Principal's Report Continued...

THE IMPORTANCE OF SLEEP

While we know sleep is essential for good health, research shows that many children and young people are not getting enough sleep on school nights. This can affect thinking, concentration, memory, reaction times and mood.

Research shows about 12% of primary school-aged children, a quarter of 12- to 15-year-olds and half of 16- to 17-year-olds don’t get enough sleep on school nights. The recommended amount of time to sleep for primary school-aged children is 9 to 11 hours. For teenagers, it’s 8 to 10 hours.

Signs that your child is not getting enough sleep can include:

low mood and irritability during social interactions
reluctance or arguing about getting off devices and going to bed
falling asleep during the day
difficulties waking up for school and sleeping in late on weekends to catch up
changes to communicating or interacting at home.

You can help your child to improve their sleep by:

establishing a regular sleep pattern and consistent bedtime routine
supporting them to avoid using electronic devices such as smartphones before going to bed and in bed
encouraging your child to exercise and spend time outside in daylight, steering clear of vigorous activity in the hour before sleep
encouraging them to wind down and relax before going to bed

If your child is still having trouble sleeping, has persistent problems with low mood, excessive daytime sleepiness, restlessness in bed, severe snoring or wakening unrefreshed, despite getting adequate length sleep, they should see a doctor.

For more information on sleep health, you can refer to: · https://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/sleep-tips-for-children.html

Facts about sleep for parents and school staff Why sleep is so important | Kids Helpline!

SCHOOL UNIFORM

Just a reminder to families that children should be wearing navy and gold uniform as outlined in our Uniform Policy. Uniforms are available at the PSW shop on North Road. It is also fine to buy suitable navy and gold clothing at local department stores. With the colder weather on the way, it is necessary to have a few more pieces on hand to see children through the week as things take longer to dry.

Our second hand uniform sales are advertised via Compass and the newsletter. They have many different items for sale. Thank you for respecting our school policy. Please ensure EVERY item of school uniform is labelled with your child(ren)’s name.

FIRST AID PROCEDURES AT SCHOOL

Children who are sick during the day are sent to the First Aid room. If children need to go home, parents or carers are informed and children need to be collected from school.

If children are very sick or more seriously injured and parents or their emergency contact person cannot be contacted by phone, we are obliged to ring an ambulance to take the child to the doctor or hospital. The Department does not provide personal accident insurance for students. Parents and guardians are responsible for paying the costs of medical treatment for injured students including medical transport. Teachers will not take children to the doctor or hospital in private cars. The cost of the ambulance will be the responsibility of the parents. This can be very expensive unless parents have ambulance subscription. It is very important parents consider taking out ambulance cover. Health Care Card holders receive free ambulance service (children’s names must be on the Health Care Card).

LAST DAY OF TERM

The last day of term 1 is Thursday 6th April, with a finish time of 2.30pm. There will be an assembly at 9.00am in the Gymnasium on this day where our Easter Raffle will be drawn. This is always a highlight of the term. Thank you to families who will, so generously donate to this raffle. The children finish school at 2.30pm and they will be dismissed from their classrooms.

Please note that term 2 commences Monday 24th April, 2023.

I wish to acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which this is being read and pay my respects to elders past present and emerging.

I wish to acknowledge our First Nations people and pay respects to them. I note further that these lands were never ceded and are, and always will be, Aboriginal Lands.

Karen Roberts