Dear Parents/Carers,

I just want to take this opportunity to thank you all!

The work we do here at Melton SS would not be as successful without your continued support, patience and understanding.

It is such a privilege to know that our wider school community is actively engaged and genuinely interested in what happens here at Melton Specialist School, supporting the work that we do to ensure the best possible outcomes for your young people.

From all of us – Thank You!

SSGs

SSGs will be conducted in the last week of term 1. The SSG is an opportunity to meet with the teachers and discuss progress and draft goals for your child. It is very important that you attend these appointments.

Vehicle – Student Drop off and Pick Up

For those parents that drop off and pick up their children by car, please can I remind you that when waiting in the bus loop that your engines should be turned off and not be turned on again until the whistle has blown.

Please remember not to line up and double park outside Gate 1. We understand that at times this is frustrating, and you may have to do a loop – this is why we ask that parents and carers do not arrive before 8.55 a.m.

Police have been present and parents have been fined for double parking. If you miss the school bus please drop your child off through the loop in Gate 1 after 9.00 a.m.

Pedestrian – Student Drop off and Pick Up

We would ask that if you are walking your young person into school that you only use Gate 3. We have had too many near misses with pedestrians weaving between buses and cars in the bus loop that we have made the decision to eliminate this cause for concern.

To clarify, if you are walking onto school grounds or leaving at the end of the day, please only use Gate 3.

Impetigo

We have had several confirmed cases of impetigo reported at the Melton Specialist School.

Impetigo is a highly contagious skin infection caused by bacteria, which is normally found on the skin. The wounds appear on the skin and become swollen and red, a small pus-filled blister forms, and when the blister breaks, it forms a distinctive honey-coloured crust.

The lesions are mostly found on the face, arms, or legs, but can occur anywhere on the body. If lesions are not treated, they will continue to grow as the bacteria spreads. The lesions are typically not painful but may be tender to touch.

Impetigo is spread through contact, fingers, clothing, or anything that touches the lesion can transfer the bacteria to other areas of skin and to other people.

Good hygiene and thorough hand washing can help prevent the spread of infection.

Impetigo requires treatment by a doctor, usually with oral antibiotics or antibiotic ointment, so we would encourage you to seek medical advice if your young person is showing symptoms.

A student infected with impetigo may remain/return to school when the blisters and drainage can be contained and maintained in a clean, dry bandage.

Staying Safe - Mosquitoes

Recent wet and warm weather has increased mosquito breeding. Mosquitoes can carry diseases that may be passed on to people through mosquito bites. A range of mosquito-borne diseases have recently been detected in mosquitoes in northern Victoria. Mosquito-borne diseases can cause serious illness, including infections of the brain, with children particularly at risk.

The best way to prevent mosquito-borne diseases is to avoid mosquito bites.

In line with community health advice, families can protect against mosquito bites by:

using insect repellent that contains picaridin or DEET on all exposed skin if outdoors when mosquitoes are observed, from October to March
wearing long, loose-fitting clothing outdoors if possible if mosquitoes are around and covering exposed skin as much as possible. Summer school uniforms, including polos and shorts, can continue to be worn, but students should use insect repellent on exposed skin if mosquitoes are active
limiting outdoor activity when mosquitoes are active

Harmony Week 20 – 24 March 2023

Harmony Week is the celebration that recognises our diversity and brings together Australians from all different backgrounds. It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.

At Melton SS our students can wear something orange this week to show their support and will have the opportunity to engage in harmony-based activities. I look forward to sharing some photos with you soon.

Bunji

Bunji has settled beautifully back into his role at school, he is still so young and yet his ability to assist, calm and bring joy to our whole school community seems effortless.

Kind regards,

Brooke

Community News