Every year there is a rise in the number of asthma attacks i children during the October to December period when pollen season is high. Our staff are trained in first aid and the management of asthma in accordance with the Asthma Guidelines for Australian Schools.

Sometimes it is hard to know if a persistent cough is asthma or not, and only your doctor can diagnose this. We ask that parents visit their health professionals regularly to assess their child and update their child’s Asthma Action Plan for use at school at the beginning of the year and as their child’s condition changes. This ensures we are compliant with DET guidelines and regulations. It is also important for your child to bring their reliever medication and spacer to school for use when needed. Please ensure it is clearly labelled and with a current action plan.It will be kept in your child’s classroom so they can access it at any time whilst at school.

Parents may also find it helpful to download the Asthma Aust app

This app is an educational tool for people with asthma, their families and carers. It provides easy access to the asthma first aid steps required in an attack including training scenarios.

If you have any concerns regarding your child’s asthma, please feel free to contact me.

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Last week our grade 5 & 6 students took part in the First Aid in Schools Program. Our school has been involved in this program for many years teaching all our students how to respond in the event of an emergency. The program is fun, interactive and held onsite in the classrooms. It is offered free to all Victorian students and has benefitted families with students using their knowledge and skills when first aid has been required at home.

The First Aid Action Hero App is a free app to download and help children learn what they can do in an emergency. It is a fun way for children to learn how to be able to respond in a calm and effective way and the children love it! You may find it beneficial to download the app onto a device to use with them.

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Just a reminder to parents and guardians, that if your child is sick, please keep them home. This not only reduces the spread to others but allows them to recover quicker.

Thanks for your understanding in keeping our school a healthier place!

Health Week