Gilgai Plains Primary School

Wellbeing

Why Sleep Matters

We know that a good night’s sleep is one of the most important parts of a child’s health and development. Children who sleep well are better able to focus, learn, manage their emotions, and enjoy positive relationships at school.

 

Sleep helps children:

  • Concentrate and stay focused in the classroom
  • Regulate their emotions and manage stress
  • Build memory and retain new information
  • Grow and stay physically healthy

When children have enough sleep, they are more likely to enjoy learning, learning, be able to regulate themselves at school, and participate confidently and successfully in classroom activities.

 

What Happens When Children Don’t Get Enough Sleep?

Research shows that children who don’t get enough sleep can experience:

  • Difficulty concentrating and learning new things
  • Increased irritability, mood swings, or anxiety
  • Behaviour challenges and difficulty following instructions
  • Poorer academic results and school engagement

How Much Sleep Does My Child Need?

According to The Royal Children's Hospital, the recommended sleep needs for children are as follows:

  • Preschoolers (3-5 years): 10-13 hours per day
  • School-age children (6-13 years): 9-11 hours per day

Tips for a Calm Bedtime Routine

Here are some tips to support your child in winding down and preparing for sleep:

  • Create a Calm Space: Make your child’s bedroom a peaceful environment. Soft lighting, a comfortable bed, and minimal distractions can help signal that it’s time to relax.
  • Consistent Routine: Establish a calming bedtime routine. For example: have a warm bath, followed by reading a book, and then a quiet transition to bed.
  • Limit Screen Time: Avoid screen time (such as phones, tablets, or TV) at least 30-60 minutes before bed, as screens can make it harder to fall asleep.
  • Gentle Music: Soft, relaxing music can also help create a peaceful atmosphere and encourage a calm transition to sleep.
  • Kids Podcasts or Sleep Stories: There are a variety of child-friendly sleep podcasts or stories available to help your child settle down and drift off to sleep peacefully.

Further Support

If you're looking for more tips or need extra support, websites like Raising Children Network offer great advice on improving sleep for children. You can explore their resources at raisingchildren.net.au.

Additionally, The Royal Children's Hospital provides helpful resources and strategies for addressing bedtime problems, which you can find at rch.org.au - Bedtime Problems.

 

Let Us Support You

If your child is regularly tired at school, or if sleep routines at home are a challenge, please let us know. Our Classroom Teachers and Wellbeing Team are here to work with you to support your child.

Breakfast Club Coming Soon

We are currently planning to introduce a Breakfast Club to support students in starting their day with a nutritious meal and a calm, positive beginning to the school day. Further information will be shared with families shortly.

 

PROJECT ROCKIT

We’re thrilled to offer our school community access to two FREE parent webinars through PROJECT ROCKIT, designed to support families in building healthy, informed relationships with technology and mental health supports.

These sessions are open to all parents and carers and aim to provide practical tools, expert insights, and supportive strategies for raising confident and resilient young people.

 

Parenting in a Digital World

When: Tuesday 6th May 2025 Time: 7:00pm – 8:00pm AEDT (40 minutes + Question Time) Location: Online Webinar (This session will be recorded)

Reframe your family’s relationship with technology and build healthier digital habits. This session shares practical strategies, research-backed insights, and real-life stories to help you navigate screen time, social media, and online wellbeing, while supporting your child’s digital resilience.

To register for this session please visit: Register here 

Health & Wellbeing Therapy, Anywhere (ft. XRHealth)

When: Wednesday 21st May 2025 Time: 7:00pm – 8:00pm AEDT (40 minutes + Question Time) Location: Online Webinar (This session will be recorded)

 

Discover how digital tools like telehealth and virtual reality are transforming mental health support. Join psychologist Claire Iagoe and host Dan Donahoo as they explore how technology can open conversations at home, promote connection, and make wellbeing support more accessible and personalised for families.

To register for this session please visit: Register here 

 

These are fantastic opportunities to gain insights and practical knowledge to support your child’s wellbeing in today’s digital world.

 

Please note that these are run by an external company and are not run by Gilgai Plains Primary School.  

 

Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher, a member of the wellbeing team, or the school office.