Frequently Asked Questions - Health

Accident and Illness

• The teacher on duty will make an initial assessment of an injury occurring in the playground.
• If the injury requires further attention, the child will be sent to the member of staff in charge of first aid.
• In the case of serious injury, the first aid person will come to the playground/classroom. The Principal or a member of the Executive will be notified.
• When children are ill at school, parents will be notified immediately. If the parent cannot be contacted the School Principal will ensure that medical attention is secured according to the instructions recorded on our emergency files. Please keep telephone numbers current. Our files can be updated at any time.
• Children should not be sent to school when they are unwell.

Immunisation and Common Diseases of Childhood

It is advisable for all children entering school to be immunised against Whooping Cough, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Measles/Mumps/ Rubella and Polio. Parents who choose not to have a child immunised must understand that the child will be excluded for two weeks if an outbreak occurs. Evidence of immunisation must be produced. Good health is vital to school progress.

Immunisation is recommended and parents are required to contact their Doctor concerning protection against - Measles, Diphtheria, Whooping Cough, Poliomyelitis and Tetanus.

During the school year parents are requested to send a note of explanation to the teacher when a child is absent. Parents do not have to phone the school to notify ansenceness.

It is possible that at some time during a child's school career he/she may contract one or more of the common diseases of childhood listed below.

Measles -Patient is excluded from school for 5 days from the appearance of the rash or until a Medical Certificate of Recovery is produced. Contacts excluded for 21 days after the last exposure to infection if attending a pre-school centre, and if the child has not previously had Measles or been Immunised against Measles. Contacts need not be excluded from any other class of school.

German Measles (Rubella) - Excluded for at least 5 days from appearance of rash. Contacts are not excluded.

Whooping Cough - Excluded for Three (3) weeks from the onset of the whoop. The period of exclusion may be less than three weeks if there is no whoop and a Medical Certificate is produced. Contacts excluded for 21 days after the last exposure to infection if attending a pre-school centre and if the child has not previously had Whooping Cough. Contacts need not be excluded from any other class of school.

Mumps - Excluded for at least Ten (10) days from the onset of swelling. Contacts are not excluded.

Ringworm - Patient excluded until all evidence of the disease has disappeared or Medical Certificate is produced stating that lesions are inactive. Cases of Ringworm of the scalp, may return to school after 7 days provided that a hat or cap with washable removable lining is worn constantly. Cases of Ringworm of the body may return to school after 7 days of effective treatment provided all patches are covered with a clean bandage.

Impetigo (Septic Sores) - Patient excluded if sore on exposed surfaces such as face, scalp, hands or legs. Allowed to return to school if sores are properly covered by a clean dressing.

Infectious Hepatitis - Re-admitted to school on receipt of Medical Certificate of Recovery or on subsidence of symptoms when no Medical Certificate is available. Contacts are not excluded.

Streptococcal Infection (including Scarlet Fever) - Excluded until at least seven (7) days after symptoms have subsided or until a Medical Certificate of Recovery is produced. Contacts are not excluded.

Chicken Pox (Varicella) - Excluded for seven (7) days after the first spots Appear. Contacts are not excluded.

Pediculosis (lice in hair) - Excluded until hair is completely cleaned, neither NITS nor LICE being present.

Trachoma (Sandy Blight) - Excluded until discharge from eyes has ceased.

Acute Conjunctivitis - Excluded until discharge from eyes has ceased.

Scabies (The Itch) - Excluded until all evidence of the disease has disappeared or a Medical Certificate is produced stating that treatment has been successful.

Sun Protection Policy

The Policy - No Hat/No Play

• Children will be encouraged to wear a school hat.
• Children who do not wear a hat will sit in shaded areas. The School Sun Protection Policy is that all children should wear a hat. Please support the school policy by reminding your child to put his/her hat on before leaving home.