From art smocks to toothbrushes: scaling the school supplies mountain
17/8/2022
Translation: Katherine Martin
Unlike in Germany, navigating the school supplies list for first graders in Switzerland is a piece of cake. But if, like me, you’re scrambling to get everything sorted at the 11th hour, help is at hand.
It was halfway through the summer holidays when the mother of one of my daughter’s future classmates reminded me. Chatting at the edge of the pool, she casually mentioned that all she had to get was a pair of gym shoes, then she’d have everything organised. «Jeez!», I thought with a start. «School supplies!» I immediately put the matter on my imaginary to-do list – priority: high. «Don’t leave it until just before school starts», I said to myself.
But guess what?
That’s obviously what I did. At least when it comes to the majority of the items on the supplies list. In case you don’t have school-age kids (yet), that’s the piece of paper that comes fluttering into the homes of soon-to-be first graders just before the summer holidays, which lists the equipment they need for starting school.
A few days before school starts, I take another look at the list, cursing my habit of leaving everything to the last possible minute, and thinking, «you’ve only yourself to blame». Oh well, at least I can cross off the items with a couple of mouse clicks. Just how did my parents manage to do all this in time for school in the days before online shopping? I’m then struck by another comforting thought: our list, unlike the ones you get in Germany, isn’t terribly long.
«2 pencils (hardness HB 1 or 2)»
You see, I wasn’t aware until recently that our neighbours across the border, depending on the school in question, need to get almost all of their school supplies themselves. At the same time, the equipment that first graders need is listed in minute detail. «Two pencils (hardness HB 1 or 2), triangular pencil with studded grip if possible» made it to a supplies list currently doing the rounds on Twitter. Sorry, what? Alongside it were 36 (!) more items, including «1 eraser that doesn’t smudge» and «1 pair of indoor shoes with non-slip soles (no slippers)».
At the end of the list, it says: «I’ll take care of everything else your child needs». Ironic much?
Lately, I’ve been stumbling across a lot of online discussions between parents who’re experiencing supply list-induced anguish; their posts inspiring an equal mix of bafflement, pity and amusement in me. Back-to-school shopping lists for parents in Germany seem to be not only extremely complicated, but quite expensive too. A hundred and thirty euros in this dad’s case. Or in other words, 190 centimetres – that was the length of the receipt he came home with after doing the school supply run.
That means belt-tightening measures for the rest of the year, as this mum pointed out on Twitter: «Finally got our supplies list for school! Guess we’ll eat pasta for the rest of the year, and kid number two can go back to being completely breastfed». Sometimes, all you can do is laugh.
No wonder the back-to-school shop has now become such big business in Germany. If this German-language article in the «Süddeutsche Zeitung» is to be believed, more and more parents are making use of the shopping services offered by department stores and stationery outlets. There, parents can hand over their complicated lists and get the entire package just hours later.
Ticking my way through the list, item by item
I recognise that the list my daughter brought home is child’s play in comparison. Besides the school bag and a few other bits and bobs, schools in this country provide all the equipment. So, despite leaving everything to the 11th hour, a feeling of relaxation starts to set in after all. I crack on with ordering the last items on the list, crossing them off as I go.
In our case, these are:
✔️School bag
This was a gift from my daughter’s godmother. Even before the summer holidays started, the little one had dutifully positioned it in her room. If you’re still in need of a last-minute school bag, our shop has a wide selection of them.
Gym bag
If you’re as hopeless at sewing as I am, you’re better off playing it safe and buying a bag. My daughter’s was conveniently included as part of the school bag set.
✔️Sneakers and plimsolls
According to the supplies list, we need both. Just exactly why that is, is unclear to me. But never mind: «execute, march!» She’s got a pair of plimsolls from kindergarten which still fit. As for sneakers, a pair with light-coloured soles has got her all set for gym class.
✔️Art smock
According to our list, «an old shirt or T-shirt» does the job too. My daughter doesn’t have a shirt, and my husband and I don’t have any we could spare from our wardrobes. What’s more, T-shirts don’t have a lot going for them – there’s the short sleeves, for one thing. And the potential of ending up with a paint-splattered pullover. With this in mind, we opt for a new, long-sleeved art smock.
✔️Indoor shoes
A fitting reveals the kindergarten-era slip-ons to be too small. Time for a new pair. And for the first time, much to my daughter’s delight, open-toed models are allowed. They’re tucked away in a mandatory «shoe bag» as stated on the list. For that part, we’ve recycled a homemade cloth bag from my daughter’s pre-school days.
✔️Toothbrush
The last thing we buy is the simplest item on the list. Although we did have a kids’ toothbrush in the supply cupboard, we didn’t have a box to go with it. But the teacher’s instructions are crystal clear: «in a case, both labelled».
We’re ready. At least when it comes to equipment. As far as emotional readiness goes? Well, I’ve already reflected on that in detail here. At least my daughter’s got that down. That’s the most important thing.
Katja Fischer
Senior Editor
Katja.Fischer@digitecgalaxus.chMom of Anna and Elsa, aperitif expert, group fitness fanatic, aspiring dancer and gossip lover. Often a multitasker and a person who wants it all, sometimes a chocolate chef and queen of the couch.
