Back-to-school survival kit

The first week or two back at school can feel overwhelming for both students and parents whether it’s primary, intermediate or college.

Sleeping late, causal clothes and loose routines abruptly get replaced by alarm clocks, uniforms and hectic schedules – plus the expectation that everyone instantly remembers how school works. That’s why it can help to plan ahead for the start of the term.

Getting uniforms sorted early can remove one of the biggest back-to-school stress points. Across the district, schools offer a mix of online ordering and in-person options to help families find what they need.

For Warkworth School and Mahurangi College Argyleonline.co.nz is a convenient one-stop shop for uniforms and PE gear.

Rodney College, uniforms are available from The Uniform Shop, located at the back of the hall, open every Tuesday from 10.30am to 2.30pm. Orders with payment can also be left at the school front office.

For Matakana School uniforms email uniform@matakana.school.nz with full details available here: https://www.matakana.school.nz/uniforms

Horizon School uniforms can be ordered online via https://horizonschool.nzuniforms.com
Kaipara Flats School is a non-uniform school, but students are required to wear a compulsory hat to support sun safety. These hats are kept at school to ensure they are always available and can be purchased through the administrator.

Second-hand uniforms and PE gear are also widely available at op-shops around the area such as the Matakana Anglican Op Shop and the Warkworth Museum Shop plus the schools themselves.

These is great for families on a budget, and also the environment.

Finally, remember to label everything.

Most schools provide official stationery lists or packs with the option to buy through the school directly or suppliers such as Paper Plus in Warkworth.

Meanwhile OfficeMax MySchool allows parents to order online by entering their child’s school into the search here: https://www.myschool.co.nz

While it’s tempting to shop around item by item, many families find the time and stress saved by pre-packed kits outweighs any small savings.

Book covering is another pain point. Reusable slip-on covers eliminate the need for tape and scissors and can be reused year after year, which makes them both practical and economical.

Digital devices are now part of schooling from an early age – this is known as BYOD (Bring your own device).

If your child’s school requires a laptop or tablet, it’s worth researching carefully before buying. Independent reviews, such as those from Consumer NZ, can help guide that decision https://www.consumer.org.nz/

There’s also an overview of BYOD, an article released by Consumer NZ here: https://www.consumer.org.nz/articles/bring-your-own-device-how-to-choose-a-laptop-or-tablet-for-school

Nutrition plays a big role in energy and concentration so it’s worth considering healthy options such as a piece of fruit in their lunchbox. Also preparing lunches in advance can make weekday mornings far less frantic and fuel up your children with what they need to be at their best throughout the school day.

Choosing a regular time on the weekend to prep lunches or components for the week ahead can be a game-changer.

Before the school year begins, it’s useful to talk with your child about what they’d like to achieve. Goals don’t need to be academic only – they can relate to confidence, routines, or trying something new.

Younger children might focus on daily reading, regular creative activities, or joining an after-school programme. Intermediate students may want to lift performance in a particular subject, join a club or team, or take on small leadership opportunities. For secondary students, goals often shift towards exam preparation, time management, and exploring future study or career pathways. The key is keeping goals realistic, age-appropriate, and flexible.

Next, consistent routines help children feel secure and reduce stress, particularly during the early weeks of Term one. Evening preparation, predictable mornings, and set times for homework or study all contribute to smoother days.

Simple habits such as laying out clothes the night before, packing bags early, and winding down before bedtime can remove a surprising amount of pressure from busy mornings.

Also, children are more likely to focus when they have a comfortable, consistent place to work. A quiet, well-lit area with minimal distractions helps turn homework into a routine rather than a daily battle.
The start of the year is a good time to revisit road and travel safety. Whether children walk, cycle, catch the bus, or are driven, clear routines and reminders help keep everyone safe, particularly during busy drop-off and pick-up times.

Finally, check that schools have current medical information, emergency contacts, and any necessary instructions for medication or health support.

For step-by-step guidance and checklists visit Kiwi Families here: https://kiwifamilies.co.nz/articles/first-day-of-primary-school-checklist
https://kiwifamilies.co.nz/articles/first-day-of-secondary-school-checklist