• Pencil case or box
• Tape/tape dispenser - Hint: Choose washi tape for a more environmentally friendly option
• Book socks or contact paper - Hint: Do you know you don’t need to break your back (or your sanity) anymore on contact paper? You can buy book covers that are easy to slip on!
• Yearly planner

TECHNOLOGY

• Calculator
• Earphones - Hint: Did you know you can get traceable earphones now so you never lose them?
• Tablet/laptop with a protective case
• USB flash drive
• Phone - Hint: There is now a smartphone for younger kids that has controlled features e.g. parent approved contacts, GPS so they can be tracked and limited internet for safety.
• Drop proof cover for phone/tablet
• Kids watch

MEALTIMES

• Water bottle
• Lunch box
• Containers for munch and crunch/crunch and sip - Hint: If you have kids starting in kindy, make sure they can open all the containers by themselves before you buy them!
• Thermos container for warm food
• Reusable cutlery
• Cooler bag
• Freezer blocks - Hint: You can freeze a wet, clean sponge in a sealable bag if you don’t have a freezer block on hand.

HEALTH & SAFETY

• Hand sanitiser - Hint: You can get fun sanitisers for kids that hang on their bag like a decoration. Handy and they’ll want to use it!
• Tissues
• Reusable face mask with spare filters
• Personal hygiene products 
• Moisturising lip balm
• Sunscreen
• Bandaids
• Wet wipes

GENERAL ACCESSORIES

• Bag rain cover
• Foldable umbrella
• Bag tags
• Bag decorations

It’s a good idea to have their bags packed and in a set location days before the first day back at school. Consider a mud room type school bag storage set up or storage bench for kids to keep all their shoes and bags in for tidiness and convenience.