Injuries at School – Parent Contact Guidelines

In alignment with the Department of Education’s First Aid for Staff and Students policy, we are reviewing and updating our protocols for contacting parents/carers about students' injuries or illness.

From the commencement of Term 4, we will continue to call you when:

Your child is unwell and shows signs or symptoms that require them to be picked up.
To obtain verbal consent prior to administering general use medications (pain relief or antihistamine).
For severe injuries or illnesses requiring further medical evaluation.
If your child has visible/palpable swelling, bruising or cuts to the head or face.
Significant head injuries where concussion is suspected.

Head Injuries - Further Information

1. Suspected concussions:

You will be contacted via phone to collect your child.
Your child will remain under direct monitoring in the First Aid Office whilst awaiting collection.
Further medical assessment will be recommended, even if symptoms resolve before your arrival.

2. Non-suspected concussions:

Your child can remain at school and will continue to be monitored by staff closely for the remainder of the day. If there are any changes to their condition a phone call home will be made to collect your child from school.
You will receive a Compass notification/email of the injury, including that concussion is not suspected and be advised to watch for delayed symptoms of concussion when they come home.

Please note that all other minor injuries and illnesses that do not meet the above criteria will be assessed, triaged, and treated by our staff in order of priority and a Compass notification/email outlining the illness/injury and the treatment provided will be sent as soon as practically possible.

After receiving a Compass Sick Bay Notification, if you have any questions about your child’s visit to first aid, or if you would like to pick them up early due to their illness or injury, parents/carers are welcome to contact our office on: (03) 9379 3979.

At ENPS, looking after our students' health and wellbeing remains at the forefront of our practices. These changes ensure the assessment and treatment of all students reporting to first aid takes precedence, while maintaining clear communication with parents/carers and reducing unnecessary concern over minor incidents. You will continue to be informed promptly by phone whenever we are concerned or if your child requires further medical attention.

Summary:

You will receive timely Compass notifications/emails for all illnesses/injuries assessed from our First Aid Office.
You will still receive a phone call for any significant injury or health concern that requires further medical evaluation and/or an early departure from school.
You will still receive a phone call for medication authority and consent prior to administering general use medications such as Panadol or Zyrtec (antihistamine).

Next Steps:

Please ensure you have the Compass App downloaded to your phone with notifications turned on, and your contact details (email and phone) are up to date with the office.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we implement this update to better support the wellbeing of all students.

Kind regards,

Kate Barletta

Principal