Health and Safety

Supporting Student Health and Safety

We are committed to supporting the health and safety of every student.

This includes being prepared to manage medical conditions, allergies, and anaphylaxis. Our goal is to provide a safe and inclusive environment where all children are well cared for and protected.

Medical Conditions

Many children live with health conditions that require careful management during the school day. These may include, but are not limited to:

• Asthma
• Diabetes
• Epilepsy
• Other diagnosed medical conditions

If your child has a medical condition, please ensure the School is informed and provided with a current Action Plan or management plan, along with any required medication (you can use the form below). This helps us support your child’s health and respond appropriately if symptoms arise during school hours.

Allergies and Anaphylaxis

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

We aim to inform staff, parents, and students about allergy risks and provide a supportive environment where children at risk of anaphylaxis feel safe and included.

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

Parents of children with allergies and anaphylaxis are required to provide the School with an Action Plan. This is kept in the child’s classroom along with their medication and photograph.

Medication Allergies

Some children may have allergic reactions to specific medications, including antibiotics or common pain relievers. If your child has a known medication allergy, please inform the School and provide relevant documentation from your healthcare provider, including an Action Plan, if required.

Insect Sting Allergies

Reactions to insect stings, such as from bees, wasps, or ants, can range from mild swelling to severe anaphylaxis. If your child has an insect sting allergy, it is essential that we have a current Action Plan and any prescribed medication on file.

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 preventing anaphylaxis in schools is knowing which students are at risk, increasing awareness of confirmed allergens, and reducing exposure to those allergens. A strong partnership between the School and parents/carers is essential in helping children avoid exposure.

Nut Aware

Allergy to nuts is a prevalent concern among children, and the School is committed to safeguarding those with nut allergies while also fostering their growth in understanding and responsibility regarding their dietary choices and potential risks.

We kindly request that students do not bring nuts or nut products to school. This includes:

• 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