Head lice

Dear Parents and Carers,

It has come to my attention that some students in the Junior School may have head lice and I seek your cooperation in checking your child’s hair this week (13/06/25 to 20/06/25). 

Head lice do not transmit infectious diseases – they are transmitted by having head to head contact with someone who has head lice. You may be reassured to know that head lice are commonly found in places other than at (insert name of school). Head lice are common in school-aged children and are the most adaptable of creatures. They have survived living solely on humans for 10,000 years!!!! 

What can you do? 

I seek your cooperation in checking your child’s hair and in those instances where head lice or eggs are found, treating your child’s hair. Please visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au and search for “head lice (nits)” for advice on finding, treating and preventing head lice. 

If head lice or eggs are found on your child’s hair you need to inform: 

• the school and advise when the treatment has started, via the attached Action Taken Form, 

• parents or carers of your child’s friends so they too have the opportunity to detect and treat their children if necessary. 

When can my child return to school?

Health regulations requires that where a child has head lice, that child should not return to school until the day after appropriate treatment has started. Please note, this refers only to those children who have live head lice and does not refer to head lice eggs. More information about exclusion requirements can be found by searching for “school exclusion table” at www.health.vic.gov.au.

Gisborne Secondary College is aware that head lice can be a sensitive issue and is committed to maintaining your confidentiality. 

Kind regards

Sarah Rose

Principal, Gisborne Secondary College