Safety & First Aid News 

IMPORTANT NOTICE – Chickenpox (Varicella) Case Diagnosed

Dear Parents and Carers,

We have been notified that a number of students in our school have been diagnosed with chickenpox (varicella).

What is Chickenpox?

• Signs: Low fever, feeling tired, and an itchy, blister-like rash that starts on the face and trunk before spreading.
• Spread: It passes easily from person to person through the air or by touching fluid from the blisters.

• Infectious period: From 1 to 2 days before the rash appears until all blisters have crusted over (usually 5 days)

   

School Exclusion Requirements

Action: Under Victorian Department of Health rules, children with chickenpox must be excluded from school or early learning services until they have fully recovered or for at least 5 days after the rash starts, and until all blisters have dried into crusts

What You Should Do

• Watch your child: Check your child for signs of fever or rash over the next two weeks (the incubation period).
• Seek advice: If your child develops symptoms, keep them home and contact your family doctor or GP. Please notify the office if your child tests positive.
• Vulnerable groups: If your child is pregnant, newborn, or has a weak immune system (immunocompromised), consult your doctor immediately if they have been exposed, as the virus can be severe for them.

For official exclusion tables, visit the Victorian Department of Health School Exclusion Table.