Grade Prep – A Newbies Guide

So, your little one is heading off to Grade Prep (or Foundation, depending on your school lingo). Cue the waterworks – from you, mostly. It’s a huge milestone, both for your child and for you. The first year of primary school is exciting, emotional, and totally chaotic. But don’t stress, most of the other parents will be in the same confused boat.

The Drop-Off

The first few weeks can be tough. Some kids run through the school gates without so much as a backward glance. Others turn into human Velcro, clinging to your leg, sobbing like it’s the end of civilisation. It will probably be the one you least expect.

Tip - Establish a short, consistent goodbye routine. A hug, a kiss, a “Have a great day!” and off you go. Lingering tends to make things worse (for both of you). Most schools have friendly staff ready to support kids through separation anxiety – use them! Also, you have to leave at some point (the teachers make you).

Packing School Lunches

Yes, there are “nude food” rules. Yes, they’ll come home with half the lunch untouched. Yes, that banana you packed will come back looking like it’s been stood on by several children (it probably has).

Tip - Don’t pressure yourself to make an Insta worthy Bento box with every food group covered. Think sandwiches, fruit, a snack or two, and a full water bottle. Avoid too many new items – it’s not the time to introduce quinoa sushi. And remember schools often have allergy policies, so check what’s allowed (nuts will definitely be on the no-fly list).

Learning to Learn Prep Style

Prep isn’t just about reading and writing – it’s about learning how to be at school. How to listen, take turns, share, sit still (kind of), and follow instructions. It’s a big shift from kinder or daycare.

Tip - Keep the growing going at home. Help your child practise opening their lunchbox, packing their bag, putting on shoes, and asking for help when needed. Teachers love a kid who can manage their own hat and water bottle.

The Homework Situation

Homework? What? Yep, it starts early, daily home readers and words lists to practice writing. But don’t stress if your child not always up for it. After a full day of learning, their little brains are fried.

Tip - Keep reading sessions short. Let them choose books sometimes, and don’t worry if they memorise rather than read (because they will, it actually pretty impressive), it’s all part of the process.

Friendships and Playground Drama

Prep is where social dynamics start to kick in. Your child will talk about 14 new best friends they have made one day, then claim they “have no friends” the next day. It’s normal – as much as you feel like forcing every kid in their class to play a nice. You have to let it take its course (unless we have a bully situation, in which case talk to the teacher straight away).

Tip - Get to know other parents, they’re a goldmine of info about what's really going on at lunch breaks.

Stay in the Loop

You’ll get a lot of communication – newsletters, Seesaw apps, Compass notifications, notes crumpled in the bottom of school bags… you will seriously wonder how you are supposed to get anything else done.

Tip - Set a regular time to check your emails and the school app. A wall calendar or whiteboard can help track library days, excursions, dress-ups, and theme weeks (yes, there are many). You will forget something eventually, everyone does.

The first year of primary school is a huge adjustment – for everyone. But you’ll find your rhythm. Your child will learn to read, tie their shoes (eventually), and navigate the playground politics like a tiny pro.

And you? You’ll get really, really good at making vegemite sandwiches.

You’ve got this.