As the school term rolls around, Defence families face more than the usual back-to-school buzz. Between deployments, relocations, and the unpredictability of Defence life, it can feel like juggling five balls while standing on a moving train. But with a bit of planning, flexibility, and a focus on simplicity, it’s possible to make this season feel less overwhelming (especially at a time when we’re commonly dealing with temporary accommodation, shifting move-in dates, and getting kids into school when you don’t have a fixed address).

Here are some practical tips to help your family stay organised and grounded, no matter where or when the school year starts.

1. Start with a Family Calendar

A centralised family calendar is an essential tool for Defence families. Whether you prefer a wall calendar in the kitchen or a shared digital calendar like Google Calendar, it’s a great way to keep track of everything – school meetings and start dates, extracurricular activities, deployment schedules, and upcoming relocations. Colour-coding each family member’s activities can make it even easier to see who’s doing what at a glance.

🌟 If you’re in temporary accommodation, keep a small whiteboard or magnetic planner that you can stick on the fridge for quick updates and notes. It’s an adaptable option for hotel rooms and homes where you can’t drill into walls.


2. Create a Command Centre

Set up a dedicated space at home to manage school and family organisation. This can include:

  • A spot for backpacks, lunchboxes, and shoes
  • Hooks for school uniforms or hats
  • A file for important school papers (think permission slips, newsletters, and term planners)
  • A weekly planner or to-do list

Having everything in one place saves you from the morning chaos of hunting down missing library books or a clean uniform.


3. Prep for the Unexpected

Defence life comes with plenty of surprises, so having a few backup plans is a lifesaver. Some ways to prepare for the unexpected:

  • Keep spare school supplies like pencils, notebooks, and stationery in a box
  • Have a stash of pre-written “away” notes for when your partner is deployed or travelling, so your child’s teacher understands your family’s circumstances
  • Consider packing an “emergency” lunch box for busy mornings or days when things don’t go to plan (think shelf-stable snacks and a note reminding you to grab a piece of fruit).

4. Involve the Kids

Teaching your kids to take ownership of their school prep not only lightens your load but also helps them build independence. Simple tasks like packing their bag the night before, laying out their uniform, or filling their water bottle can make mornings smoother for everyone.

🌟 Use checklists! For younger kids, create a visual checklist with pictures of what they need to pack. Older kids can use written lists or reminders on their devices.


5. Simplify School Lunches

Lunch prep doesn’t need to be a daily stress. Try these tips to make it easier:

  • Pre-pack snacks for the week into reusable containers
  • Batch-cook and freeze sandwiches or muffins to pull out as needed
  • Have a set rotation of lunch ideas to take the guesswork out of planning

When relocations or busy schedules come into play, keeping lunch simple and consistent saves time and energy.


6. Stay Connected with Teachers and Schools

If your family relocates frequently, it’s vital to communicate openly with your child’s school and teachers. Let them know about any upcoming changes, deployments, or unique circumstances that may affect your child’s routine or behaviour. Many schools have Defence School Mentors (DSMs) or similar support services to help Defence kids settle in and thrive.

🌟 Keep a folder with important documents handy, like past school reports, birth certificates, and immunisation records, to ensure a smoother transition to their new school.


7. Build a Routine That Travels With You

Routines are comforting for kids, especially when so much else in life feels out of their control. Establishing consistent habits – like morning checklists, after-school downtime, and bedtime stories – creates a sense of stability, even if the scenery changes. Try to keep these routines as consistent as possible during relocations or periods of upheaval.


8. Prioritise Connection and Self-Kindness

Back-to-school season is busy, but it’s important to make time for connection as a family. Whether it’s a quick chat over breakfast or a family movie night, these small moments help everyone feel grounded. And don’t forget to be kind to yourself. Some days will feel chaotic, and that’s okay – you’re doing your best in a lifestyle that’s anything but predictable.


9. Use Your Community

Tap into local Defence family networks or online groups for support. Whether it’s sharing tips, swapping school uniforms, or simply venting to someone who understands, these connections can make all the difference.


10. Celebrate the Wins

Finally, take a moment to celebrate the little wins. Maybe it’s getting everyone out the door on time, helping your child navigate their first week at a new school, or simply surviving the morning rush. These moments deserve recognition because they’re all part of building a happy, thriving Defence family.


Back-to-school season will always have its challenges, but with a little organisation and a lot of self-kindness, I know you will move through this. Defence families are masters of adapting and thriving in change – and this school year is just one more adventure on the journey.