Wellbeing & Culture

I can’t believe that we are already in the last term of the year. I hope that everyone enjoyed their holidays and got lots of rest and are ready to jump into Term 4!

As the new term starts, we can take the time to re-evaluate what we want to accomplish before the year ends. Take the time to think about things that went well, not so well and what you could do to get more out of 2024. 

We can often find that students can be tired coming back to school after holidays. They can find it difficult to adjust back into a routine and get used to having set sleeping times again, if it was disrupted during the holidays. Below is some information on why sleep is so important to children.

Why sleep is important for children aged 5-12 years

When your child sleeps well, your child will be settled, happy and ready for school the next day. That’s because good-quality sleep helps your child concentrate, remember things, manage emotions and behave well. This all helps your child learn well.

Getting enough sleep is also important for your child’s health. That’s because it strengthens your child’s immune system and reduces the risk of infection and illness.

Sleep: what to expect at 5-12 years

At 5-12 years, children need 9-11 hours sleep a night. For example, if your child wakes for school at 7 am and needs approximately 10 hours sleep per night, your child should be in bed before 9 pm.

Some children fall deeply asleep very quickly when they go to bed. Others sleep lightly, fidgeting and muttering for up to 20 minutes, before getting into deep sleep.

Children have different kinds of sleep during the night. The first few hours of sleep are usually the deepest. Most dreams happen in the second half of the night.

The Raising Children network is a great resource if anyone wants to take a look.

Some tips to help your child unwind before bedtime

• No devices before bed.
• Warm milk before bed and a heat pack for warmth and comfort
• Lavender is supposed to be a sleep inducing scent. Use a diffuser or place a few drops on a tissue near their bed to help them sleep 
• Have calm down time beforehand
• Practice mediation and mindfulness - The Peaceful Kids website is where I get all my meditations that I use in my Peaceful Kids Sessions at school. Alternatively you can download the INSIGHT TIMER app for your phone.
• Set a bedtime routine and stick to it.

Kelly Goodgame – On behalf of the Wellbeing and Culture Team