Student health
Prescribed medication
In most circumstances students should not have medication at school. If absolutely necessary, medication must be handed to the school office and the appropriate DoE paperwork must be completed to ensure safe administration can occur. No child should ever be given medication to self-administer without previous notification (eg. asthma "puffers").
If your child is being prescribed medication that needs to be taken during the day, please inform us so that arrangements can be made for the medication to be administered. Please read the important information about prescribed medications at school.
Allergies
If your child has been diagnosed with an allergy or allergies, it is important that you tell the Principal and your child's classroom teacher as soon as you become aware of the allergy, or if your child's allergy changes. If your child is diagnosed at risk of an anaphylactic reaction an individual health care plan is developed that includes strategies to minimise the risk of a severe allergic reaction.
In accordance with the policy of the Department, we ask that food items containing peanuts, tree nuts and nut products not be brought to school. This does not include foods labelled “may contain traces of nuts”.
Asthma
Asthma sufferers who may need to use "puffers" should leave these at the Admin. Office clearly labelled with their name. A letter with instructions and signed by the parent should accompany this. Puffers should be available whenever they may be needed (eg, Excursions) with appropriate instructions. Current Asthma Plans are required.
Managing complex health needs
An individual health care plan is developed for each student with complex health needs. The plan supports students with severe asthma, type 1 diabetes, epilepsy, anaphylaxis and those at risk of an emergency or requiring the administration of specific health care procedures.
Infectious diseases
There are many infectious diseases that affect children and young people. Schools and parents should contact their local health network for advice regarding infectious diseases.
Immunisation
Our school's immunisation program works in cooperation with our local health network of the NSW Department of Health who deliver the NSW adolescent school-based vaccination program to high school students.
Head lice
Head lice outbreaks sometimes occur at school. If your child has head lice please treat your child and inform us. Daily combing of dry hair with conditioner can get rid of head lice. You should continue to send your child to school. Head lice information in community languages.
Sun safety
Our school takes sun safety seriously. Children learn about how to protect themselves from the sun's damaging UV rays, and our school implements a range of sun protection strategies. Sun sense information in community languages.
Ear infections
Otitis media is a common middle ear infection which may cause fever or vomiting. If undetected, a child may suffer from hearing loss and their learning could be affected. Most ear infections respond readily to treatment.
First Aid
All illnesses and injuries should be reported by students to staff, who will take appropriate action. In the majority of cases, students are referred to the teacher on First Aid duty (recess & lunch). Minor injuries are treated and those requiring further medical assistance will be seen by St John's Ambulance qualified staff member. Parents will be notified where necessary. In serious cases medical assistance (usually by ambulance) will be obtained. This cost is covered by the school's insurance. It is extremely important that all emergency contact phone numbers are current.
Accidents
In case of an accident your child will be taken to the administration office or Sick bay for first aid. You or your contact person will be notified if medical attention is necessary. Please make sure the school has a current phone number for emergency calls.
The school contributes to the Ambulance Fund and if it should be necessary for a child to go to hospital, there will be no charge to the parent.