WPPS > Student Wellbeing > Your Child's Health

Your Child's Health

Please remember that sick children are best kept home. The sick bay provides for minor upsets at school. The school’s policy is to contact the parents if the illness if protracted or of a serious nature, so that children can be taken home. It is imperative that the school has your daily contact number and/or that of a responsible friend who can be relied upon in an emergency. If this information changes please notify the school immediately.
If your child’s health status changes (eg. he/she develops allergies, asthma, etc.) please ensure that the Principal is made aware of this change immediately. This will ensure that the necessary knowledge and precautions are drawn to the attention of all staff.
If your child suffers from asthma, an inhaler must accompany him/her in their bag. The school has an inhaler which can be applied in an emergency. The school possesses a well-maintained first aid kit. We also have a number of appropriate kits which are always taken on excursions.

Certificate Of Immunisation

All children must be fully immunised before their first attendance at school. A certificate of immunisation must be produced for school records. This is obtained from the Health Officer of your local Council.

Dental Health Services

• Free dental examination and treatment to children in Victorian primary schools is offered every 2 years. Some patients may be placed on a recall program to be seen again in 12 months.
• You will be informed through the newsletter when the dental team is actually offering examination and treatment at our school or any nearby.
• The dental care is provided by dental therapists and dentists assisted by dental nurses.

'Who is Eligible?'
Children in grades Prep to 4 and those children in grades 5 and 6 whose parents hold a Government Health card.

'How do you contact us?'
In the event of an emergency (eg. toothache) or for further information phone the Area Base Clinic on 9481 3179.

Head Lice

Unfortunately head lice continue to be prevalent in all schools. Please notify the school if your child becomes infected.

Head Lice Procedure:

• Inspect your child’s hair regularly, at least weekly.
• Purchase an effective lotion from your pharmacist if your child requires treatment.
• Remove old eggs with a fine comb. A solution of vinegar and water assists with the removal of eggs.
• Wash all personal clothing and bedding.
• Report the infestation to the school.

Health Screening

This annual screening is carried out by a school nursing sister who will:

• carry out a health screening on all Prep grade children.
• carry out screening tests on, and investigate as appropriate, any children referred by teachers or parents because of suspected health problems.

Medication

If your child requires regular medication it will be administered by our Integration Aide who is responsible for medication throughout the school. We have a set of guidelines and procedures which are strictly followed for the safety of all children. All medication (except asthma) is kept in a locked room at the office.

For Regular Ongoing Medication:
Parents are required to complete an ‘Authority to Dispense Medication’ form and the medication will be kept in a locked area and dispensed at the Office by staff designated with this responsibility. Schools do not keep paracetamol or any other medication unless it is provided by parents with the relevant ‘Authority to Dispense Medication’ documentation.
No child is permitted to have any medication in his/her school bag other than Asthma medication.

For Occasional, Short Term Medical Requirements:
Parents are required to complete ‘Medication Details’ form, which is kept at the office with the medication and dispensed as per above procedure.

Supporting Services

Expert counselling and assistance is available for students, families and teachers when learning problems, emotional and social developmental concerns or behaviour management difficulties are identified.

• Educational Psychologists
• Social Workers
• Speech Therapists
• Visiting Teacher Services (hearing impaired, visually impaired and physically disabled)

Student referrals to any of these services are as a result of consultation at the school level.

Accident and Illness

At Wonga Park we make every effort to avoid accidents and to ensure your children will be well cared for in the event of an accident occurring.
We have staff members who have current Red Cross First Aid in the Workplace qualifications.
In the event of an accident we will do our best to contact you, the parent, while taking any emergency or first aid action necessary for your child.
In the event of a minor accident or illness the school sends home a note detailing treatment given. A note is sent home for minor grazes and first aid measures taken at school.

Infectious Diseases Exclusions

The regulations require the parent/guardian to inform the Principal as soon as practicable if the child is infected with any of the diseases listed in the table, or has been in contact with an infected person. It should be noted that in cases of diphtheria, typhoid, and paratyphoid fever, exclusion and determination of recovery would be matters for the municipal medical officer of health.

Copyright © 2007, Wonga Park Primary School, All rights reserved
Phone: (03) 9722 1325
Email: wonga.park.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au