Macedon Primary School Newsletter

From the office

Health Alert

Just a further update following on from our advise about the Cryptosporidium parasite reported to the school by two separate families.

 

The Department of Health confirmed that there is a known cluster of cryptosporidiosis (infection by cryptosporidium) in the Macedon Ranges. However,  parents will need to request the GP run the test as they are not running it as standard.

 

Cryptosporidium is a parasite rather than a virus and there is currently an outbreak throughout public swimming pools in Victoria. https://www.health.vic.gov.au/health-advisories/increase-in-cryptosporidiosis-cases-across-victoria

See Victorian Health Department info here: https://www.health.vic.gov.au/infectious-diseases/cryptosporidiosis

Federal Health information here: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/cryptosporidiosis

Please consult your doctor if you have any questions.

 

Nits

We are receiving an increasing amount of nits reported in the school. The school holidays are a good opportunity for parents to check their child/rens hair and treat if necessary. 

 

Here is some information about head lice that has proven helpful;

  • Even though they do not jump or fly, they can spread from one student to another by sharing combs, brushes, clothing, hats and in bedding. Head lice can happen to anyone. It is not a sign of poor health habits or being dirty.
  • There are many lice treatment shampoos on the market as well as other mechanical and manual methods of controlling the lice.
  • Bedding, clothing, and hats should be laundered in very hot water (120 degrees) on the same day or evening your child is treated.
  • Nits (lice eggs) are tiny, white, pearly eggs that attach themselves to the hair shaft close to the scalp. The nit can be removed manually by pinching between two fingernails and pulling if off the hair shaft, or by using a “nit comb”, available at most pharmacies.
  • All members of the household need to be checked when there is one case of head lice in your immediate family.

When can my child return to school?

Heath regulations require that where a child has head lice, the child should not return to school until the day after appropriate treatment has started. Please note, this refers only to those children who have live head lice and does not refer to head lice eggs. More information about exclusion requirements can be found at http://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/head-lice/policy

We are aware that head lice can be a sensitive issue and are committed to maintaining your confidentiality.

 

Lost Property

The lost property is overflowing, if your child has lost something or you see something that looks like it may be yours, please take it, we will be throwing the lost property at the end of term.

 

EFTPOS

We now have a permanent EFTPOS machine in the office. If you would like to pay for excursions or school fees, we can accept all credit/debit cards.

 

Spare clothing

Please pack some spare clothing for your child/ren. Especially with the start of the year, children can have accidents. We have a limited amount of clothing in sick bay and cannot always give children spare clothing. If you child is excessively wet and muddy you will be contacted and asked to bring in a change of clothes.

 

Working With Children Checks / VITs

Would all parents please ensure their WWCC is current prior to nominating to help with activities during camps.  It is a legal requirement for those assisting with child activities to hold a current WWCC (either volunteer or employee) OR a current VIT card (for teachers).

WWCC applications are free for volunteers and can be obtained online at https://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au/.

 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the office on 54261518 or email macedon.ps@education.vic.gov.au

 

We hope you all have a happy and safe Easter break and see you on the 15th of Apr

 

Julie, Emma (Mon, Tues, Wed) & Salina (Wed, Thur, Fri)