This week is Education Week with the theme of STEM. We are celebrating with our Open Afternoon and evening for families - including prospective families. The learning spaces will be abuzz with all things science and I’ve had a preview of some of the amazing learning our students have undertaken this term. There is a scavenger hunt to encourage students and their families to visit all areas. I hope to see you this afternoon to join in the celebration.

Stay Well

We have seen a lot of illness lately, colds, viruses and gastro. I have attached some communication from the Department of Education reminding us of practices to engage to stay well. I’m appealing to all parents to keep your child home if they are unwell. It is upsetting to see the spread of illness through a class when a child comes to school unwell. If your child has had gastro then they need to stay away from school for 24 hours from the last vomit. Please help us to keep everyone safe.

Dogs in the School

The Department of Education does not recommend that schools allow dogs onsite. At APS we have a Dogs in School Grounds Policy; https://www.alphinps.vic.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/Copy-of-Dogs-at-school-policy-July-2022.pdf

Some text from the policy: Whilst Alphington Primary School understands that many families in our school community keep dogs as pets, to ensure that our school remains a safe and inclusive place for everyone, we have in place a number of rules that we expect all families to follow if they wish to bring their pet dog onto school grounds:

· pet dogs must be leashed at all times and in the control of a responsible adult

· pet dogs must not be tied up on school grounds or left unaccompanied

· families that bring dogs to school that exhibit signs of aggressive behaviour, bark, or jump may be asked to remove the dog from school premises.

In addition, to keep our learning spaces safe and inclusive we ask that there are no dogs brought into buildings. We have families who for personal and/or cultural reasons are not able to be near dogs, so please ensure you are adhering to this policy.

Have a lovely week

Melissa Mackenzie

Principal

From The Department of Education

Stay well this winter

Symptoms of influenza (flu) can hit very quickly and may last several

weeks. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others from getting the flu.

Keeping our school community well

Parents, carers and students are encouraged to practice prevention measures, including:

· washing and sanitising hands regularly

· avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands

· covering nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing

· staying home if unwell and consulting a general practitioner (GP) or Nurse-on-call as required

· staying up to date with flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.

Flu vaccinations

Flu vaccinations can be booked through GPs and pharmacies, many of which can also provide COVID-19 vaccinations. Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over.

Some people are more at risk of complications from flu and are eligible for free vaccination as part of the National Immunisation Program.

COVID-19 booster

The 2024 COVID-19 booster dose is available for everyone aged 18 and above.

Getting your booster dose remains the best way to prevent severe illness or hospitalisation, especially in people aged over 65 and those at higher risk of severe illness.

Children aged between 5 and 17 years who are at risk of severe illness can also receive a 2024 booster dose.

You can get your next dose at your local pharmacy or GP. To find one near you, refer to the vaccine clinic finder.

Find out more

For more information about preventing flu, and immunisation, refer to: · Better Health Channel influenza flu immunisation fact sheet · Getting vaccinated against influenza.

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