News from the Office

Artwork by Merindah-Gunya.

Thunderstorm Asthma

Grass pollen season, which typically runs from October to December each year in Victoria, brings an increase in asthma and hay fever symptoms. It also increases the risk of thunderstorm asthma. For people with asthma or hay fever, especially those who experience wheezing or coughing with their hay fever, thunderstorm asthma can be sudden, serious and even life-threatening.

Ceres Primary School will implement a range of measures to keep our school community safe as the risk of thunderstorm asthma increases.

Many of our staff are trained in asthma first aid, and we will monitor the VicEmergency app to receive thunderstorm warnings, and, where appropriate, keep students indoors when weather forecasts identify greater risk.

During the season, there are some things you can do to prepare and protect yourself and your family:

If your child has ever had asthma, talk to your doctor about what you can do to help protect them from the risk of thunderstorm asthma this pollen season, including updating your asthma action plan. Taking an asthma preventer properly and regularly is key to preventing asthma, including thunderstorm asthma.
If your child has hay fever, see your pharmacist or doctor for a hay fever treatment plan and check if you should have an asthma reliever puffer. These are available from a pharmacy without a prescription.
If your child has hay fever and experiences wheezing and coughing, it is important to make sure they don’t also have asthma. Speak to your doctor about an asthma action plan.
Where possible, avoid being outside during thunderstorms from October to December, especially during the wind gusts that come before the storm. Go inside and close your doors and windows. If you have your air conditioning on, turn it to ‘recirculate’.

For more information, speak to your doctor. You can also visit the Better Health Channel website.

On days of a High and Extreme Pollen Count students with hayfever and asthma will be given the option to spend recess and lunchtime inside.

On days of moderate Thunderstorm Asthma forecast the school will assess the need for students with asthma to spend recess and lunchtime inside. On days of high Thunderstorm Asthma forecast students with asthma will spend recess and lunchtime inside.

Please ensure your child's medical records are updated in the office and, if your child requires medication, to also complete the medication authority form.

medication-authority-form 2023.docx

School Saving Bonus

As mentioned in previous newsletters, families with a child enrolled in a government school from Prep to Year 12 in 2025 will receive the one-off $400 School Saving Bonus.

The Department of Education will email you twice:

in October, to verify your email address
in November, with your $400 School Saving Bonus.

SSB_information.pdf

If you are moving on from Ceres PS next year please notify us ASAP so the funds are distributed to the correct school.

Advanced notice - Grade 6 Graduation Night

Our Graduation Night will be held on Thursday 5th December for our Gr 6 students and families.

Music Bus lessons

The Music Bus has opened their Term 4 enrolments and are inviting new students to apply.

Classes offered are:

· Keyboard (Prep-y6)

· Ukulele (Prep-y6)

· Drums (Y1-y6)

· Guitar (Y2-y6)

Lessons are:

* be 30 minute duration - once per week

* held in the hi tech music classroom on wheels on our site

* cost $20 per week ($22 drums) payable by the term on commencement.

If you wish to take part please complete this expression of interest form. https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/ee4627a5204c46158e1ab17e7c8069c6

Book Club Issue 7

Issue 7 of Book Club closes next Friday, 25th October. This issue features:

Our BUMPER ISSUE – 40 pages of reading goodness.
A $5 promotional code with every Issue 7 order. This can be redeemed on Issue 8 with every order over $15.
Get up to 3 FREE BOOKS when you spend certain amounts.
Best of 2024 on pages 8 & 9.
Dog Man packs on page 21. Did you know the New Dog Man movie is coming out soon?
Graphic Novel selection starting on page 24.
Dragons Vs Wolves is our feature book for Issue 7

Fresh Meal Fairy Canteen

A reminder that canteen orders are to be placed by 9pm the Thursday before delivery at school on Friday and are to be placed through the Flexischools app.

If you have any issues with an order, please go here to report a problem:

https://freshmealfairy.com.au/report-an-issue