Online Reporter
TODAY most companies, which had gone on a festive season break, are opening for the 2026 calendar year.
For most workers and households, the focus is now on the back-to-school preparations as the official opening date of January 13 is fast approaching.
In many homes, the search for Grade 1 and Form 1 places, uniforms, stationery, and fees is still looming and many are still comfortable with the seemingly long two-week period ahead of schools opening. Comfortable because they tend to wait for the very last day to put things in place.
This annual ritual of last-minute panic is not only stressful for parents but also disruptive for children who deserve a smooth, confident start to their academic year.
It is time for parents to break the cycle of procrastination and embrace early preparation as a duty to their children’s education, especially given that this is never an emergency but something known well in advance.
Every January, shops selling school uniforms and stationery are flooded with desperate parents and, as a result of the high demand, prices often skyrocket while availability becomes a nightmare.
Every school term, parents who wait until the week of opening day risk finding shelves empty or being forced to pay inflated costs.
But there is a solution to this problem. By purchasing uniforms, shoes, and essential stationery now, parents not only secure the right sizes and quality but also avoid the chaos of crowded shops.
On the other hand, a child who begins school with all the necessary materials feels confident and ready to learn, while one who arrives with missing items starts the year disadvantaged.
The issue of school fees remains one of the challenges for many families and, as a result, some delay payment until the very last moment.
Given that school fees payments are inevitable, parents are urged to treat school fees as a priority expense, setting aside funds well before opening day.
Where resources are limited, honest communication with school authorities about payment plans is far better than silence and embarrassment on opening day.
While uniforms and fees dominate back-to-school conversations, textbooks and supplementary learning materials are equally critical. Parents should check with schools about required texts and ensure they are purchased or borrowed in advance. In today’s digital age, some schools are adopting e-learning platforms, and parents must be proactive in securing devices or internet access where possible. A child without the right books is handicapped from the start, and catching up later is far more difficult.
Equally important are transport arrangements, which affect many and are another source of last-minute panic.
Whether children rely on school buses, private kombis, or parental drop-offs, parents still need to finalise logistics early.
While the culture of last-minute rushing is deeply ingrained, it is neither inevitable nor acceptable and parents must recognise that their children’s education is too important to be left to chance.
Early preparation is not simply about convenience; it is about respect for the learning process and schools function best when students arrive prepared, and children thrive when they feel supported. By acting now, parents demonstrate responsibility and commitment to their children’s future.
