Sending students who are sick to school should be avoided, as the school does not have sufficient resources to cater to their needs.
Also, it is not in the best interest and health of other students and staff, particularly if the illness is contagious. In these circumstances, sick students will be sent home or to a nominated family member or carer. If your child is sick or hurt we will contact you using the contact numbers you have provided.
Therefore, it is vital that you notify the school of all changes of address, telephone numbers and emergency contacts. Staff cannot administer medicines without special arrangements having been put in place.
The NSW Department of Education recommends that all children entering school be fully immunised. Your child will be in contact with many other children and infections spread easily in these circumstances.
Before starting school it is recommended that all children have:
- a booster injection against diphtheria and tetanus (CDT)
- a booster dose of oral polio vaccine.
If your child has not been immunised against measles, or even if you are unsure, the measles vaccine (which includes vaccination against mumps and rubella as well) is recommended. Immunisation is available from your local doctor, local council clinics, some community health centres and the children’s hospitals. It is important to keep a written record of your child’s immunisation.
Pertussis (whooping cough): Doctors and laboratories must confidentially notify cases of Pertussis to the local public health unit. Public health unit staff can advise on the best way to stop further spread. Infectious children are restricted from going to school.
Measles: Excluded for at least 4 days from appearance of the rash.
Mumps: Excluded for 9 days after the appearance of the swelling.
Chicken pox: People with chickenpox should avoid others (and not attend childcare or school) until at least five days after onset of the rash and all the blisters have dried.
German measles (rubella): The time from exposure to onset of illness is usually 14 to 21 days. People with rubella are usually infectious from seven days before the rash occurs until four days later. Rubella is notifiable by laboratories in NSW under the Public Health Act.
Headlice (pediculosis): Please inform the school. If noticed at school, a letter will be sent to all children in affected class.