INFECTIOUS DISEASES

We would like to inform families that there have been confirmed cases of Whooping Cough, Influenza and Rhinovirus in our school.

While these illnesses can be common in school settings, they can also be serious—especially for younger children or those with underlying health conditions. We ask all parents and carers to be alert to any signs of illness in their children.

If your child shows symptoms such as:

• A persistent or severe cough (particularly with a "whoop" sound)
• Fever
• Runny nose or sore throat
• Difficulty breathing or general signs of feeling unwell

Please keep your child at home and arrange for them to be seen by your GP as soon as possible.

Your support helps us protect the health of all students and staff. If you have any questions, you are welcome to contact the school office on 8283 0000. For further medical advice or information, please refer to SA Health at www.sahealth.sa.gov.au.

Important Health & Medication Reminders for Swimming Week

As we prepare for Swimming Week, we kindly ask families to take note of the following important information:

Medication

The school will pack any medication that has already been provided to us.

If your child requires any additional medication to be administered during swimming week, please ensure the following:

• The medication is clearly labelled.
• A medication authority or management plan signed by your doctor is provided.
• The medication and documentation are sent to the school as soon as possible.

If Your Child is Unwell

If your child is not feeling well, please keep them at home and notify the school. This helps prevent the spread of illness and keeps everyone safe.

Eczema and Swimming

If your child has eczema that worsens with swimming, please speak with your child’s teacher or the school nurse. We can assist in creating a care plan to support your child and help them enjoy the swimming program.

Gastroenteritis Policy

As per the swimming centre’s policy, students must not attend swimming for at least two weeks after gastro symptoms have stopped. This is to ensure the health and hygiene of all participants.

Thank you for helping us maintain a healthy school community.

Priya Wilson

School Nurse

Last week, our Reception students enjoyed a wonderful day out at the Hahndorf Farm Barn, where learning came to life through hands-on experiences with animals and the environment. This excursion provided valuable opportunities for students to deepen their understanding of where our food comes from and how living things grow, change, and survive.

Throughout the day, students explored the features of living things and learned how to classify them into groups such as mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. They eagerly discovered the unique characteristics of each animal and discussed the importance of these features in helping animals live in their environments. One of the highlights was observing the life cycles of different animals and understanding how living things grow and change over time.

The visit also encouraged students to reflect on healthy food choices by making connections between the farm animals and the food products we consume. Discussions about dairy, eggs, fruit, and vegetables helped students build awareness of how food reaches our tables and the importance of choosing fresh, nutritious options.

In addition to the farm visit, classes have recently experienced the excitement of hatching chicks in their classrooms. This hands-on project allowed students to witness the beginning of a life cycle, care for living creatures, and take responsibility for their well-being.

An important focus of the excursion was student growth and resilience. Students were encouraged to be responsible for their behaviour and belongings throughout the day. Teachers were proud to see students demonstrate independence, cooperation, and respect for both the animals and their peers.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the wonderful parent volunteers who joined us on the day. Your support, supervision, and enthusiasm helped make this excursion a safe, smooth, and memorable experience for everyone. We truly appreciate the time you gave to be part of this special learning opportunity.

In today's digital world, children are spending more time on screens than ever - often with access to platforms that are not designed for their age or wellbeing. While legislative reform is underway, families need practical tools now. 

This webinar will explore:

• How algorithms and screen time impact mental health and development
• Why real-world experiences matter more than ever
• What parents can do today to set healthy boundaries and build connection
• How to talk to kids about digital risks
• Live Q&A – a chance for parents to ask Dr Coulson their biggest questions directly

Dr Coulson is one of Australia's most trusted parenting voices, and this free session is part of our commitment to supporting families in school communities.