Back to school.... What are your tips?

I have my boy starting Yr 1.. I would like to ask for any tips that make your life a little easier.

How do you get thru an average school day? (Single working mummy).
Also how do you handle
home work when both mum and child are tired at the end of the day... (Is it just me or does there seem to be a lot of homework for this age?).

Cheers and.... Happy Australia Day!! :-)