Dear Parents and Friends,

It is exciting to hear about costumes from favourite books being organised for our parade this Thursday morning. We welcome any parents and friends to join us at 9:00 am. Hopefully, the weather is kind and this will be on the turf.

As usual, an alternative option is to come dressed and ready for a bedtime story.

Prime Ministers Spelling Bee

Congratulations to the 23 Year 3-6 students who put their hand up to participate in the Prime Minister's Spelling Bee. This week students participated in the first round, which had 30 words to be spelled and were timed. This round closes at the end of the week, following this, we will be notified of any student who progress to the next round.

It is great to see so many students having a go at this competition, we are all proud of them!

Lunches

A reminder to all that in line with policies and best practice students are not to share lunches or any food. There are several students, particularly in our senior class who are regularly sharing lunches. I ask parents to remind students that due to allergies and respecting what parents have packed for their children, this is not to happen.

Renovation Update

This week the joinery has started to go in, with some more painting also happening. Our first delivery of furniture is due to arrive late next week. We are certainly getting closer! Watch this space for a date for a parent tour.

Health and Wellbeing Update

This week I have been contacted by Albury Wodonga Health in regards to a student who has recently tested positive for Pertussis (Whooping Cough). Please note that the infectious period has ended for this student.

I ask you to note the below information from Albury Wodonga Health, and thank you for the continued support in keeping your child/ren at home when they are unwell.

Under the Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2019 (schedule 7):

Cases diagnosed with pertussis must be excluded from primary school and children’s services centres for 21 days after the onset of cough or until they have completed five days of a course of effective antibiotic treatment.

Cases need not be excluded if they have been coughing for 21 days or more as they are no longer infectious.

Contacts in primary schools and children services ages less than as even years in the same room as the case who have not received three effective doses of pertussis-containing vaccine should be excluded for 14 days after the last exposure to an infectious case, or until they have taken five days of a course of effective antibiotic treatment (not applicable in this situation as the case would not have children less than seven years in the same classroom).

If parents suspect pertussis it is important that they seek a review by a medical practitioner and request a test to confirm the diagnosis.

The infectious period of pertussis can last up to three weeks, and begins from the onset of symptoms which may include a runny nose, low-grade fever and a mild occasional cough. Parents and staff should be aware of developing signs or symptoms of pertussis in the coming weeks.

If you require further information please see the links below:

Information about the condition pertussis at the Better Health Channel website - Whooping cough - Better Health Channel

The Victorian Department of Health Fact Sheet - Pertussis-the facts (health.vic.gov.au)

Information about pertussis vaccinations - Immunisation schedule Victoria and vaccine eligibility criteria | health.vic.gov.au

Additional information about school exclusions - School exclusion table for primary schools and children's services | health.vic.gov.au

Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2019 - Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2019

Parent Engagement