Is nearly that time of year again … and already is for some people.

Victorian state schools have introduced this fabulous new thing whereby all the curriculum/personal development/pupil free days are all taken at the start of the year (except the day before Melbourne Cup Day!), so we go back next week. It also means we don’t get breaks throughout the year, but then again, when we do, we bitch about that as well

Anyhoo, I thought I’d give you a list of stuff you need, and stuff you don’t, because it’s all very stressful and confusing and children take advantage of it and tellyou that its part of the school rules that they have a Ben Ten backpack and that a Bart Simpson t-shirt is now part of the school uniform.

My best advice – even if a school uniform isn’t compulsory, buy one. Or, because they are disgustingly expensive, go buy some shirts and shorts etc in school colours from Kmart or Target or wherever (except if your school uniform is purple and you can’t buy this in polo shirts anywhere!)

A bag with the school emblem on it is also useful, because they design these bags to suit school needs. However, almost every other kid has one, and I found some better ones at Boxy Design, which are a smilar design/layout to the school be-emblemed ones, but have copartments! Aaahhh, comparments. Special compartments. Designated compartments. The best friend of the Virgo.

(Not so great for Librans – because they just can’t decide what to put where!)

Lunchbox is also very important, because, you know some food might touch other food and then there will be a meltdown and tears and tantrums and all kinds of things. I, personally, prefer a lunchbox with lots of compartments. Schools are also increasingly bringing in “nude food” policies. Nude food is food without wrappers or packaging or glad wrap and that sort of thing. The segmented boxes also help kids with what to eat and when. It can be a little overwhelming for kids. Lordy knows why. It’s just food for goodness sake!

Anyhoo, you can get loads of lunch boxes at supermarkets for not a huge cost. And you can avoid branded ones Because, despite what they tell you, they do not need a Hannah Montana lunchbox. They are big fat liars and out to take you for anything they can. That’s the kids and big business. Boxy do a range of lunchboxes, but I prefer the Tupperware Sandwich Keepers Plus, because I am anal Tupperware freak, but also they do keep the food fresh (no wrappers required), they fit perfectly into the Boxy backpacks, they keep the food segmented, with enough room for a day’s worth of food, and – best bit – the lifetime garauntee, where if it breaks, you get it replaced . They may “appear” more expensive, but they’ll last way more years than other lunchboxes. The cost works out around the same, or in favour of Tupperware.

Just my opinion.

Labels are also handy. Name labels for the kids. And, more importantly, some for you, because the little buggers will take your stuff to school and claim it as their own. You can get some from places like Identity Direct or That’s Mine or any number of other places. You’ll need some vinyl labels, and some iron on ones. And not much more than that.

You – as in you – will also need something to keep you going in the mornings. The perfect solution? A Real Mums Escape MUG Or, if you’re really clever, a MUG and a spare

And a good pair of slippers and bath robe for dropping the kids off and picking them up.

Aside from what’s on their booklist and bazillion other lists the school gives you, that’s pretty much all you’ll need.

(Although a visit to the Real Mums Wine Club could also be handy )

If this is your first year at school – enjoy and have fun!