Most schools today have students with food allergies, all of which are serious with the most serious consequence for some students seeing them go into anaphylactic shock, which is life threatening. In some cases students do not necessarily have to ingest the product they are allergic to, but simple exposure to the product can be enough to trigger a reaction. We all know of nuts being an allergen for many people but we have a number of students highly allergic to products containing dairy. Both are difficult for families to manage as these products are in a high proportion of foods and require the support of the school community to minimise exposure.

St Mary’s is currently in the process of examining how we support these children through looking at food options we have both in the canteen and at special events. We are also planning to do further education with all staff to increase their knowledge around this condition. 

All staff have current First Aid qualifications and this includes training around common conditions we encounter at school such as diabetes, anaphylaxis, epilepsy and asthma.

In addition this year all staff will be undertaking an e-learning module from the Australian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA). I have recently done this module and found this very informative and it took me about one hour. The link to the site is https://www.allergy.org.au/ should you want to see what it offers.

One of our major concerns in trying to provide a safe environment is parents sending in food treats for their child’s birthday, especially cakes. After discussing the matter on Wednesday, the Community Council felt that communicating with, and informing parents was a preferred option to banning food being sent in for birthdays. To assist the school provide a safe environment we ask that families that wish to send in a treat do the following.

1. Instead of sending in cakes, look for a simple alternative. We have had parents send in icy poles which we can freeze and distribute on the child’s birthday.
2. If you decide to bring in a cake or item that may contain allergens please let the front office and the classroom teacher know prior to the day, so that they can contact the families of children with allergies. This is to allow them to provide a treat for their child so they don’t feel excluded.

For families that do not have a child with severe allergies it is hard to understand the constant worry faced by these families. I thank parents in advance for their understanding.

COMMUNITY COUNCIL NOTES

The Community Council, through the generosity and hard work of families, has managed to raise a significant amount of money. They are asking parents for ideas they may have for where the money could be spent. Parents are asked to email any suggestions they have to the Community Council email address which is communitycouncil.stmarysyoung@cg.catholic.edu.au

Recently the Community Council funded the installation of a large secure storage space under the kindergarten rooms. We will be looking to fill the tubs students can use in the sandpit and concrete play areas adjacent to the main student toilets. 

Before they purchase new equipment the Community Council has asked families that may have some toys or equipment that are in good condition and may be suitable to consider donating them to the school. Suggestions include Matchbox cars, trucks, sandpit toys, tea sets, large building blocks etc. If you have items to donate they can be left in A1 (the children will know where this is) or given to Jamie, our groundsman.

THANKS

Last Friday we saw a wonderful turnout of parents to assist in both canteens at the soccer carnival. Many backed up again last night to assist at the disco. We thank all the parents who donated their time to assist with these events. I also thank the parents who were team managers last Friday. We were blessed with wonderful weather and the children had a wonderful time.

I also thank the staff that assisted at both events.

Thank you to Kendall for spending her time to sort and organise the used clothing pool.

On that note, if you have clean Summer uniforms you no longer need can you please consider donating them to the used clothing pool.

CANTEEN

Going home today is a survey from the canteen. At our canteen sub-committee meeting the idea was floated to have a hot meal available on a Tuesday.  This would be the only offering on that day. There are four options on the survey and parents are asked to select one they feel their child would eat. Students from Years 3 - 6 will also be surveyed.

A sheet seeking canteen helpers is also accompanying the newsletter. If you can assist on any day, even if infrequently, can you email Jen, our canteen manager directly at Jennifer.Vorvis@cg.catholic.edu.au

When we begin the offerings of hot meals we will use Monday, which is another quiet day, as the prep day.