It’s back to school time already and often it’s hard to know what to pack for your child if it’s their first time at boarding school. Often it’s the little things that aren’t listed on the official school packing list, which can be the most useful
We have compiled this list after speaking with a family of four girls who have been through boarding school in Sydney and what they thought were the little things that made life easier at Boarding School – their new home away from home.
If you’re son or daughter has already started school, don’t forget that magical feeling of receiving a package in the mail. My mum used to send care packages to boarding school and it was the highlight of my week. She would put the essentials in, maybe some new school socks or a headlamp to take to school camp, but would add in a packet of Tim Tams or some jelly snakes as well.
Writing letters and/or emails to your children away at boarding school is one of the best ways to maintain communication and to remind them that you are thinking of them. Encourage your child to write back telling you about their boarding experience, their new friends, and their plans for the weekend. It’s a great way to maintain that link between home and boarding school and show that you are not so far away after all.
For Boys and Girls
- Writing paper or nice cards and stamps to send thank you letters to parents that take you out for the weekend.
- Overnight bag – for weekend trips out of the boarding house – if you are searching Country Road have great weekend bags for <$100
- Beach towel
- 2 x Underwear bag – so your underwear doesn’t end up lost in the mysterious vortex called Boarding School Laundry
- Padlocks with a number lock
- Your own pillow and doona cover from home (if you can bring your own)
- Torch – for midnight missions and ghost stories
- Favourite photo of your family (including pets) and of home for when you get a bit homesick
- Clock Radio/ IPod Dock for dorm parties, study music and to help you get up in the morning
- Ear phones
- A good book – they will be shared, swapped so great to have one or two they can retreat to and then share
- Double adaptor / power board – often boarding houses are old so there is only one or two power points between many
- Playing cards or Uno
- Football, soccer ball, tennis balls
- Ugg boots for movie nights in the boarding house
- Dressing gown – lightweight
- Permanent Marker to write your name on your clothes
- Labels like Stuck on Your Labels http://www.stuckonyou.com.au
This is a list of suggestions not instructions so if you have any suggestions for boys or girls, please share them. It’s always helpful to find out what works for other families.