School News

Fathers Day Stall

Thank you to the parents/caregivers, students and staff who supported the Fathers Day Stall.  The stall raised $1403.00 which is a fantastic effort. Thank you to the parents who assisted with making of items for sale and helping on the stall.

Fundraising Committee

School Assembly

Parents/Caregivers are invited to attend the Assembly on Friday 15/9 from 9:00am.  We will be acknowledging the work that June Liston has done over the years as a cleaner and active volunteer for our school and wish her well in her retirement.  Please stay and enjoy a coffee/tea after the event.

Influenza

Our school has recently received some confirmed cases of Influenza A.

Symptoms of Influenza include: Fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, running nose, sore throat and cough. Influenza is confirmed by laboratory examination of mucus from the nose or throat. Influenza is spread when infected airborne droplets produced by coughing or sneezing come into contact with the mucous membrane lining the nose and mouth. Infection can also be spread by contact with hands, tissues and other items infected with nose and throat discharges.

The Incubation period (time between becoming infected and developing symptoms) is 1-3 days. The Infectious period (time during which an infected person can infect others) is 1 day before the onset of symptoms and 3-5 days after the onset of symptoms in adults; up to 21 days in children.

A person with the above symptoms should be excluded from school until they feel well. Good hand washing routines will help control the spread of infection, washing hands after sneezing, coughing or after contact with nose and throat discharges or articles soiled by these. Wipe down frequently touched surfaces regularly with a damp cleaning cloth and detergent. Cover a cough or sneeze with a tissue or your arm, not with your hand and place tissues in the rubbish bin immediately and then wash hands.

Hat Policy

According to our Sun Policy all students are required to wear hats when outside from 1 September to 30 May.

Please ensure that your child has a broad brimmed hat at school each day. These can be purchased from the Dress Code Shop or the Front Office. There are also many hats in lost property in each unit.  It is recommended that all hats are clearly marked with your child's name so they can be returned if found.

Bob Thiele, Principal

Morphett Vale Youth Club 50th Anniversary

Founded in 1967 we celebrate 50 years this year.  An Anniversary celebration dinner and reunion is planned for Saturday 21/10.  Past members and officials are invited.  If you wish to attend, register your interest with Neville Gibbs 0419326204 or email gibbsnr@tpg.com.au and further information will be forwarded.

Important Message for Parents as Partners in Children's Learning

Earn and Learn

Hurry, hurry... The Earn & Learn promotion will finish on Tuesday 19/9. Please return all completed and partially completed sheets to Library staff.  If you have any loose stickers please return these as well. Thank you for supporting this event.

Debbie Scarff, Library SSO

Entertainment Book

If you are interested in purchasing an Entertainment Book offering discounts at various venues please see Tracy Rowley, Finance Manager. Only 1 left going at a discount price of $60.00 - be quick to avoid disappointment.

Whooping Cough

We wish to advise that we have had a confirmed case of Whooping Cough in the Stillwell Unit. Whooping Cough (Pertussis) is a bacterial infection of the nose and throat and is spread by respiratory droplets. The illness often begins with cold-like symptoms of runny nose, watery eyes, low fever and general unwellness, although symptoms can differ from person to person. After 3-7 days a dry cough develops and can be present for many weeks and last for months. Prolonged fits of coughing occur, immediately followed by a deep breath in, resulting in the typical whoop-hence the name whooping cough. Some may even vomit due to coughing. Whooping cough is highly infectious.

The incubation period (time between becoming infected and developing symptoms) is most commonly 7-10 days. The infectious period is when the cold like symptoms occur in the early stages.

A person with whooping cough is to be excluded from school until 5 days after starting antibiotic treatment. If not treated, they should be excluded for 21 days from the start of symptoms.

Diagnosis is made by a doctor either by testing the mucus from the nose or throat or by blood test. Anyone with suspicious symptoms should see their doctor.

Slapped Cheek Virus

A case of Slapped Cheek has been reported in the Castle Unit. Slapped Cheek may appear with cold-like symptoms, then two to five days later, the child typically develops a ‘slapped cheek’ rash on the face and a lacy red rash on the trunk and limbs. The child is not very ill, though the rash may be itchy.  

The rash disappears after 7-10 days, although it may come and go for several weeks, often in response to heat. The infection is diagnosed by a blood test.

Spread of infection is by direct or indirect connection with airborne droplets from coughing or sneezing. Once the rash appears, the person is no longer infectious.

The Incubation period (time between becoming infected and developing symptoms) is 4-14 days from exposure, though may be up to 20 days. The Infectious period (time during which an infected person can infect others) in most cases, not infectious once the rash appears. People are contagious before they develop the rash. It is recommended to wash hands regularly and clean surfaces contaminated by discharges from the nose or throat. Pregnant women who have been exposed to the virus should seek the advice of their Doctor.