Welfare

GASTRO

We have been notified of several cases of gastro in our student population this week. Please keep your child at home if they show any signs of nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea. The  exclusion time from school is 48 hours (2 school days). Please see attached information from the Department of Health

P.A.R.T.Y

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/alfredhealth/1184423#

Due to high demand The Alfred’s P.A.R.T.Y. (Prevent Alcohol and Risk- Related Trauma in Youth) program are presenting an event on Tuesday 23rd April so that older youth, their families and friends can be better informed about the consequences of risk-taking behaviour.

This 2.5-hour program sponsored by The Highland Foundation will run from 5:30pm to 8:00pm with a combination of video, demonstrations and live presentations with Alfred Health clinicians, first responders, allied Health and a past Alfred trauma patient.

The program operates on the principle of proactive education, providing participants with real-life scenarios and interactive experiences that underscore the importance of safety, responsible decision-making, and the consequences of risky behaviours. 

By addressing issues such as impaired driving, substance abuse, and injury prevention head-on, we strive to educate young Victorians to make positive choices and avoid potentially life-threatening situations.

STAYING HYDRATED

With the temperature being higher today and over the next couple of days, it is a timely reminder about the importance of students drinking water during the school day.

There are water dispensers and bubble taps located in a number of spots around the school.

Please remind your child to have their drink bottle at school every day.

Children starting primary school

The first year of school

• Find out about what your child is learning at school. By doing this, you can support your child’s learning and find out how your child is adjusting to school.
• If your child is having difficulty at school, talk to their teacher. Your child can also say what they think might help them.
• Keep talking to your child about school. Ask them about their new experiences, what they like and what they find hard.
• If your child goes to care before or after school, find a way of sharing your child’s school progress with the staff.
• Share feedback about your child’s experience of starting school with the school and early childhood service.
• Organise time for your child and their new friends to play together outside of school.

Early childhood services and schools will organise programs to help your child settle into school. Talk to your child’s early childhood educator or the school.

Secondary immunisation 

Secondary school immunisations are provided to students to reduce their risk of contracting preventable diseases and some cancers. Health advice regarding immunisations recommends students receive the following:

Year 7

• Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine (one dose)
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine (one dose).

Year 10

• Meningococcal A, C, W, Y vaccine (one dose).

There are a number of students in years 7 to 12 who may have missed these important vaccines. This puts students at an increased risk of illness. 

If your child missed out on their school-based vaccinations, please speak to your GP or local council immunisation service about how they can catch up. 

To check if your child is due for any vaccines, refer to their immunisation history statement on the Australian Immunisation Register, using your MyGov account. 

If your child is aged over 14, they may need to access their immunisation history statement themselves, through their own MyGov account or the Medicare mobile app.

New HPV vaccination resources to assist young people with disability 

Young people with disability should have the same access to preventive healthcare and immunisations as everyone else. Vaccinations can be stressful, and there are sometimes unique barriers for people with disability. 

Cancer Council Victoria, in consultation with Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and Scope Australia, has developed the following resources for parents and carers to improve the vaccination experience for young people with disability:

• Help your child with disability get the HPV vaccine (fact sheet)
• Supporting your child with a disability with vaccination (videos)
• Preparing for school vaccinations (social story).

Managing Sickness & Covid: 

You may be aware through conversations with members of the school community that COVID is lingering about.

The school takes the important steps of ensuring air purifiers are in use, external ventilation is maximised, good personal hygiene is encouraged and face masks continue to be made available for staff, students and visitors who wish to wear them.

Students who report a positive result are recommended to isolate for a minimum of 5 days and not attend school until their symptoms have resolved. Students who isolate as a result of a positive COVID-19 test should be supported in the same way as students with an extended absence due to illness or injury, with learning materials provided to support their continued learning. Please contact the school to make arrangements as required. If your child is unwell, families are encouraged to keep them at home.

Families Experiencing Financial Pressures

Take a look at the link below and find the resources you need to give you a helping hand. 

Put your postcode in to see the organisations within your area. 

www.askizzy.org.au/food

Also a reminder that you can access the Power Saving Bonus Program - get $250 off your electrical bill. 

https://compare.energy.vic.gov.au/psb-faq