Health & Wellbeing @ NLPS
Newport Lakes Primary School
November is Student Wellbeing Month: Switch Off, Sleep Well!
Our 4-Week Family Wellbeing Challenge
November is Student Wellbeing Month, and we're putting wellbeing in the spotlight both at school and at home!
At school, we're looking forward to celebrating Awesomeness Day on Wednesday 4th November, with this year's theme, ‘Lakes Learners Are Respectful.’ This special day will provide opportunities for students to explore respect, kindness, positive relationships, and the importance of looking after their own wellbeing and the wellbeing of others.
At home, we're inviting all families to take part in our 4-week ‘Switch Off, Sleep Well!’ Challenge, focusing on two important areas of children's wellbeing: healthy screen habits and getting enough sleep.
Why Are Screen Time and Sleep So Important?
Getting enough sleep and developing healthy screen habits play an important role in children's emotional wellbeing, concentration, behaviour, and learning.
According to the Australian Government's 24-Hour Movement Guidelines:
- Children aged 5–13 years need 9–11 hours of sleep each night.
- Children aged 5–17 years should aim for no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time per day, excluding schoolwork.
- Consistent bedtime routines help support healthy sleep habits.
- Switching off screens in the hour before bedtime can help children wind down and prepare for sleep.
Research has also found that increased screen use, particularly in the evening, is associated with later bedtimes and shorter sleep duration.
Supporting Healthy Habits at School – Crunch and Sip
As part of our focus on student wellbeing, all year levels will also be introducing Crunch and Sip. Students will have opportunities to enjoy a piece of fruit or some vegetables during selected learning sessions, helping them refuel between meals.
Crunch and Sip encourages healthy eating habits and can support students' energy, concentration and readiness to learn throughout the school day. Families will receive further information from their child's year level about how Crunch and Sip will operate.
Our 4-Week Family Challenge!
We're encouraging families to make one small change each week, building healthy habits together.
Week 1 – Swap 20 Minutes
Reduce recreational screen time by just 20 minutes each day. Swap it for something fun, such as playing outside, reading, drawing, building, playing a card game, or spending time together.
Week 2 – Screens Off Before Bed
Aim to switch off recreational screens at least one hour before bedtime. Use this time to relax, read a book, listen to music or enjoy a quiet activity. Keep practising your Week 1 challenge!
Week 3 – Make Time for Sleep
Establish a consistent bedtime routine. If your child isn't getting enough sleep, try gradually moving bedtime earlier by 10–15 minutes. Keep practising your screen-free bedtime routine.
Week 4 – Device-Free Bedrooms
Keep phones, tablets, and other recreational devices out of bedrooms overnight. Set up a family charging station in a shared space and encourage children to wind down without screens. This helps create a calm, screen-free environment that supports healthy sleep habits.
A Challenge for the Whole Family
Children learn healthy habits by watching the adults around them. Why not make this a challenge for everyone in your household?
You might decide to put phones away during dinner, charge devices outside bedrooms overnight, or enjoy a family board game instead of watching television.
Remember, the goal isn't to eliminate screens but to create a healthier balance between technology, sleep, play, and family connection.
We encourage all families to give our four-week challenge a go!
There's no need to record or submit anything. Simply try each week's challenge together and see what positive changes you notice.
At the end of the month, take a moment to reflect together. Which changes worked well? Which healthy habits would you like to continue?
Small changes, healthier habits, happier families!
Sources: Australian Government 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Children and Young People (5–17 years); Australian Institute of Family Studies; Sleep Health Foundation.
Further reading:
When school gets tricky
Parents Victoria Webinar & AGM
How your child behaves, feels and responds at school can be complicated.
There can be things going on you’re not aware of. This Parents Victoria webinar with Sarah McCluskey from Billy Cart Behaviour will explore a range of practical behaviour strategies you can use at home, helping you better understand what’s behind the behaviour and see the bigger picture.
Webinar details
- Wednesday 18 November 2026 - 7:30 - 8:30pm
- (PV's AGM will follow from 8:30 to 9pm)
- Online via ZoomRegistration is essential
Read more / register on our website
https://www.parentsvictoria.asn.au/get-involved/annual-conference/
Samantha Meddis
Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader