H1N1 Update - 14 August 2009

Many thanks for your co-operation in helping us minimise the impact of the H1N1 flu pandemic. Although some students have tested positive, so far it appears that they were infected outside the school and that our control policy is proving effective in containing it within our community.

In addition to an enhanced cleaning regime, our measures include daily temperature screening and reduced use of air conditioners so as to lower the chance of spreading the airborne virus during classes.

The parents of any student found to have a higher than normal temperature will be asked to take them home immediately and their classmates will also requested to stay out of school until any symptoms have been confirmed or otherwise.

We have tried to do without the classroom air conditioners but the weather has proved too hot for some students and a number of parents requested that they be re-instated.  For the time being they will be used in the afternoons only on the basis that this is the warmest time of the day and that any child developing symptoms is more likely to have been identified by then.

The air-conditioning issue is an important part of our prevention effort and causing some contention.  We would very much appreciate your feedback so the school can adopt a policy endorsed by the majority of parents.  Enclosed with this letter is a form asking for your comments and suggestions.  Please complete it and return it to your child’s form teacher as soon as possible.

In the meantime, will you please continue to send your children to school with:

     1.   A good quality face mask 
     2.   Antiseptic hand gel which doesn’t require water

Thank you in advance for your continuing assistance in keeping this illness under control.