Student Health & Welfare

Thunderstorm Asthma - be prepared this pollen season

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.

Lakes Entrance Secondary College 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. 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’.

Protect yourself this pollen season – managing asthma and allergies matters.

Find out more 

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

Snake Season

With warmer weather, snakes become more active in our local community. We encourage families to remind students to stay alert and be aware of their surroundings when outdoors, both at school and at home. Students are encouraged to keep to designated play areas, avoid out of bounds areas, long grass or garden beds, and report any snake sightings to a teacher immediately. Staff will remain vigilant during yard duty to help ensure everyone’s safety. Maintenance will ensure all grass areas will be well maintained. However, this does not reduce snakes to the area, but assists with being able to see them from a distance.

Notice to Families: Burning off notice

This is a courtesy message to let you know that the school will be burning off at 6am on Monday 13th October. We have obtained a planned burn permit. Students, families and staff are encouraged to take precautions if affected by smoke.