Orientation & the first day
The first day of 'big school' is a milestone for the whole family. Here's the usual shape of it, from the November orientation to recess money, so both you and your child know what to expect.
Last reviewed against official sources: 29 June 2026
Orientation: usually November
Most schools run P1 orientation in November of the year before your child starts (some also treat early January as orientation). It's a relaxed introduction, no tests, designed to make the school feel familiar before day one.
What orientation usually involves
- Meeting the form teacher and seeing the classroom.
- Learning the routines, gates and entry points, recess timing, where the canteen and toilets are.
- Collecting name tags and, around this time, buying or collecting uniforms and books.
The first day of school
Primary 1 pupils typically start on the first school day of January, often a day before the older pupils so the school can give P1 a dedicated welcome (the 2026 cohort started on Friday 2 January 2026). Expect a similar pattern in early January 2027.
Recess, the canteen and pocket money
One of the biggest little adjustments is recess, a short mid-morning break when your child buys a snack from the canteen (some schools use catered bento meals instead). It moves fast, so before school starts, practise:
- Handling coins and buying something independently.
- Opening packets, bottles and containers without help.
- Eating in time, recess is shorter than it sounds.
Give a small, consistent amount of pocket money to start, and check in after the first week. The exact canteen setup and recess timing vary by school, so it's a great thing to ask about at orientation, or in your cohort group.
Common questions
When is Primary 1 orientation? +
Most schools hold P1 orientation in November of the year before your child starts, though some treat the first days of January as orientation. Each school sets its own date and publishes it after places are confirmed, so check your school's notice. If you're planning travel, build in a buffer around November.
Is there a test on orientation day? +
No. Orientation is about settling in, meeting the form teacher, seeing the classroom, learning the routines. There's no assessment. You can reassure your child it's a friendly look-around, not an exam.
When is the first day of school? +
Primary 1 pupils usually start on the first school day of January, and often a day earlier than older pupils so P1 has a dedicated settling-in day (the 2026 cohort started Friday 2 January 2026). Confirm the exact 2027 date on MOE's school calendar when it's published.
How does recess work, and how much pocket money should I give? +
Recess is a short break, commonly mid-morning, when children buy a snack from the canteen (some schools use bento-style catered meals instead). Start with a small, consistent amount and practise handling coins before school begins. The exact canteen setup varies by school, so ask at orientation.
What should my child be able to do by the first day? +
The practical basics: open their own water bottle and food packets, finish eating in time, use the toilet independently, and ask an adult for help. See our readiness guide for a gentle checklist.
Find your child's group
Every cohort has its own WhatsApp group of parents going through the exact same year, real-time registration updates, school reviews, balloting news and honest answers from people one step ahead of you. Pick the year your child starts Primary 1.
Registration runs around July-November 2026. This is the live cohort, phase dates, balloting and school choice are happening right now.
Your child is in Primary 1 now. Compare notes on settling in, student care, homework and the first-year rhythm.
Registration in mid-2027. Get the lay of the land early, school shortlists, the 30-month address rule, and what to prepare.
Plenty of runway. Useful if you're weighing a home move for distance priority or choosing a kindergarten with an eye on P1.
Free to join. A friendly, parent-run space, no spam, no selling.