Dear Parents and Carers,

There is always a lot of talk in the media about the importance of not only getting enough sleep for adults, but ensuring it is quality sleep as well. Our children are no different. Sleep is a very important part of your child’s mental and physical health because it allows your child’s mind and body to rest and recover. There are many things you can do to help your child or teen get good quality sleep as often as possible.

Benefits of sleep for mental health

Your child’s brain needs sleep to restore resources that were used up during the day. A well-rested brain can solve problems, learn new information and enjoy the day a lot more than a tired brain. Some areas of your child’s brain are even more active while they sleep.

Children who consistently get a good night’s sleep:

• are more creative
• can concentrate on tasks for longer
• have better problem-solving abilities
• are better able to make positive decisions
• are more able to learn and remember new things
• have more energy during the day
• can create and maintain good relations with others.

What are the signs and symptoms of lack of sleep?

Not getting enough sleep each night can have negative consequences for your child. These cannot always be erased with extra sleep the next night. Over time, not getting enough quality sleep each night can produce a range of behavioural, cognitive (mental) and emotional symptoms.

Physical symptoms

• Finding it difficult to wake up in the morning
• Falling asleep after being woken up and needs you to wake them again or repeatedly
• Yawning frequently during the day
• Complaining of feeling tired or wanting to nap during the day
• Preferring to lie down during the day, even if it means missing activities with friends or family
• Falling asleep or seeming drowsy at school or at home
• Wanting to consume unhealthy stimulants, such as caffeine or sugar, regularly
• Reduced immune system function, so they may be sick more often

Cognitive (mental) symptoms

• Lacking interest, motivation and attention for everyday tasks
• Increased forgetfulness
• Blurred vision
• Difficulty learning new information

Emotional symptoms

• Increased moodiness and irritability
• Increased impulsivity
• Increased stress throughout the day

When your child owes their mind and body sleep, this is called sleep debt. A large sleep debt (not getting enough sleep for many nights in a row) can result in your child feeling mentally exhausted. It can also worsen the symptoms of any existing behaviour, anxiety and mood disorders such as depression.

How much sleep does my child need?

Your child’s circadian rhythm (also called their “body clock”) is a 24-hour cycle that tells your child’s body when to sleep. The body clock is influenced by your child’s age; children need less sleep as they get older.

Here is a general guide to the amount of sleep young children need over a 24-hour period, including naps.

The recommended amount of sleep is simply a guideline, as each child is different. In addition, sometimes your child might need a little more sleep than what is recommended and other times they may feel fine with a little less. Talk to your child and adjust their sleep schedule to find out how much sleep per night works best.

God bless.

Rachel Smith

Principal

Principal’s Notes

World Teacher’s Day

World Teachers’ Day is celebrated internationally on the first Friday in October. As this is usually during Australian school holidays, Australia celebrates the day on the last Friday in October of each year. So, this Friday 28^th October is World Teachers’ Day! I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank the incredible staff that I feel privileged to lead and work with. At St Clare of Assisi, we are indeed blessed to have teachers that are passionate, dedicated, enthusiastic and committed to improving the learning outcomes for each student. They are also incredibly generous with their time and energy. Thank you to all the staff for helping to make St Clare of Assisi the wonderful community it is.

Grandparents and Grand Friends Day – Save the Date

We are very excited to be holding our ‘Grandparents and Grand Friends Day’ on Monday 28^th November. Please let your special people know to save the date. More information will follow shortly.

School Canteen

If you are able to volunteer a few hours in our canteen on a regular basis or an occasional basis, please contact the canteen via michelle.wood@cg.catholic.edu.au

Learning Journeys and Parent Teacher Conferences

We will be holding a Learning Journey on Tuesday 8^th November, 2pm – 4.30pm, during which your child will be able to share their work from this term with you. Semester 2 Reports will go live in COMPASS Friday 2^nd December. Parent Teacher Conferences will be held the week beginning Monday 5^th December.

Leaving St Clare of Assisi

Don’t forget to let us know if you are planning to leave St Clare of Assisi at the end of the year. We need to begin planning for staffing and class configurations for 2023. Thank you to those who have let us know already, this is very much appreciated. Naturally Year 6 parents need not respond to this request.

https://stclareconder.schoolzineplus.com/form/10

2023 School and Term Dates

Please be aware the term dates will be as follows for next year;

• Term One 31 January       -           6 April
• Term Two 26 April            -          30 June
• Term Three 18 July             -        22 September
• Term Four 9 October        -           14 December