Welcome to everyone at Applecross Senior High School and a big welcome to all our Year 7’s and any new students and families. I wish you all the very best for the year.
The Health Centre is located in the C Block next to Student Services and as the Community Nurse I am based there four days per week Monday to Thursday 8.00am to 4.00pm.
I am happy to meet parents and discuss medical issues that may be a problem for your child. I am also happy to meet the students, especially if they are new to Applecross SHS. Please come to the Health Centre and say hello. I do encourage students to come and see me in their own time, before school, during break times and after school, if the matter is not urgent. If your child needs assistance in class time they need to bring a note from the teacher or their diary signed by their teacher. Only emergencies will be seen in class time. Confidentiality is respected and students can make an appointment to see me if they would like to discuss an issue or problem.
Medical Conditions
If your child has a medical condition, for example asthma, anaphylaxis, diabetes or epilepsy, please contact me for an Action Plan if you have not already done so. This is so that I can manage your child’s medical condition appropriately whilst they are at school.
Important Health Messages
Nutrition - Students are encouraged to eat a healthy breakfast prior to school.
Fluids - Students are encouraged to drink plenty of water 6-8 glasses per day and to bring their own water bottles into school and not share their bottles.
Sleep - Growing children need 10 – 12 hours of sleep a night with no interruptions eg: No TV, Electronic gadgets – mobile phones, computer, games etc. in the bedroom at sleep time.
School Bags - Look after your back! Students’ bags should not weigh more that 10-15% of your body weight. If they have a back pack they need to carry it on their back with the shoulder straps on both shoulders supporting the load on their back.
Hats and Sun - Wear a hat for protection from the sun and apply sunscreen.
The School Health Service
The School Health Service aims to promote healthy development and wellbeing to help students reach their full potential. Students are better prepared for learning when they are healthy, safe and happy. School Health Services provide an easy access point to health care for students. The School Health Nurse may carry out health assessments and provide information, advice, referrals and support for students. The support encourages development of knowledge, skills and behaviour, and encourages the young person to deal with their health issue(s) and make healthy lifestyle choices. Individual students can seek information, guidance and support about a range of issues that may include: coping with illness, culture or racism issues, feeling anxious, stressed or unhappy, healthy eating and nutrition, healthy weight and body image, mental health and wellbeing, loss and grief, problems at home, relationships, sexual health, smoking, alcohol, drug use and other adolescent concerns.
There may be times when the School Health Nurse needs to share information with parents or guardians or certain others in the school community, to provide support and care to ensure the safety and wellbeing of a young person. The School Health Nurse encourages and supports young people to talk to their parents or guardians about significant health issues.
Ambulance Cover
I strongly advise parents/guardians to have ambulance cover as an ambulance will be called in emergency situations and when deemed necessary. The school does not pay for this service. The cost of an ambulance in an emergency is approximately $900. The cost of ambulance cover through HBF (agent for St John’s Ambulance) is approx. $100 for families and $50 for singles, per year. Parents/Guardians are strongly advised to keep the school posted about changes in your contact details.
I also advise parents/guardians to come to collect a child if they are not well and not request me to send them home via public services or walking home on their own.
Thanks for your support in this matter.
Updating Contact Details
Can families please ensure the school is notified as soon as possible if any contact details change? This includes home, mobile and emergency contact phone numbers and email addresses. Email: axshs.email@education.wa.edu.au
Mrs Deb Kitak
Community Health Nurse
Child and Adolescent Community Health (Melville Region)
Phone: 93149313
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