September signals the beginning of the back-to-school season in New Brunswick. This time of year sees a surge in the purchase of school essentials like pencils, paper, erasers, and more as families gear up for the new academic year. In New Brunswick, individual schools have the autonomy to determine the necessary supplies for their classrooms, leading to varying requirements across different schools and grade levels.
While some schools or grade levels opt to collect a supply fee and procure supplies directly to simplify the process for families, this practice is not widespread. Most parents are left to handle the task of shopping for school supplies independently, which can add up to a substantial expense. In addition to basic supplies, expenses can further escalate with the purchase of new shoes, backpacks, and in some cases, laptops for high school students, amounting to hundreds of dollars.
Moncton resident Sherry Strang, a mother of two boys, aged 11 and 14, shared that she spent approximately $700 during her back-to-school shopping this year, even though she only purchased the essentials. Concerns about the financial burden associated with the approaching school season are not unique to Strang. Christina Robichaud expressed similar worries about the high costs, mentioning that the total expenditure for her Grade 11 child, including electronics, could reach up to $1,000.
As the expenses pile up, initiatives like the non-profit organization What Kids Need Moncton have become increasingly crucial. Amanda Pooley, the organization’s founder, highlighted the overwhelming financial strain faced by some families during this period. What Kids Need distributed 171 backpacks filled with school supplies at their Riverview location to support families in need. Despite their efforts, the demand exceeded their supply, underscoring the significant need within the community.
Pooley emphasized the importance of bulk purchasing by schools to alleviate financial burdens on families. She advocated for schools to procure supplies collectively at better rates and distribute them equitably among students. While Anglophone East School District is conducting a back-to-school fundraiser to purchase supplies in bulk, it acknowledges the challenge of meeting the needs of every student. The district aims to provide 10 backpacks to each of its 39 schools, allowing school administrators to determine the recipients based on individual requirements. Although the bulk savings may not be substantial, the district hopes to continue supporting students in need through annual donations.