(5-minute read)

As the summer wraps up and the first day of school creeps up on you, you may be wondering what your child needs to bring to school with them. 

While the answer may very from school to school, for families in Ontario there are a few essentials that will help prepare your child for the school day. We have put together a list of some essentials from Junior Kindergarten through Grade 8. 

A Backpack 

A comfortable, appropriately sized backpack is a must. Look for one that your child can open and close independently, with enough room for their lunch, reusable water bottle, library books, homework, and school notices. Label it with your child’s name to help keep it out of the lost and found. 

Lunch and Snacks 

Unlike some other school systems, Ontario public elementary students generally need to bring their own lunch and snacks from home unless they have an arrangement to go home for lunch or participate in a school food program. 

Pack enough food for your child’s schedule, which may include lunch and one or more snacks. Choose containers your child can easily open and close on their own, especially for younger students. 

Many schools ask families to send nut-free food because of severe allergies in the school community. Always check your child’s school for its specific allergy and food policies and remember that food should not be shared between students. 

Whenever possible, keep the environment in mind and consider a lunch using reusable containers, cutlery, and a reusable lunch bag. 

A Reusable Water Bottle 

A refillable water bottle is essential. Choose one that your child can easily open and close and label it with their name. Encourage your child to bring it home regularly for washing and refilling. 

Indoor Shoes 

Many elementary schools ask students to keep a pair of indoor shoes at school. Running shoes are often a practical choice because they can also be used for gym and physical activity. 

For younger children, choose shoes they can put on and take off independently. 

A Change of Clothes 

For children in Junior Kindergarten, Senior Kindergarten, and the early grades, accidents and spills happen! Pack a complete change of clothes – including underwear and socks – in a labelled bag. This can stay in their backpack, classroom cubby, or locker, depending on the school’s setup. 

Weather-Appropriate Clothing 

If you live in Ontario, you know the weather can be unpredictable. Children in Ontario schools spend time outdoors throughout the school year. Make sure your child is dressed for the weather – this could mean a sun hat and light layers in September or snow pants, mittens and warm boots in January. 

Make sure to label jackets, hats, mittens, boots and other items that are likely to end up in the school’s lost and found. 

School Supplies 

Don’t rush out and buy everything! Check with your child’s school or teacher first. 

The best back-to-school checklist is the one provided by your child’s own school. School routines and supply requirements can differ, even within the same school board. Check your school’s website, parent portal, or back-to-school communication before purchasing supplies. 

Remember: you do not need to buy everything at once. Start with the basics – a backpack, lunch bag, reusable water bottle, indoor shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing – and wait for your child’s teacher or school to let you know if anything else is needed. 

Need a Backpack? The Family Care Office Can Help! 

Back-to-school shopping can be exciting, but the cost of a new backpack and school essentials can add up quickly. If your family is part of the University of Toronto community, the Family Care Office is hosting its 1st Annual Family Care Office Backpack Drive to help families prepare for the new school year. 

If your family could benefit from a backpack, or you would like to learn more about the initiative and donate a backpack, visit the 1st Annual Family Care Office Backpack Drive event page for details. 

A new school year is a fresh start. With a few essentials, a little preparation, and a labelled water bottle that hopefully makes it home every day, your child will be ready to go!