Understanding allergies to ensure the safety of our students.

Allergies are common and increasing in Australia, affecting around 1 in 5 people.

While some allergies cause a mild reaction, others can cause anaphylaxis, which is a severe, rapidly progressive allergic reaction that is potentially life-threatening.

Allergy Aware

Our aim is to inform staff, parents, and students about the risks of allergies and also to provide a supportive environment in which children at risk of anaphylaxis can feel safe.

Our school stocks adrenaline autoinjectors (e.g., EpiPens) in case of anaphylaxis and our staff receive annual training on how to handle allergic reactions and anaphylaxis, including the proper and safe use of adrenaline autoinjectors.

Students with allergies have an Action Plan, which is kept in their classroom along with their medication and their photograph.

Food Allergies

Food allergies affect around 1 in 10 one-year-old children in Australia and, while some allergic reactions are mild, some can be severe, and even life-threatening.

The most common food allergens in children are:

  • Peanuts
  • Almonds
  • Cashews
  • Hazelnut
  • Pistachio
  • Walnuts
  • Macadamia Nuts
  • Brazil Nuts
  • Eggs
  • Dairy
  • Fish and Shellfish
  • Wheat
  • Soy
  • Sesame

The key to the prevention of anaphylaxis in schools is having knowledge of the student who is at risk, increasing awareness of confirmed allergens, and preventing exposure to known allergens. Partnerships between the School and parents/carers are important in helping the student avoid exposure to allergens.

Nuts

Allergy to nuts is one of the main food allergies found in children. The School aims to protect children who have allergies to nuts yet also help them, as they grow up, to take responsibility as to what foods they can eat and to be aware of where they may be put at risk. As such, we ask that your child does not bring nuts or nut products onto school grounds, such as:

  • Packs of nuts
  • Peanut butter sandwiches
  • Nutella sandwiches
  • Fruit and cereal bars that contain nuts
  • Chocolate bars or sweets that contain nuts
  • Sesame seed rolls (children allergic to nuts may also have a severe reaction to sesame)
  • Cakes made with nuts
  • Any home-cooked meals for packed lunches that are made from nuts
Allergy Notification Form

Allergy Notification Form

Please complete this form to advise us if your child has developed a new allergy or if your child's allergies have changed since you last informed us.

Parent's/Carer's Details

Student's Details

Allergies