Download Is my child well enough for school?

Phone: 9844 2471
155 Tindals Rd, Donvale 3111
www.donvale.vic.edu.au
Is my child well enough for school?
It can be hard to decide if your child is well enough to attend school. In an attempt to assist you with making
this decision we have put together the following information based on the Department of Health Public Health
and Wellbeing Regulations 2009 and Donvale Christian College First Aid recommendations.
FEVER
It is best to keep your child home if they have a temperature greater than 37.5’C. A fever indicates the body is
fighting off infection. Wait at least 24 hours after the fever has come down and stabilized without medication
before considering sending your child back to school
VOMITING AND DIARRHOEA
If your child is vomiting or has diarrhoea they must remain at home. The symptoms are hard to deal with at
school and your child is still capable of spreading infection to others. Wait at least 24 hours after the last
episode before considering a return to school.
PERSISTANT COUGH OR SORE THROAT
A persistent cough is likely to be disruptive in class. It is also one of the primary ways of spreading a viral
infection. If your child has a severe sore throat or lasting cough keep them at home until pain has gone or the
cough is nearly gone or easily controlled.
IRRITATED EYES
Red, itchy and watery eyes can be difficult to manage in class and can distract your child from learning. We
would recommend review by your Doctor to diagnose the irritation. It may be a result of an infection such as
Conjunctivitis which needs to be diagnosed promptly as this condition is highly contagious and can spread
quickly through schools. Conjunctivitis requires exclusion from school until discharge from eyes has ceased.
RASH
In some cases, a rash may be a symptom of infection. Keeping your child home is usually the best thing to do
until these symptoms clear or your child has been seen by your Doctor and the rash diagnosed.
PAIN
Abdominal pain, ear pain, headaches and body aches indicate your child is unwell and may require a visit to your
local Doctor. They may have a virus that can be easily spread to other children. It is best to keep them home
until any pain or discomfort has disappeared.
APPEARANCE AND ATTITUDE
Does your child look pale or tired? Do they seem irritable or disinterested in doing normal daily activities? Are
you having trouble getting your child to eat or drink normally? Is your child unable to participate in all activities
within a school day? These are all signs that more recovery time is needed at home and best to give your child a
day off to rest.
Phone: 9844 2471
155 Tindals Rd, Donvale 3111
www.donvale.vic.edu.au
Please be aware should your child attend school with any of the above conditions you will likely receive a
phone call from the College and be asked to collect your child promptly. First Aid is unable to accommodate
sick children for extended periods of time throughout the day.
If you yourself are unable to collect your child, we will expect you to nominate another adult who will come to
collect your child in a timely fashion and take responsibility for them until you return home.
If in doubt, please stay at home.