CAR LINE DROP OFF AT ADMIN

Starting Monday 25^th July, we will be implementing a change to our car line procedures at the Admin drop off area each morning. We will have two large fluorescent cones to designate the drop off area for all families.

We ask that all parents drive to the very front of the designated drop off point (it should allow 3-4 cars to pull up for students to exit their car). Where possible we request that all children exit their cars via the left-hand side, if your child must exit via the right-hand door, please place your car in park, exit your car, and assist your child to get out and escort them via the rear of your vehicle to a safe area.

We ask all parents to be patient and respectful during drop off and please adhere to the 10kph speed limit.

HAND FOOT AND MOUTH

There has been an incidence of “Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease” reported within the school. Could all parents please be aware of the symptoms below and consult your medical practitioner for further advice.

What is hand, foot and mouth disease?

Hand, foot and mouth disease (Hfmd) is caused by a virus. It causes blisters on the hands and feet, in the mouth and often in the ‘nappy’ area. It is generally a mild disease that lasts 7 to 10 days.

Hfmd is more common during warmer weather and tends to spread easily between children.

There is no connection between this disease and the foot and mouth disease that affects cattle and some other animals.

Hfmd occurs mainly in children under 10 years of age, but can also affect older children and adults. Outbreaks may occur in childcare settings. By the time they are adults, most people have been infected with the virus that causes this disease.

Spread of hand, foot and mouth disease

This infection is spread by direct contact with fluid from the skin blisters, nose and throat discharges (including saliva, sputum or nasal mucus), droplets (sneezing, coughing) and faeces (poo). Good personal hygiene is important to prevent spread of the infection to others.

The skin blisters of Hfmd are infectious until they become crusty and there is no fluid in the blisters. The virus may also be shed in the faeces for several weeks after the blisters resolve.

Symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease

People usually develop symptoms between 3 to 7 days after being infected.

The most common symptoms include:

• fever
• sore throat
• small spots developing into blister-like lesions that may occur on the inside of the mouth, sides of the tongue, palms of the hands, fingers, soles of the feet and ‘nappy’ area
• children are often irritable, tired, and may be off their food.

Very rarely, the virus can affect the lining of the brain or spinal cord, leading to more severe symptoms such as seizures, confusion, unsteadiness, and weakness.

Diagnosis of hand, foot and mouth disease

Diagnosis is usually made by your doctor based on symptoms. Other tests are not usually required, but occasionally throat or faeces samples may be taken.

Treatment for hand, foot and mouth disease

Hfmd is a mild illness that resolves within a week. There is no specific treatment and usually none is required.

Use paracetamol (not aspirin) as directed for fever and any discomfort. Offer plenty of fluids, but avoid orange juice, which is acidic and may cause pain with mouth ulcers.

Allow blisters to dry naturally. Do not pierce blisters, as the fluid within them is infectious.

If a child with hfmd complains of severe headache, if fever persists, of if there are any worrying symptoms, consult your doctor immediately.

Prevention of hand, foot and mouth disease

Good personal hygiene is essential to prevent the spread of hfmd to others, both for those infected and their carers:

• wash hands carefully with soap and water after contact with the blister-like lesions, after handling nose and throat discharges, and after contact with faeces such as with toileting and nappy changing.
• use separate eating and drinking utensils.
• avoid sharing items of personal hygiene (such as towels, washers and toothbrushes) and clothing (particularly shoes and socks).
• thoroughly wash and clean any soiled clothing and surfaces or toys that may have been contaminated.
• teach children about cough and sneeze etiquette, immediate disposal of tissues, and to wash hands afterwards.

Children with hfmd should be excluded from school and childcare centres until all of the blisters have dried. To assist in prevention of spread, parents should report the illness to the director of the childcare centre or school principal.

SCHOOL UNIFORM

A number of students have been out of school uniform since coming back to school from remote learning. All St Ita’s students need to be dressed in full winter uniform which includes black leather school shoes not black sport runners (unless they are all black). Also a number of student are wearing footy beanies or Big Freeze beanies to school on a daily basis. Could I ask parents to please ensure children only wear the official St Ita’s beanie.

 AFL JUMPERS SCARF AND BEANIES ONLY TO BE WORN ON MONDAYS

A reminder to students that you can only wear your AFL colours to school on Monday if your team wins on the previous weekend. Sadly, I have noticed a sharp decline in the number of students wearing their Richmond outfits. Has the Tigers bubble officially burst?

 LETTER FROM THE DEPT EDUCATION AND TRAINING AND CEVN