Senior School News
Welcome Back to Term 3!
We would like to extend a warm welcome back to all of our families, especially our senior parents and carers. The first week of Term 3 has been full of energy, excitement, and a real sense of momentum as students have reconnected with their classmates and dived back into their learning. Classrooms are buzzing, the playground is alive with activity, and it’s been wonderful to witness the enthusiasm across every year level.
As we settle into the term ahead, we wanted to take a moment to highlight something that plays a vital role in your child’s wellbeing and success at school—sleep.
The Importance of Sleep for School-Aged Children
Did you know that children aged 6–13 need between9 to 11 hours of sleep each night to support their growth, learning, and overall development? Sleep is not just about rest! it’s about restoring the body, consolidating memory, and preparing the brain for the day ahead.
Research consistently shows that adequate sleep leads to better concentration, emotional regulation, and academic performance. On the flip side, children who do not get enough sleep can struggle with:
- Reduced attention span
- Poor memory and learning capacity
- Increased irritability or mood swings
- Lower resilience to stress
- Greater risk of illness due to a weakened immune system
A good night’s sleep helps children arrive at school feeling refreshed and ready to learn, participate, and engage with their peers.
Tips for Supporting Healthy Sleep Habits at Home
Here are some simple strategies you can try at home to promote healthy sleep routines:
- Consistent bedtime: Aim for the same bedtime and wake-up time each day, even on weekends.
- Digital wind-down: Turn off screens at least an hour before bedtime. The blue light from devices can interfere with melatonin production, which helps us fall asleep.
- Calm bedtime routine: Reading a book, having a warm bath, or some quiet time can help the brain transition into sleep mode.
- Comfortable sleep environment: A quiet, cool, and dark room can significantly improve sleep quality.
- Limit caffeine and sugar: Especially in the afternoon and evening.
Let’s Make Sleep a Priority
As parents and educators, we share the goal of helping our children thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally. By prioritising good sleep hygiene at home, you are giving your child one of the most powerful tools for success, health, and happiness.
If you have any concerns or would like support around your child’s sleep or routines, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher or the wellbeing team.
Here’s to a fantastic Term 3 ahead!