From the Office

Health Alert

The Victorian Health Department has issued a health alert entitled “Increasing pertussis (whooping cough) cases in Victoria”. The key messages from the alert are:

• Cases of pertussis (whooping cough) are increasing in Victoria, mostly affecting children aged 10-12 years. 
• Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory illness known for causing a cough, and can lead to life threatening infections in babies.
• Symptoms of pertussis may be very similar to other respiratory infections, especially in the early stages, meaning diagnosis by a doctor as soon as possible is important. 

Prompt diagnosis, isolation and treatment can help reduce transmission and protect vulnerable infants. 

Pertussis usually begins with cold-like symptoms, such as a dry cough, tiredness, runny nose, and low-grade fever. A more definitive cough follows, lasting for 10 weeks or more. The cough comes in long spells and may be followed by a high-pitched ‘whooping’ sound on inhalation.

Pertussis is mostly spread to other people by droplets from coughing or sneezing. People with pertussis are considered infectious from the onset of cold-like symptoms until 21 days after the onset of cough, or until they have received 5 days of appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Catholic Secondary School Applications 

Applications (for Year 7 entry) are due in Grade 5. Applications for Year 7 2026 close on Friday 16th August, 2024.  

If your child is currently in Year 5, and you wish to enrol them in a Catholic secondary school, please ensure you have submitted the application by the deadline.