Wellbeing

Anaphylaxis & Allergies

I hope that your children have all had a good start to the year. 

This year we have 3 students who are anaphylactic.

In 5 /6 a student has anaphylaxis to pistachio and cashew nuts.

In Year 2 a student has anaphylaxis to tree nuts (almonds, Brazil nuts, cashew nuts, hazelnuts, walnuts, pecans, pistachios and macadamia nuts).

In Year 1 a student  has anaphylaxis to walnuts and pecans.

This means that exposure to these foods can cause a severe allergic reaction. 

Children with anaphylaxis are not ‘just fussy eaters’ – exposure to these items can be life threatening.  It is really important that children don’t feel different or a nuisance because they have allergies, remember that they don’t like it either!

To ensure student safety and create a supportive environment for all our students, we kindly ask for your cooperation with the following guidelines:

1. No Sharing of Food:

Please remind your child that sharing food is not allowed at school. This helps to reduce the risk of accidental exposure to allergens and promotes a safe environment for all students.

2. Handwashing After Eating:

It is important that students wash their hands thoroughly after eating. This simple step helps to minimize the risk of cross-contamination from food residue.

3. Safe Lunches and Snacks:

While we are not enforcing specific restrictions on what students can bring, we encourage you to consider the potential impact of foods containing all types of nuts on others. If you are able to pack alternatives that would be greatly appreciated.

4. Birthdays and Class Parties

Please do not bring food to the classroom for students to share (birthday celebrations, class parties...) without consulting with the classroom teacher beforehand. We can give you helpful suggestions to ensure everyone is included. Any food that is provided for sharing should list the ingredients clearly.

I hope your child has a wonderful start to the year! Please contact me if you have any concerns.

Thank you.

Kind regards, 

Natasha Franchina

Learning Diversity & Wellbeing Leader and P.E. Specialist.