Welcome back and especially ‘welcome’ to all new parents and students to the College. I hope that you enjoy this year. The Health Centre is situated behind the Le Couteur building, just follow the footpath between the chapel and Le Couteur. I am here Monday – Thursday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Friday 8:00 AM – 3.30 PM. We also have first aid coverage for Saturday sport in the first aid room just inside the back gates on Newington Road.

Please let me know of any change in medical details for your son or of any recent injuries/illnesses so that I can update their files.

Parents, we have some boys at school who are receiving treatment for cancer and other serious conditions. These students are recovering well but are nevertheless more prone to infections. Therefore it is very important that if your son develops an infectious disease in particular chicken pox or measles that you contact me at the clinic. It is also important for your son to stay home if quite unwell with a fever/bad cold and cough or if they have a gastric infection, to help prevent the spread of infection.

For those with asthma please ensure that you carry your reliever in your bag. At school ventolin inhalers are available from the pool office, PE staff office and the Health Centre.

Year 7 vaccinations will be held on March 13, May 9, August 7 and September 11.

Year 9 vaccinations will be held on March 13, May 9 and September 11

Year 7 are offered:

• Boostrix (diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough booster)
• Chicken pox vaccine if they have not had it previously or had the disease.

Both Year 7 and Year 9 are offered the HPV vaccine in a three-dose course.

Remember these vaccines are only provided free if your son commences the course while in Year 7 or Year 9. Consent forms will be sent home soon. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding immunisation, as it can be confusing.

To help your son settle into school routine the best advice I can offer is to be positive, patient and encourage them to get enough sleep each night. Eight to nine hours really helps the boys to cope with the demands of school and friendships.

I have a small supply of spare uniforms in case an item has been forgotten or gets damaged, which the boys are welcome to borrow. I would appreciate if these could then be returned ready for the next boy.

If you would like to discuss any concerns, please feel free to contact me.

Sister Margaret Bates
College Nurse