Scotch College

From the Principal

Influenza H1N1 - 24 June 2009 - email

Dear Parents and Guardians

As we move toward the holiday period there will be understandable concern regarding the H1/N1 virus and its impact on overseas trips, visitors and returning boys.

We have been advised that, irrespective of countries visited, assuming they are well, there is no longer any requirement for boys (or teachers) to remain at home upon their return to Melbourne.

Should any boy feel unwell upon return, he should, of course, seek appropriate medical advice.

Yours sincerely,

Mr I. Tom Batty
Principal

Influenza H1N1 - 2 June 2009 - email

Dear Boarding Parents and Guardians,

In recent days a number of Scotch boys have been tested for the H1/N1virus. Until today all had returned negative responses.

Early this afternoon, three boys on the Hill tested positive for the H1/N1virus, their symptoms currently being very mild. Their parents have been informed. In accordance with the guidelines of the Department of Health Services, these boys have been quarantined (in the Health Centre on the Hill).

A number of other boarders (currently less than 20) have presented with symptoms of febrile illness. These boys are being tested and have been isolated from the rest of the boarding community. Their parents are being informed.

Year 12 boys not displaying symptoms will, as far as possible, be isolated from the rest of the boarding community. Details of the information provided by the Victorian Curriculum Assessment Authority (VCAA) relating to VCE students are given at the end of this letter.

The health of all boys continues to be assessed by the School’s Medical Officer. We are liaising with the Department of Health Services and implementing their recommendations. Any change to the existing arrangements will be communicated to you immediately.

Any query relating to this matter should be directed to your son’s Head of House.

Yours sincerely,

I Tom Batty
Principal

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The VCAA is closely monitoring the current outbreak of H1N1 Influenza (Human Swine Flu) and its impact on schools preparing for Unit 3 examinations scheduled for 9-11 June.

All scheduled June VCE examinations and the General Achievement Test (GAT) are planned to proceed.

The VCAA is liaising with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) and the Department of Human Services to monitor the situation.

Special Examination Arrangements (SEA) and the Derived Examination Score (DES), including group applications will be available for the June examinations. Schools which have been subject to extended closure have been contacted by the VCAA and appropriate arrangements have been implemented.

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Influenza H1N1 - 29 May 2009 - email

Dear Parents,

The threat of an influenza pandemic has escalated internationally and within Australia over the past few weeks. As a school we have received advice from both the Department of Human Services (DHS) and our own Health consultants. The overwhelming advice we have received at this time is that good general hygiene is a very important part of preventing the spread of the virus. This is a message we have communicated directly and thoroughly with the boys and it is worthwhile, I feel, to share it with parents:

Germs and viruses can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs and viruses can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands. The simple process of correct hand washing, not only on using the lavatory, but on a regular basis before handling any food and after using tissues or handkerchief to blow ones nose can have a significant effect on reducing the potential for transfer of viruses.

Good health hygiene practices can greatly reduce the chance that you will get the flu or pass it on to others. Specifically it is recommended that you:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Throw the tissue in a plastic-lined rubbish bin after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze (alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective).
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

If you have the flu, you should avoid public places and close contact with others, especially children.

From 25 May 2009, DHS is asking parents of children returning from USA, Canada, Japan, Mexico and Panama to voluntarily keep their children home for seven (7) days from arrival back in Australia. I ask that you meet this request, a further precautionary measure to assist in managing the spread of the virus.

Further information

Specific queries about Influenza H1N1 (Human Swine Flu) can be directed to any of the following:

• The Swine Influenza Hotline Tel. 180 2007
• Nurse-on-Call Tel. 1300 606 024 – for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days)
• Your doctor (GP) – if you have an influenza-like illness (fever, cough and fatigue) and have travelled to Mexico, USA, Canada, Japan or Panama in the past seven days.

Yours sincerely,

Mr I. Tom Batty
Principal