Student Health

Chicken Pox

There has been two confirmed case of Chicken Pox in the Year 10/11 cohort.

From the time of infection from Chicken Pox to the appearance of the rash - which is itchy and looks like small blisters - may take several days to appear. An infected person is contagious for up to possibly five days before the onset of the rash, and remains infectious until the blisters form scabs. 

Early signs of chicken pox can present as:

• Slight fever
• Headache
• Runny nose and cough
• Feeling generally unwell 

• Loss of appetite

   

From the time of infection to the appearance of the rash is around 14 to 16 days.

Please note that school exclusion periods apply.

High-Risk Groups: People who have a weakened immune system, or those with Leukaemia or Hodgkin’s Disease, those taking immunosuppressive medications, pregnant women and babies may be at higher risk or those who have not had Chicken Pox or been immunised for Chicken Pox.

Should you have any queries, please contact Michelle at First Aid   

firstaid@stbedes.catholic.edu.au or call 9582 5859

Hay Fever and Asthma Season

Spring brings an increase in airborne pollen, with a higher incidence of hay fever and asthma. This includes thunderstorm asthma, which is potentially life threatening.

If students suffer from hay fever and require antihistamine medication, please ensure antihistamine medication is taken prior to arriving at the College.

Asthma suffers must always carry their Ventolin puffer in their school bags, as it may be required in transit to and from school. More information is available on the Victorian Department of Health website.

Student Health and Medication

To better protect our College Community, please discuss with your healthcare professional about having your son vaccinated for the Flu and Covid - both of which are still prevalent in the community.

The health and wellbeing of all our students is central across every area of the College. To ensure the safety of medication administration at school, no student is allowed to self-medicate whether it is prescription or over the counter medication.  

Any child who has a diagnosed health care need, complex care need or relevant medical condition requires a medical management plan completed by your treating doctor. Some medical conditions already have a condition-specific medical management plan, such as anaphylaxis, allergic reactions (green plan), asthma, diabetes and epilepsy.

For a Medical Management Plan, please contact: 

Michelle Butler First Aid Officer   mb@stbedes.catholic.edu.au 

Medication Policy

For all medication to be administered during school hours, a Medication Authority Form must be completed and attached to the Medical Management Plan. An example would be a student with ADHD requiring medication during the school day.

Asthma medication and adrenaline auto-injectors for anaphylaxis are unrestricted and do not require a Medical Authority Form.If your son has Asthma, please ensure the College has a yearly updated asthma plan on Operoo from your treating doctor.

For short-term over the counter medication such as paracetamol a medical authority form may be completed by a parent or carer and does not require a medical management plan. If you require further information please contact your relevant Campus' First Aid department.

Please return these forms to FirstAid@stbedes.catholic.edu.au

First Aid Department