Health Centre News
Covid 19 – Returning to College
We hope everyone is keeping well and safe during these challenging times.
Firstly, we would like to thank all the students, parents and guardians for helping us during the year to adhere to the COVID 19 guidelines by keeping unwell students at home.
As some students have returned to onsite learning at Wantirna College, we would like to reinforce to everyone the importance of continuing to adhere to the Department of Education and Training (DET) COVID 19 guidelines.
One of the most important things we can do to slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID- 19) in our community is to continue to stay at home when we are unwell, even when we have the mildest symptoms.
If a student or staff member have any of the symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) outlined below, however mild, they will be sent home.
o fever
o chills or sweats
o cough
o sore throat
o shortness of breath
o runny nose
o loss of sense of smell or taste.
In certain circumstances headache, muscle soreness, stuffy nose, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea may also be considered symptoms.
Please, if students or staff have any of the above symptoms they should get tested and they must remain at home until they receive a negative result:
For further advice:
· call the 24-hour Coronavirus (COVID-19) Hotline 1800 675 398
· call a general practitioner
· refer to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) website
Hay fever
In other health news we would like to remind everyone that as Spring is upon us, we have entered into a season of high pollen levels, which may bring on symptoms of hay fever. There are many medications/preparations on the market that can help to alleviate hay fever symptoms which may present similar to that of COVID 19 symptoms.
Paracetamol
We would also like to remind everyone that as per DET guidelines we are not able to provide students with school supplied paracetamol. Whilst we do encourage students to avoid taking medications at school, if deemed necessary we are able to store students own paracetamol, hay fever tablets or any other required tablets in the Health Centre for administration during the school day. A Medication Authority Form, which can be obtained from the Health Centre must accompany this medication if a student requires medication stored in the Health Centre.
New School Nurse
We would like to welcome Eva Gray to the Health Centre, she will be working in the Health Centre on Thursdays and Fridays. Melissa continues to work on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Many thanks to Julie Dance for all her work and continued support to the Health Centre.
Year 7 School Immunisations
Lastly, the Year 7 immunisation session scheduled to take place this month will now be held at the Knox Council offices after school hours. If parents have any queries, please direct them to contact the Knox City council immunisation team on 9298 8165 or health.services@knox.vic.gov.au.
Please feel free to contact us in the Health Centre on 9881 7125 or health@wantirnacollege.vic.edu.au should you have any student health concerns, questions, or medical updates.
Take care everyone and stay safe!
Melissa & Eva.