SCHOOL HEALTH NURSE NEWS
Being Allergy Aware
Allergies have a big impact on the day-to-day life of those that have severe reactions. To make everyone feel safe and ready to learn here at Molesworth Primary, we all need to be allergy aware. It is not recommended that schools ban foods, however, we do take measures to ensure the safety of all students.
As a school community, we all have a part to play.
Staff
- Have undergone anaphylaxis training.
- Are aware of the symptoms of allergies and how to treat low to severe reactions.
- Are aware of students with allergies and minimise exposure between students by cleaning up food spills and encouraging hand washin
Students
- Wash your hands before and after eating.
- Are not to share food, utensils or drink bottles.
- Eat under supervision of teacher, especially in lower primary.
- Label their drink bottle and lunch box to avoid mix ups.
Students with allergies
- Know what they are allergic to and their likely reaction.
- Are aware of how their body feels prior to an allergic reaction.
- Eat only food that is prepared for them.
- Tell their friends about their allergies, so they are aware and can get adult help if needed.
Parents
- Let the school know about your child’s allergy and their symptoms. Also fill in the appropriate paperwork (Anaphylaxis Action Plan as well as an Authorisation to Administer Student Medication). Please speak to your school health if you need any help with this.
- We ask you to be mindful of what foods you include in your child’s lunchbox and try not to send ‘messy’ foods that contain a class-mate’s allergen where possible. For example, using sliced cheese, as it is less messy and therefore less risk than grated cheese.
- Encourage children not to share food.
- Practice washing hands before and after a meal at home.
- Talk about allergies at home and how to keep everyone safe.
It is important for us all to be allergy aware, so we become familiar with the precautions, preventions, symptoms and required treatments for the allergic individual to keep everyone safe.
Making small changes could make a big difference.
For more information visit www.allergy.org.au.
ALLERGIES AND ASTHMA IN TASMANIA*N GOVERNMENT SCHOOL (education.tas.gov.au)
If you would like more information or want to discuss ways that we can support you with your child’s health and wellbeing please feel free to email me anytime at danielle.triffett1@decyp.tas.gov.au.
