September in Malta means one thing for families: back to school. After a long summer of sunshine and play, it is time to stock up on stationery, school bags, and supplies. Getting organised early takes the stress out of the first week and gives children something to look forward to. Here is your complete guide to back-to-school shopping at Juniors.
School Bags and Backpacks
A good school bag needs to be sturdy, comfortable, and big enough to carry books, a lunch box, and a water bottle. Look for padded shoulder straps and a reinforced base that can handle daily wear and tear. For younger primary school children, character-themed bags featuring popular brands add excitement to the school run. Older students often prefer sleek, plain designs or trendy patterns. Trolley bags are popular in Malta, especially for children who carry heavy textbooks — they save young backs from unnecessary strain.
Pencil Cases and Writing Supplies
A well-stocked pencil case is essential. At minimum, children need HB pencils, an eraser, a sharpener, a ruler, and colouring pencils. Older students will also need pens in blue, black, and red, plus a geometry set. Legami stationery has become a favourite among Maltese students thanks to its colourful, fun designs — their erasable pens, themed notebooks, and quirky pencil cases make schoolwork feel less like a chore. Investing in quality supplies that last the full scholastic year is always more economical than replacing cheap items every few weeks.
Notebooks, Folders, and Organisation
Maltese schools typically require specific notebook sizes for different subjects. Check with the school before buying in bulk. Lined notebooks, squared notebooks for maths, and blank sketchbooks for art are the basics. Ring binders and plastic folders help older students keep worksheets and handouts organised. Labels are a small but important purchase — label everything from notebooks to lunch boxes to avoid the lost property pile growing.
Art Supplies and Craft Materials
Art lessons are a highlight of the school week for many children. A set of watercolour paints, brushes, and a mixing palette covers most primary school art needs. Crayons, markers, and oil pastels are also commonly requested. A plastic art apron protects school uniforms from paint stains — a practical item that many parents forget until the first colourful disaster comes home. Glue sticks, safety scissors, and coloured paper round out the craft supplies list.
Lunch Boxes and Water Bottles
With Maltese schools encouraging healthy eating, a good lunch box is important. Look for insulated models that keep food fresh in the warm September heat. Compartmentalised lunch boxes make packing varied meals easier. A reusable water bottle is essential — children need to stay hydrated, especially during the still-warm early weeks of the scholastic year. Stainless steel bottles keep water cool for longer than plastic alternatives.
Malta School Year Timing
The Maltese scholastic year typically begins in the last week of September and runs through to late June. This means back-to-school shopping usually happens in early to mid-September. Shopping early gives you the best selection, while leaving it to the last week means busy stores and potentially sold-out items. At Juniors, our back-to-school range is fully stocked from late August, so you can get ahead of the rush.
Visit Juniors for a complete range of school supplies, stationery, bags, and lunch accessories. Our friendly team can help you tick off every item on the school supply list.