Anyway... why the 'war'?
Ever since kiddo number 1 went to P1, every year-end is a massive (relative scale, of course...) spring cleaning to me. In case anyone need it, below are my checklist:
(1) Uniforms
Normally, I start with 2 sets of normal, 2 sets of PE uniforms. Then as the school progress, add as necessary.
[?] Any unrecoverable significant stain?
[?] Sizing, has any growth spurt caused the uniform to be not only tight, but sometimes can be quite indecent?
(2) Shoes
For this, though a bit extravagant, we have two pairs for each kid. Simple reason, in case it rains.
One pair is of the bigger size, to stretch its useful life.
As a mother, I take it as a smart investment. It's so worth it if I can reduce a few bouts of colds/flu. Wearing damp shoes is not only not only unhealthy, but also not comfortable.
[!] Please, for the sake of your child spine, do not buy a very loose shoes. It's unhealthy for the foot, and eventually the spine development. Child may have problem when he/she is old later on. My dear loving husband joked that it's their problem. But I fiercely pointed out that the 'repair' cost can be so very high. Please buy good cushioned, appropriately sized shoes.
*** My rule of thumb: ask kiddo to push his/her foot all the way in, if we can have a finger space at the heel, it's good to go.
(3) Books
We bought textbook from Pacific Book Stores online, with home delivery.
Why? I want to ensure that the kid got his/her correct textbook. Special emphasis to the edition. I used wrong edition textbook before, and it's so annoying. When the teacher pointed out a certain page, I need to peek at my friend's book to match the content, or flipping around until I spot the topic.
[!] The online order form is designed to include EVERYTHING. Yes, school book list include optional items that the child will not touch ever, throughout the year. So do read carefully, untick or zero appropriately. I almost buy a second recorder for our eldest. Or, failure to do this point may cause you excessive supply of PVC book cover. :D
[!] Remember... your child has been promoted... please buy the correct level. No joke... darling daughter is still P3 in my mind. Almost made a wrong selection.
*** Two or more booklists can be consolidated into one delivery fee. Either confirm from the delivery FAQ, or go to 'View My Booklist' from My Account panel.
*** When the books arrive, please do check. It happens rarely, but a few moms reported inaccurate packing.
(4) School bus
Well... make sure your child is registered. Our school bus operator requires re-registration every year. How about yours?
So, I mentioned spring cleaning in the beginning, right? Coming below...
Mainly for the gazillion of books and papers... what do I do with them?
I only allow 2 big plastic boxes with wheels at our store room. One for each kid. As a rule of thumb, each kid can only keep one box of previous years textbooks and whatnots.
THROW or GIVE AWAY: own assessment books and past papers (those commissioned by Muther, not school), workbooks, papers/books that the child cannot explain, and two level ago books. As a super kiasi person, this is hard for me. But eventually, upon close friendship with Lord Google, I came to take consolation in the fact that most information we need is available through the internet.
KEEP : previous level textbook and informative book like science.
REUSE : plastic covers and files that are still usable
How to label : I use Brothers' EZLabel. Chemical proof, water proof, easy to print.
Have fun, wish me luck on this year's war... Well prepared now, let the kid enjoy a smooth sailing study next year.
