Our Community

Stay well this winter

Symptoms of influenza (flu) can hit very quickly and may last several weeks. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others from getting the flu. 

Annual influenza vaccination is recommended from mid-April each year and is free under the National Immunisation Program for those at higher risk of complications from the flu.

Keeping our school community well

Parents, carers and students are encouraged to practice prevention measures, including:

• washing and sanitising hands regularly
• avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• covering nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing · staying home if unwell and consulting a general practitioner (GP) or Nurse-on-call as required
• staying up to date with flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.

Flu vaccinations

Flu vaccinations can be booked through GPs and pharmacies, many of which can also provide COVID-19 vaccinations. Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over.

Some people are more at risk of complications from flu and are eligible for free vaccination as part of the National Immunisation Program.

COVID-19 booster

The 2023 COVID-19 booster dose is available for everyone aged 18 and above.

Getting your booster dose remains the best way to prevent severe illness or hospitalisation, especially in people aged over 65 and those at higher risk of severe illness.

You can have your booster dose 6 months after your last dose or COVID infection.

Children aged between 5 and 17 years who are at risk of severe illness can also receive a 2023 booster dose. You can get your next dose at your local pharmacy or GP. To find one near you, refer to the vaccine clinic finder.

Find out more

For more information about preventing flu, and immunisation, refer to: 

• Better Health Channel influenza flu immunisation fact sheet 
• Getting vaccinated against influenza

Teenage School Holiday Program

The City of Casey’s Winter 2023 Teenage School Holiday Program is now open for bookings. We have plenty of activities lined up, including indoor rock climbing, paintball, rollerskating, mini golf and ten pin bowling, the cinemas, and an online art workshop!

The Winter Teenage School Program will run from Monday 26 June to Friday 7 July,  offering fun, age-appropriate activities at reasonable prices for young people aged 10 – 17 years.

• Prices range from FREE to $39.50
• Fully supervised with FREE transport
• Places are limited and fill up fast, so get in while you can!

It would be great if you could share the attached flyers within your school community and share the following link for bookings https://www.casey.vic.gov.au/holidays

Safe Around Schools

This month we focus on pedestrian safety and provide some simple tools and rules to ensure you are kept safe on your way to and from school.

Junior School Students

The 4 most important words we can teach our children near the roads are to Stop, Look, Listen and Think. Look for safe places to cross the road, such as a School Crossing. Be a role model to your children - if children see adults using these crossings, then they will copy and use the crossing when you are not around.

Senior School Students

When walking around busy roads, it is really important that you don't become distracted.  Distraction doesn't have to be only listening to music or looking at technology, like the picture above. Distraction can also occur when walking with your friends, or even bouncing a ball.  Never become distracted near the roads, always look up and around you for traffic and look for safe places to cross the road.

School Crossing 

Supervisors are trained to help all pedestrians cross the road safely.   

Always stay behind the yellow line and wait for the crossing supervisors' instructions. 

The school crossing is the safest place to cross the road.  Always choose the school crossing to cross the road. Get to know your school crossing supervisor on your way to and from school.

Benefits of Active Travel 

Once children get to middle to senior school, Active travel is encouraged to students to create independence and build life skills. If you can walk, ride, or scoot to school or even walk part of the way, you will reduce the traffic around the school precinct, making it safer for all pedestrians.  Catch up with friends and meet at a certain point. Even once a week will make a difference!  

Take a few minutes to watch our Active Travel Animation on ways you can take that first step in your Active Travel Journey to school.