Community & Communications
Planning Week
This week has been planning week. Teachers in each learning area were released from their classroom teaching for one day; specialist teachers have provided an alternate program for the students on this day. This has allowed teachers to meet with their team for one full day this week to plan the content that they will teach during term 3 based on the Victorian Curriculum.
Planning in learning area teams at Concord School is to vital to ensure staff have common curriculum knowledge and practices, and most importantly, that they plan to best support and challenge each individual students learning.
Whole School Assembly
We will be having our Whole School Assembly at the Bundoora Campus on the last day of term 2 – Friday 29th June, 9.15am. Just a reminder that students will be dismissed at 2.30pm on this day.
Concord Community Connections Group
Our last meeting for term 2 was held at the Watsonia Campus on Wednesday 30th May. The dates for our term 3 meetings are –
Monday 30th July 1.30pm, Bundoora Campus staff room
Thursday 30th August, Bundoora Campus staff room
We would love to see you there!
Queen's Birthday- Public Holiday
Monday 11th June is a public holiday – we hope you all enjoy the long weekend!
Sarah Abbott
Community and Communications Manager
School Nurse
Colds and Flu
A cold is caused by a virus that affects the nose, throat and upper airways. There are more than 200 different viruses that can cause a cold.
The flu (influenza) is caused by more severe viruses. Adults usually have three to four colds each year. Children usually have more colds than adults, especially if they are in regular contact with other children. While a cold can make you feel miserable, most cases will clear up in a week.
What causes a cold or flu?
When someone with a cold or flu coughs or sneezes, they expel tiny droplets that can contain a cold or flu virus. These tiny droplets can spread the virus from person to person. A virus can also be spread by close contact, such as shaking hands or kissing someone who has a cold. Colds and flu are more common in winter as people spend more time indoors with each other, which increases the chances of infection.
What are the symptoms?
A cold can cause a blocked or runny nose, red watery eyes, a sore throat, coughing, sneezing and feeling generally tired and unwell. Uncommon symptoms include nausea and vomiting, headaches, swollen lymph nodes (glands), fever and a husky or hoarse-sounding voice.
With the flu, the symptoms come on more quickly and you may have a fever, tiredness, headaches, muscle aches/pains, cough, shivering and feeling hot and cold. Flu is unlikely to cause serious illness in healthy people. People most at risk of serious illness are those who suffer from other chronic illness, have lowered immunity (from medications or illnesses), the elderly and those with respiratory diseases. Poor health and smoking cigarettes will make infections more likely and can make symptoms more severe.
Treatment
If symptoms persist a medical examination is recommended to ensure you have no serious illness. Your cold should clear up within a week and is best treated at home.
Home care
A virus cannot be treated with antibiotics. Your body’s immune system will be able to fight the virus and this can be helped in a number of ways.
• Rest – Have plenty of sleep and rest.
• Keep hydrated (drink plenty of fluids) – This will help keep your throat moist and replace fluid lost due to a fever and sweating. Plenty of water is best. Avoid tea, coffee and alcohol as they will make you more dehydrated.
• Eat soft food – If you have a sore throat eat soft foods that are easier to swallow. Foods such as chicken soup may help a sore throat and reduce mucous (sticky fluid).
• Avoid other remedies – Cough mixtures, aspirin and cold and flu remedies are of no clear benefit. Do not give aspirin to children, unless advised by your doctor.
What to expect
• Your cold is likely to last a few days but may last up to ten days. A cough may linger for three weeks.
• The flu can last ten to 14 days.
• Sometimes a cold can lead to a bacterial infection. If this happens you may need antibiotics.
Sometimes colds and flu can trigger asthma (in people with asthma).
If you become short of breath while doing your usual activities
• See your doctor for minor symptoms
• Go to the nearest hospital emergency department for more serious symptoms.
• Call 000 for an ambulance in an emergency.
General Prevention
• Regular exercise, a balanced diet and adequate sleep will help keep your immune system strong.
• Do not give children vitamins unless advised by a doctor. There is no evidence that vitamins prevent colds.
• Throw tissues away once you have used them to blow your nose and wash your hands.
• Sneeze and cough into your elbow, rather than your hand.
Seeking help
• For health advice you can call NURSE-ON-CALL 24 hours a day on 1300 60 60 24.
• For a medical assessment and appropriate treatment see your local doctor.
• In a medical emergency go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call an ambulance (dial 000).
Colds and flu Authorised by the Victorian Government Melbourne (1009025) available online at www.health.vic.gov.au/edfactsheets. This health information is for general purposes only. Please consult with your doctor to make sure this information is right for you.
For further information
Visit the Better Health Channel www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
Kind Regards
Rosemary Van Aperen
Concord School Nurse