First Aid Update

Asthma/Anaphylaxis Management Plans & EpiPens for 2024

As we embark on another exciting academic year, the wellbeing of our students remains our top priority. In order to maintain a safe and healthy environment, we kindly request your assistance in updating your child’s medical information.

ASCIA updated their Action Plan in July 2023, and it is a Department mandate that all anaphylaxis students have the new 2023 action plan. You can find it below: 

If your child has been diagnosed by a Medical Practitioner as at risk of anaphylaxis or asthma, it is crucial that we have a CURRENT Asthma/Anaphylaxis Management Plan and IN-DATE EpiPens. Please review the Policies page on our website for more detailed information. 

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to us at beaumaris.sc@education.vic.gov.au.

Your prompt attention to this matter ensures that our school is well-equipped to provide the best possible care for your child. We appreciate your cooperation in fostering a healthy and secure learning environment for everyone. 

Reducing COVID-19 Transmission

There is at present an increase in community transmission of COVID-19 in Victoria.

You can help us keep our school as safe as possible by taking 2 important steps:

1. Ensure your COVID-19 vaccinations are up to date. Information on how and where to get vaccinated is available on the Get vaccinated webpage.
2. If your child shows symptoms of COVID-19, please ensure they stay home and get tested. 

The easiest way to test is to use a rapid antigen test (RAT). We have RATs available at our school for collection. Free RATs are available from your local council where you can collect 2 packs of 5 RATs and an extra 2 packs for each person in your household. People with disability and their carers can get 4 packs of 5 RATs. You are not required to have a Medicare card and you can collect RATs as many times as you need. You can also buy RATs at supermarkets, pharmacies and other retailers.

If your child has symptoms but tests negative, please ensure they stay home until they no longer have symptoms.

If the RAT test result is positive, please ensure they say home for at least 5 days and until there are no more symptoms.

Thank you for your support – these steps will help us all stay well.

Protecting Against Mosquito-borne Diseases

Warm and wet weather can result in greater numbers of mosquitoes and increased risk of illnesses from mosquito bites. While the overall risk is low, some mosquitoes carry diseases that make people sick. 

The best protection against mosquito-borne illness is to avoid mosquito bites.

Families can protect against mosquito bites by: 

• covering up as much as possible with long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing  
• applying insect repellent that contains picaridin or DEET on exposed skin when leaving home 
• limiting outdoor activity if lots of mosquitoes are active.

Families with any health concerns should see their doctor or phone NURSE-ON-CALL: 1300 606 024 (available 24 hours).

Free Japanese encephalitis vaccines 

Japanese encephalitis virus is spread to humans through bites from infected mosquitoes and can cause a rare but potentially serious infection of the brain.

Free Japanese encephalitis vaccines are available to protect Victorians at higher risk of the virus. 

The Victorian Department of Health encourages eligible people who live or work in high-risk local government areas to get vaccinated. 

For more information, including what is considered a high-risk area and eligibility for a free vaccine, refer to the Department of Health’s Japanese encephalitis webpage. 

Find out more

For more information on protecting against mosquito-borne diseases, families can refer to the following Better Health Channel pages:

• Mosquitoes can carry diseases
• Protect yourself from mosquito-borne disease, including a handy checklist to help reduce mosquito breeding sites at home and resources translated into other languages.

Ms Lynsey Jane

Attendance/First Aid