Getting a Good Night’s Sleep is a Game‑Changer for Your Child’s Learning

As teachers and parents, we all want our children to thrive in school. One powerful but often overlooked factor in academic success is simple: sleep. Research shows that good quality and consistent sleep isn’t just about avoiding meltdowns, it’s essential for memory, attention, behaviour and emotional wellbeing.

Evidence-Based Benefits 

1. Boosts academic performance 

Children getting around 8 hours of sleep nightly tend to have the highest academic performance, with less sleep leading to daytime drowsiness and poorer school outcomes.

2. Strengthens attention, memory & problem-solving
   Well-rested children show improved focus and executive function. Conversely, sleep deprivation reduces attention and working memory capability which are critical for learning. 
3. Supports emotional resilience
   Chronic poor sleep is associated with mood issues, anxiety, and behaviour problems especially in kids with ADHD. Restorative sleep improves emotional regulation which is essential for thriving socially and academically.
4. Nurtures healthy brain development
   Research shows that inadequate sleep reduces grey matter volume which is critical for attention, memory, and inhibition control. Short sleep and late bedtimes can be correlated with smaller amygdala size and weaker connections to emotion-processing networks, potentially reducing emotional regulation and stress resiliency.

This highlights how vital sleep is during periods of rapid brain growth.

Sleep Recommendations by Age

• - ages 3 to 5: 10 to 13 hours (including naps)
• - ages 6 to 12: 9 to 11 hours
• - ages 13 to 18: 8 to 10 hours

Tips for Helping Children Sleep Well 

Getting enough sleep is as important for your child as healthy eating and exercising. Here are some tips to help your child fall asleep, stay asleep and get enough good quality sleep:

• - Establish a sleep schedule: Make sure your child goes to bed early enough to get the sleep they need. Once you have set an appropriate bedtime, stick to it even on the weekend.
• - Establish a bedtime routine: Follow the same routine every day: bath or shower, change into pyjamas, brush teeth, read or spend quiet time in their bedroom, lights out and go to sleep.
• - Help your child wind down: Busy children need some time to relax. Consider playing soft music or reading to them.
• - Make sure the bedroom is suitable for sleep: Ensure the bedroom is dark and quiet. If your child is anxious or afraid at night, use a night light.
• - Avoid stimulants: Make sure your child avoids tea, coffee, chocolate and sports drinks, especially in the afternoon.
• - Turn off technology: Try turning off computers, tablets and television one hour before bedtime to help your child sleep better.

The Bottom Line

Good sleep is as important as good nutrition and study habits for brain development, learning, and wellbeing. By making sleep a priority through consistent routines, screen limits, and strategies to wind down, parents can help their children build a strong foundation for school success and lifelong health.

More information can be found at 

• School TV https://stjwonthaggi.catholic.schooltv.me/
• https://raisingchildren.net.au/
• https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/

Patricia Martin
Learning Adjustment Leader

Congratulations to our assembly award winners.  Keep up the great work.

Congratulations to the students who received sufficient points from their commendations and were presented with a Canteen Voucher.

It has been a very exciting time in Prep! We have been investigating the weather and were very fortunate to have Chloe from the Sentinel Times visit and share how the weather is reported in the newspaper. The children were thrilled to then take the paper’s cameras outside and capture their own weather photos.

As our learning has progressed, we have been exploring the Australian seasons and have loved transforming our learning space into our very own Winter, Spring, Summer, and Autumn wonderlands.

In Mathematics, we have been busy learning about addition and subtraction, using a variety of objects and hands-on activities to support our understanding. This week we also began exploring the value of money by creating our very own “Prep Shop,” where the children have been practising their new skills in a fun and practical way.

Prep Team

In 5/6 we are learning about Biology. We have done a few experiments, such as finding the best ways to grow mould and the best ways to grow plants.

We did a science experiment on bread to see how mould grows. It turned out really well. We all grew lots of mould. We also grew pink, orange, red and many more. Some of the mould was fuzzy and looked disgusting!

In the past few weeks we planted beans, and they are growing really well. A few have already started to grow into plants. Every day we water them so they can grow faster. It has been fun for everyone, and we hope to do more experiments like this.

In 5/6 STEAM we are learning about space. It has been very interesting and we are loving it. We have learnt the order of the planets and their proper names. Many students wanted to know about black holes and what happens inside them. Our STEAM teacher, Mrs Thomas, let us research them on websites. So far STEAM has been a really good experience and we all want to know even more!

Every year the Grade the St Joseph’s school kids go swimming. Different classes go at different times, and we all go to the YMCA. The teachers at the YMCA are really nice and help when you are struggling. We are put into groups based on our swimming level. Swimming is always a fun experience and we learn lots of different techniques. We are looking forward to the rest of the term and the year!

5/6 has been a really good experience, and we hope this will continue next year!

Chloe and Ella

Thank you to everyone who has supported our St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal. We are currently collecting non-perishable food items to assist those who are struggling during the colder months. Every donation, no matter how big or small, can bring warmth, hope, and comfort to someone in need. Donations can be placed in the baskets located in your child's classrooms.

Term 3 Parent Teacher Interviews are available for Parents on Tuesday, September 9 between 11:50am and 5:00pm (this will not affect the students’ school attendance that day).

These interviews will be 10 minutes in duration and will take place in the Parish Hall.  Attendance at these interviews may be either face to face or via phone, of which you may select your preference at the point of booking. Entry for onsite meetings during school hours will be through the front office, with all visitors asked to sign in. Please allow extra time before your interview to complete this process.  

Bookings for Parent Teacher Interviews are to be made though PAM and are now open. If you have not setup or are having issues accessing your account please email the office via info@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au and we will help you get setup. 

PAM LOGIN

If you have been involved in PSG meetings, please do not arrange an appointment.  If you have any queries regarding booking an appointment please contact the office.

As part of our Book Week celebrations, our Grade 5/6 students took part in the always exciting Bake A Book activity. Students used their creativity and imagination to design delicious cake creations inspired by their favourite books.

The results were outstanding, from colourful characters to beautifully decorated scenes, every cake showed incredible effort and originality. It was wonderful to see literature come to life in such a fun and tasty way!

A huge congratulations to all our Grade 5/6 students for their amazing work. Your creativity and enthusiasm made this year’s Bake A Book a truly memorable event.

As the process of planning and preparing for the 2026 school year has commenced, we will soon begin to work on class lists. If parents have a genuine reason for class placement requests for next year, you are required to put this in writing and submit it to the School Office. 

Please be aware that a request has to be made for this current year, we will not be referring to requests made 12 months ago as circumstances change and it is important this is requested and submitted each year. Obviously, we cannot (and will not) accommodate requests for particular teachers; we can only look at the needs of the child.

All requests are to be submitted in writing to info@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au by Friday, September 19 2025. 

It is important to note that once classes are established for the year, no alterations to allocations will be made. While we welcome parent input about your child’s individual learning needs, please be mindful that preferences are requests only and school staff decide the final placement of children based on the learning needs of all students.

This year the school will be utilising the Class Solver program to assist in allocating students to classes. Teachers will input data into the program which will then sort the classes. It is hoped that this will make this process more efficient. 

School Closure Dates For Your Diary

Friday, September 5, will be a school closure day.
School will resume on Monday, September 8.

Allocated times for Session Two have been emailed to all families who have confirmed their child's acceptance for Prep enrollment in 2026. If you have any questions, please contact the office. We are excited to welcome our new Preps during the orientation sessions!

If your child will be absent from school

Please notify the school office prior to or as soon as possible on the day of absence using one of the following methods:

• Parent Portal PAM
• Email the school
• Telephone the school office on 5672 1052.

If you know your child will be late for school, please provide this information on PAM, or contact the school office via phone or email. We will take measures to prevent you from receiving an unexplained absence SMS message.

If you need to request a period of extended leave for your child

If your child will be absent from school for a family holiday outside of the regular school holiday period, you must submit a request before your trip. Please email your request for extended leave in writing to the Principal at info@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au please be sure to include the dates of the absence.  

PAM Attendance Instructions for Parents

Australian Dental Health will be visiting St Josephs School Wonthaggi in Term 4 

ADH will be providing free dental check-ups and treatment for eligible students.

Regular dental check-ups are essential for maintaining a healthy smile.

This service is provided at no cost to eligible families through Medicare’s Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS).

Paper forms will be available, but you can also submit a consent application online using the link below.

 Click Here to Fill Out the Form Online

 Deadline for forms: Monday, 15/09/2025 by 5:00 PM

Don’t miss the chance to keep your child’s smile healthy!

If you have any questions, please contact ADH directly at info@adhv.com.au or 03 9323 9607.

Term 3 Fees are now due.  Statements for Term 3 have been emailed to families.  If you have not received your statement or if you have any queries, please contact the office or email kcarew@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au

Reminder: OSHC Service Available for St Joseph’s Students

St Joseph’s students have access to an Outside of School Hours Care (OSHC) program, hosted at Wonthaggi North Primary School and operated by the independent provider TheirCare.

TheirCare offers a safe and engaging environment where children can enjoy a range of activities that promote creativity, confidence, friendships, and life skills.

Transport Details:
Children travel via a short one-minute bus ride on Harley’s Buslines Wonthaggi township bus. The fare is $1.50 per trip, paid to the driver. A TheirCare educator will be there to greet and supervise students upon arrival.

Registration Required:
Parents must register their child through the TheirCare website:

https://theircare.com.au

We encourage all families who may need after school care to take advantage of this convenient service.

This exclusive, one-off event is fast approaching and we’d love to see families benefit from the insights of two of Australia’s leading experts, Susan McLean and Dr Michael Carr-Gregg.

They will share invaluable insights on how to empower young people to navigate the online world safely and responsibly.

WEBINAR: Digital Media Literacy & Safety (Part III)
DATE: Wednesday, 3 September 2025
TIME: 7:30 pm

Topics in this webinar include:

• New Social Media Regulations
• Digital Footprint and Reputation
• Screen Time and Brain Development
• Parental Controls

**** IMPORTANT ****

Please note: Participants MUST REGISTER PRIOR to the commencement of the webinar to gain access.  This webinar will not be available to replay later.

Please register via the link below

http://stjwonthaggi.catholic.schooltv.me/webinar/east-coast-digital-media-literacy-safety-part-III

Weekday Masses:

Tuesday Our Lady Star of the Sea, Inverloch No Service

Wednesday 9:30am: St. Joseph’s Wonthaggi
Friday 9:30am St. Joseph’s Wonthaggi

Weekend Masses Our Lady Star of the Sea, Inverloch Sunday 9:00am

St. Joseph’s Wonthaggi Saturday 6:30pm, Sunday 10:30am

PLEASE PRAY FOR;

Recently Deceased: William Kelly, Antonia Pizzol  For the deceased clergy of the Diocese of Sale. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. “May they rest in peace.”

We pray for the sick, lonely and those suffering from illness and pain. May God’s merciful love shine on them.

Baptism: We welcome Zara Lee Aitken into the Christian Community May God Bless Zara and her families.

Parish Website is now available to view: https://www.catholicparish.app/wonthaggi

Prayer Shawl Group: Donations of wool would be gratefully accepted (preferably 8ply acrylic). Newcomers welcome. Enquiries Philippa 0408 331 340 or Marueen 0407 055 447

Planned Giving Envelopes are available for collection at both churches.

Working Bee will be held on Saturday 13th Sept 10.00am to weed and mulch the Wonthaggi Church carpark garden beds. Please bring own tools and wheelbarrows.

Prayer Group meet on Monday’s at the Wonthaggi Church from 1.15pm.

St Joseph’s Wonthaggi Cuppa after Mass held on 1st Saturday & Sunday of the Month

Our Lady Star of the Sea—Inverloch Cuppa after Mass held on 1st Sunday of the Month

Keep the date free—Ladies Retreat with Fr Martin Dixon in Inverloch Monday 20th October 2025 10am—3pm. Shared lunch with Tea & Coffee Provided. More details to follow soon.

Our Parish is committed to the safety, well-being and dignity of all children, young people and adults at risk. Find out more at: catholic.org.au/childprotectionsunday and www.catholicregligious.org.au/safeguarding

If you are concerned about any form of abuse, or believe that someone is at significant risk, you should immediately raise your concerns with one of our Parish Safeguarding Officers. Contact the Parish Office: 03 56 721 111 or St. Joseph’s School Safeguarding Officer 03 56 721 052.   Take care, we are here to help.           

Parish Office will be open on Wed & Fri 8.30am-4.30pm. All items for the bulletin or Mass intentions to be received by 5pm on Thursdays.      

If you are in need of urgent assistance, please phone either Father Darren Howie 0356 722 923 or Ann on 03 56 72111 or 04999 15 784.

Father Darren Howie                                                              Ann Hemming  
Parish Priest                                                                          Parish Secretary
St. Joseph’s Parish Wonthaggi                                                                        

Got a bit of time next month? Time to give blood and change lives? 1 in 3 people in Wonthaggi will need blood, and they need people like you to give it. We’re rolling into town from 9 to 19 September. Don’t forget to pre-book your spot at lifeblood.com.au, on our app or on 13 14 95.