21 August

Dear Parents

I sometimes wonder at what a strange and interesting job I have and yesterday is proof of that. I arrived at work with plans to continue working on the new curriculum implementation, but instead found myself within an hour in discussion with the Communicable Disease section of Public Health. Earlier this week I had received a notice about a Measles outbreak from the Ministry and recommendations for schools. I read it and thought nothing of it until yesterday when we found out a pupil was suspected of having contracted German Measles (rubella). While most children have been immunised, the recent outbreak in Christchurch has meant measles is now a notifiable disease and under control of the Medical Officer of Health. Please read the fact sheet opposite for information about measles. We will pass on more information as we receive it.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Aicken family.

CLASS MASSES ~ Rooms 1 & 2 have their class Mass on Thursday 3 September @ 11.30 am.
Rooms 3 & 5 have their class Mass on Thursday 10 September @ 11.30 am.
Thank you to the teachers for the class Masses this term. Also a big thank you to the parents who have been able to come and join their children in the Masses and lunch afterwards.


TEACHERS WORKSHOP TUESDAY 25TH AUGUST ~ Next Tuesday all staff will be attending a workshop immediately after school at St. Patrick’s. Can I ask that all children and parents vacate the school grounds as soon as possible. Bus children will be supervised as per normal. You support in this would be much appreciated.


AUSTRALIAN COMPUTER TEST ~ While we acknowledge all children’s results for the Australian tests at assemblies, a special mention must be made of Samuel Russell who scored a Distinction in the Year 4 Computer Skills test. This puts Sam in the top 2% of NZ children who sat this test. An excellent result.

OPUS VISIT ~ This week we received a visit from Opus to develop our 10 year property plan. He stated that our school was very well maintained for which we owe Mr Parker a huge thank you.
You may also have noticed the new cupboards in the junior corridor – these were made by Hugh Armstrong and we are very pleased to have them as they have allowed us to better manage our resources.
Thank you Hugh and also to the PTA for funding these for the school.

WELCOME to Tyler McLeod and his family. We hope they enjoy their time with us at Sacred Heart School.

ICE PACKS ~ Our Ice Pack supply at school is nil, could parents please have a look at home and return asap.

ROOM 9 TISSUES ~ This winter with its colds and flu, has meant higher than usual use of tissues by the students. We have no tissues left in Room 9. Could your child please bring a box of tissues to replenish our stock, as winter seems to be lingering. Thanks ~ Kath Lieshout.

BOOKCLUB ~ Issue 6 closes Thursday 27th August. Cheques are to be made out to Scholastic NZ please.






MEASLES (MORBILLI) FACT SHEET
Description ~ Measles is a highly infectious and serious viral illness. It is now uncommon, but outbreaks can occur in unvaccinated communities.
Symptoms ~ The first symptoms of measles include fever, tiredness, irritability, a cough, runny nose, inflamed eyes and a rash. These symptoms become more severe over three days and the cough tends to be worse at night. Inflammation of the eyes often causes a reaction to bright light. At this stage, white-topped red spots may appear inside the mouth. Between the third and seventh days of the illness a rash appears. It starts on the face and spreads over the rest of the body within 24 – 48 hours.
Time between exposure and sickness ~ The incubation period is about ten days, but it can be between 7 – 18 days from exposure to the fever, usually 14 days until the rash appears.
Spread of Infection ~ The infection can be spread by coughing & sneezing or direct contact with the nose or throat secretions of the infected person.
Infectious Period ~ Measles is infectious from 1 day before the beginning of the first day of illness until four days after the rash appears.
Prevention ~ A combined vaccine is available to protect against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), and is given to children at 15 months and 4 years.

PARENTS’ OR CAREGIVERS’ RESPONSIBILITIES
* If you child has symptoms of measles take the child to the doctor. They will report the disease to the Medical Officer of Health. A blood test will be required to confirm the diagnosis.
* Keep your child up to date with immunizations.
* To help prevent the spread of infection, keep your child home for at least four days after the rash appears.
* Inform your child’s teacher or caregiver.
Note: Any children who are not immunized against measles should stay away from school for 14 days after the rash starts in the last child infected.

HOME TREAMENT
* Your child will feel miserable and will probably want to rest in bed. They will feel most comfortable in a darkened room.
* Give your child plenty to drink. Many children lose their appetite while the rash is developing.
* If the child has a fever:
- remove some of their bedclothes
- give them some paracetamol.
PTA ~ After the success of the Mothers’ Day small gifts bought by the children as a surprise for Mum, we think it's only fair that we do the same for all the Dad's for Fathers’ Day. We ask that each child brings a small unwrapped gift suitable for a small Fathers’ Day present. The value of the gift should be no more than $2 and may in fact be hand made by your children. For example it could be a small $2 trinket, children’s poems, paintings, pictures etc put together by the children as a gift or art or it could be baking or home made lollies made by children. Non perishable items are to be left at the office anytime between now and Friday 4th September, while perishable items should be delivered on the morning of the 4th September. On this Friday, the children will have the opportunity to select and buy a gift for $1 per child, from the gifts brought to the school by all the children. They will then have a surprise gift chosen by them, to give their father without him knowing anything about it.
BASKETBALL ~ Basketball starts in Term 4, commencing on October the 13th. It will be on Tuesday night at Stadium Southland from 4-7.30pm approx. It is for Year 3-6 children. The competition runs for 10 weeks and as it is inside your child is guaranteed 10 games. If your child would like to play please fill out the slip and return to the office. These must be returned by Friday the 28th of the August AT THE LATEST.

I give permission for ________________ to play basketball in Term 4 BOY/ GIRL YEAR___________

Signed_________________