With the year drawing to a close, children look forward to the next school year and those completing creche look forward to entering big school.
For parents and guardians, these expectations come at a cost which requires advanced planning during the year. These expectations require additional income, which parents expect to attain from bonuses, if lucky to receive one. The Grade 1s want to enter school fully equipped for their journey to literacy and this includes being dressed in full uniform, with all school books and school bags in tow. A cost estimate for a full Grade 1 uniform kit and stationary from two main suppliers for Alex primary schools show a marginal difference.
Depending on choice of supplier, the estimates for boys’ uniform kit which include pants, shirts, tie, socks, jersey, track suit, T-shirt and shoes will be R650 or R710. The girls’ uniform which includes sleeveless tunics, sleeveless shirts, belt, jersey, tie, track suit and school shoes will cost R520 or R750. The cost estimate for stationary which includes a memo book, flip file, crayons, pencils, sharpener, eraser, chair bag, glue, polish, toilet paper, photocopying paper, labels, exercise book covers, exercise books, and quad books will costs R660 or. R400 inclusive of VAT.
The suppliers indicated they are already stocking for the big day so as not to disappoint anyone. Parents who have been through the buying process in the past advised the first time buyers to rather get everything from one supplier to avoid unnecessary costs and inconvenience of running around comparing prices. This will assist them to avoid getting items not permitted by the schools. Also, they could incur additional costs for handling fees when they have to return the items. They advised them to also go to the suppliers armed with the latest list, which schools provide when admitting children.
