As this will be the last newsletter for the term I would like to wish all students and parents a safe, happy and healthy Easter Break and school holiday break soon after.
National Ride2School Day
Applecross SHS celebrated active travel day on Wednesday 21st March. Many students supported this event by either walking or riding to school. A healthy free breakfast and freebies were given to students. Parents please continue to encourage your students to walk or ride to school every day while the weather is still good.
We support our students to walk or wheel to school because:
- Students feel fresh and alert at the beginning of a school day.
- There are fewer cars around the school which eases ‘drop off congestion’.
- Students are more likely to reach the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity they need each day.
- Students feel happier, healthier and perform better in the classroom.
Flu Season
With winter approaching I recommend a flu vaccine for all.
Why should I consider having my child vaccinated against the flu?
The National Health and Medical Research Council, Australia's peak body for health advice, recommends annual vaccination for anyone six months of age or older who wants to reduce their chances of becoming ill with the flu.
Annual flu vaccination is strongly recommended for anyone six months of age or older with a medical condition that places them at higher risk of severe illness from flu. Children and adults with heart, lung or kidney disease or a weakened immune system, are eligible for free flu vaccine through the National Immunisation Program.
Children without underlying medical conditions who become infected with flu can also develop serious illnesses. Flu can cause high fever and pneumonia, and make existing medical conditions worse. Flu can also cause convulsions and diarrhoea in children.
Influenza viruses are always changing. Each year scientists try to match the strains of influenza viruses in the vaccine to those most likely to cause flu illnesses that year. It takes up to two weeks for protection to develop after vaccination against flu and protection lasts about a year.
The seasonal flu vaccine is available on prescription or via GP and immunisation clinics and is provided free for certain groups. Flu vaccines are available prior to winter starting. For more information, www.health.wa.gov.au or contact your GP or Immunisation Clinic.
Head Lice
Parents are reminded to please check your child’s hair frequently for head lice as these little critters appear every so often and even in high school!
Tips for preventing head lice
Check your child’s hair regularly for head lice and eggs (‘nits’). Use a metal fine tooth ‘nit’ comb and plenty of hair conditioner applied to the dry hair, to make the task easier and more effective.
Tie long hair back. Braid long hair and/or put it up if possible.
Avoid sharing combs or brushes. Remind your child to avoid head-to-head contact with other children, e.g. when working at the computer with others, or when playing, or hugging.
Medication
Parents and students are reminded that the nurse is NOT allowed to give panadol or other medication to students. Parents/Students are reminded that they can bring a dose of panadol to school to take if you have pain. E.g. Headache, period pain, toothache etc.
Deb Kitak
School Nurse
