From Our Sick Bay 

Dear Parents / Carers

It seems like we are in the depths of our winter illnesses with many students and staff away with head colds, influenza and covid.

There have been a few students who have been sent home with high temperatures over the last few weeks.  Unfortunately, I cannot administer Panadol to students – but if you administer Panadol before your child comes to school – it is best they stay home – as Panadol wears off just before lunchtime, and I can nearly guarantee that I will be calling you to pick up your child from school during the day. 

At this time of year, where coughs, colds, Influenza and COVID -19  spread, it is important that students only come to school if they are well enough. If your child exhibits cold or flu-like symptoms, please seek medical attention. Common flu-like symptoms include a high fever, a cough, a runny nose, loss of appetite, body aches and feeling extremely weak.  Performing a Rapid Antigen Test will help to reduce any unwanted illness in our school community from spreading to other classmates.  To help reduce the spread of illness, please take the time to discuss personal hygiene with your child as well.    Washing hands with soap and water at key times is the most effective way to prevent the spread of illness, gastrointestinal and respiratory infections in community settings. 

The key times are:

• after going to the toilet
• before and after eating
• after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose
• after touching pets and other animals
• whenever your hands look dirty.

In addition, washing hands before and after eating is encouraged as a strategy to minimise the risks associated with known food allergies. Also, if your child has a temperature, has vomited or had diarrhoea, they must be completely well for 24 hours before returning to school. Thank you in advance for your assistance and stay healthy!

Amanda Allan 

First Aid Officer / Library Tech