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September 2025 | Phonebox Magazine 55Have you had a good summer break? Are you feeling relaxed and rested, ready for not only a new school term but a new academic year too?Get ready for classThings to check:%u25b6 Start time and date for your fi rst day%u25b6 Forms and paperwork that needs to be completed (such as emergency contact forms)%u25b6 Registration or enrolment and when that takes place%u25b6 New items that the school has advised you buy%u25b6 School policies %u2013 particularly any that relate to school uniform or items you%u2019re allowed to bring to school%u25b6 School trips or events in the fi rst few weeks back at school%u25b6 Packed lunch %u2013 plan lunches, breakfast and snacks ahead of time so that you don%u2019t end up struggling for ideas in the morning%u25b6 School dinners %u2013 if you%u2019re buying school meals look into the costs and options available%u25b6 Commute %u2013 make sure you know how to travel to and from school safely and have an alternative route or means of travel in case anything happens%u25b6 Health checks and allergies %u2013 ensure you have had the relevant health checks and your school is up-to-date with any changes%u25b6 Phone numbers %u2013 note down any phone numbers and school procedures that you may need to know. What to do and who to call if your child is sick or will be late are particularly useful.August is drawing to a close and the shorter days and longer nights are starting to usher in a new month: September. And that means it%u2019s almost time to get back to school.It%u2019s an exciting time for many: pupils will be moving up a year, some will be starting at a whole new school. But whatever the situation you%u2019re in, a new term brings hope, ambition and opportunity.So it%u2019s important to make sure you are prepared for the challenges ahead and you%u2019re ready to tackle this important new fi rst term. Preparation is all-important and it%u2019s never too early to start thinking about what you%u2019re going to need for that fi rst day back in class.Have you got all the right clothing? Do you have your lunchbox? A drinks bottle? Have you stocked up your pencil case with all the pens, markers and equipment you need for the new academic year? Do you know what time school starts on day one? Does your school have all your emergency contact numbers?Here, Phonebox Magazine has listed some of the important things to do and think about as the big fi rst day back at school looms. %u2666 Talk about any worries you have with your parents, guardians or other family. Nerves about a new school year are understandable and expressing yourself about it can make a big diff erence to how you feel.%u2666 Get organised. The tips above should help you, but make sure you have everything you need in good time, and prepare the day before you go back by laying out your clothes, packing your bag and ensuring you have all you need.%u2666 Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breaths, or imagining yourself in a comfortable place that makes you feel calm, such as your bedroom. Visualise yourself at school having a good time.%u2666 Focus on the good things to look forward to. It%u2019s not all about work and exams; school is about seeing your friends again, enjoying sport and taking part in clubs and organisations. Stay positive and it will all work out fi ne.Things to consider:%u25b6 Put together a morning checklist of clothing, equipment, musical instruments, sportswear, etc, that you will need on each day of the week%u25b6 Sync your school calendar between pupils (if they have a mobile phone) and parents so everyone knows what%u2019s happening each day%u25b6 Create a quiet area to do your homework in peace each night. Trying to work in a noisy kitchen or a lounge where the TV is on, is much more diffi cult. Look for homework %u2018clubs%u2019 in your area.%u25b6 Make a weekly menu planner to cover your school lunchtimes and snacks taking in, for example, days when you have an activity or event that might run on after school fi nishes.%u25b6 Set up a reminders board on or near the house front door. It can be a handy memory jogger for days when there%u2019s PE or a school club evening.Keep calm and carry on: