The Ministry Education recent announcement of school starting again on March 1 leaves parents rushing to get everything ready on short notice. Learn some ways you can save money this back to school season.

On February 19, the Ministry of Education announced that primary school students will return to classes in two groups starting from early March. 

The announcement by Senior Minister (Education), Dr. Mohd Radzi Md Jidin stated that the return can be expected as early as March 1. 

These announcements gave most parents a sigh of relief as most of them are struggling to provide their children with virtual learning due to work commitments and limitations with gadgets, especially with multiple children learning at once.

What to Expect?

Standard 1 and Standard 2 students will be the first group to return on March 1, while Standard 3 to 6 students to return on March 8.

“Pre-schoolers, Standard 1, and 2 students will return to schools earlier, so that they can get used to the (Covid-19) standard operating procedures (SOP),” – Senior Minister (Education), Dr. Mohd Radzi Md Jidin

Secondary school students, according to Radzi, will return in April after the end of this year’s mid-term break.

For secondary school students, they are divided into 2 groups:

  • Group A: Students from Johor, Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah (start on April 4).
  • Group B: Students from other states (start on April 5).

Our Tips to Save Money on School Expenses

#1. Reuse and Donate Old School Uniforms and Shoes

Children outgrow clothes pretty quickly. Outgrown school uniforms and shoes can be handed down to younger siblings, or passed down to children of other families. Ask around your family circles and friends, after all there is not much use in keeping these items if they are not in use so most parents would be happy to let go of these items. 

Consider asking the school’s Parent Teacher Association (PIBG – Persatuan Ibu Bapa dan Guru) to start a program where parents can donate used school uniforms and shoes to for other families with children in the same school to take. 

At the time this article is written, the Ministry of Education announced a more relaxed school uniform rule for all students between March 1 and March 26. For students who do not yet have school, uniforms are given permission to wear appropriate and neat clothes to attend school.

#2. Make an Inventory of What You Already Have 

Search your house and make a list of all the school supplies you already have. Get your kids involved too. You might discover sets of unused stationery, lunch boxes, blank notebooks, etc. You should also check items from the previous school year and assess which are still reusable too. Closets, desk drawers, and basement bins could hold hidden stuff that can save you money.

Make a list of supplies that you already own. Keep this list in your handbag or purse so you don’t forget when you shop for school supplies. 

#3. Cut Back on Meal Expenses

What better way to save money while ensuring your kids received a nutritious meal? Packed them a meal that consists of nutritious food and with the current situation, it is not advisable to queue in the school canteen to buy food, a packed meal is the best way to go. 

Spend some time with your kids by creating a list of enjoyable and nutritious food for them. Afterwards, rotate the food options from the list into your meals. This can help to reduce boredom and ensure that they actually eat the packed lunch.

Start this by asking them what fruits and vegetables they would enjoy eating, but you may need to rethink how to make healthy food more kid-friendly. Some food item suggestion by category below:

Protein

  • Eggs
  • Meat, such as chicken slices
  • Cheese
  • Mixed seeds & nuts
  • Yogurt

Carbs

  • Bread
  • Noodles
  • Rice
  • Starchy root vegetables, such as potato or sweet potato

Fruit

  • Fresh fruit
  • Dried fruit

Veggies

  • Baby carrots
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Lettuce

Start with something as simple as a sandwich and build your way up from there.

Overall

The going back to school process is never easy for parents, especially for those with multiple children. But with some work for preparation, you can save money and ensuring your children to have a good experience in their school years. 

What are your go-to tips for back to school preparations?

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