This term Wellness Week runs from Tuesday 8th November until Monday 14th November. There are some great activities planned and the students will be able to wear their sports uniform during this time.

Wellness Week is where students and families have a break from homework and instead focus on using that time to play some games, go for a walk, read together or watch a movie. Staff too share in this week by limiting the number of meetings and making sure that they also spend quality time with family and friends.

This term some of our Wellness Week activities include Footy Clinics, Student Affirmations, Free Dress Day and Extra Play. The P&F have kindly agreed to provide a free Sausage Sizzle on Monday 14th November for all students. There is an order form included in this newsletter which will also be emailed to families today. Orders due back no later than next Wednesday, 9th November.

We have also organised for a Coffee Van to be at school from 7.30am next Wednesday (9th November) that our parents can utilise during drop off.

I thank our Wellness Committee for organising a great week.

The Annual Community Meeting for the School Advisory Council and P&F will be held on Wednesday November 23rd in the school library, commencing at 6.00pm. There will be pre meeting drinks and nibbles in the undercover area starting at 5.30pm.

Reasons you should come to the ACM:

• Show your support of the hard-working School Advisory Council and P&F
• There will be a brief review of 2022 School Advisory Council and P&F activities
• Office bearers for the P&F will be elected
• 2023 staffing will be announced. You will find out your child’s year group teacher for 2023
• 2023 school fees will be presented
• Focus areas for 2023 will be shared
• You will be able to mingle with other parents, relax and enjoy a drink and some nibbles

Please consider if you would like to nominate for the P&F. We need a President, Vice President and Secretary for the P & F Committee for 2023.

We also have two vacancies for the School Advisory Council for 2023.

If there is anyone who wishes to nominate for these vacancies, you will need to complete the appropriate nomination form in this newsletter and return it to the school office by Wednesday 16th November.

This is a fantastic fundraiser for the school and great fun for everyone in our community.

If you haven’t done so already please sign up for the P&F Colour Explosion Fun Run at http://www.myprofilepage.com.au to create your profile and start fundraising. There are some great prizes up for grabs. You have until Friday 11th November to fundraise.

This year we are very excited to be putting on a Christmas Concert for our community on Thursday 1st December. Each class from Kindy to Year 6 will be involved along with our choirs. The P&F book awards will also be handed out on this evening.

We aim to start at 5.30pm and will be finished by 7.30pm. Please keep this date in your dairy as it promises to be a special evening.

Anaphylaxis - what is it?

Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of allergic reaction and can be life threatening. For people at risk, anaphylaxis occurs quickly after contact to the food, insects or medicine to which the person is allergic.

It is very important that people at risk of anaphylaxis avoid any contact with the trigger (allergen). This is especially important with food allergy – a severe reaction can occur if the allergic person comes into contact with even a tiny amount of the food.

Anaphylaxis must always be treated as a medical emergency. Adrenaline autoinjectors (EpiPen®) contain a single, fixed dose of adrenaline which must be given to the person as soon as possible. Immediate administration of adrenaline is the only treatment that works for anaphylaxis.

Anaphylaxis - recognising a severe allergic reaction

It can cause constriction of the airway and/or a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Look for one or more of the following:

· Difficult or noisy breathing

· Swelling of the tongue

· Swelling or tightness of the throat

· Wheezing or a persistent cough

· Difficult talking and/or a hoarse voice

· Persistent dizziness or collapse

· Pale and floppy (especially in young children)

· Abdominal pain or vomiting (if following an insect bite or sting)

It is important to lie the person flat and get help fast.

Emergency first aid for anaphylaxis

· Lay the person flat, do not stand or walk. If breathing is difficult, allow to sit.

· Give the adrenaline autoinjector without delay. (Make a note of the time it was given.)

· Ring an ambulance - 000.

· Stay with and reassure the person. Do not allow the person to walk at any time.

· Give another adrenaline autoinjector if no improvement after 5 minutes

· If the person loses consciousness and there are no signs of breathing, begin CPR.

· Monitoring in a hospital is required for 4-6 hours, even if symptoms improve.

Some allergic reactions are mild or moderate. These reactions may involve hives, welts, tingling mouth, and/or swelling of the lips, face and eyes. Mild reactions to food can involve abdominal pain and vomiting. Anaphylaxis (severe reaction) may or may not involve these signs and symptoms.

Food intolerances are not life-threatening and should not be confused with food allergies.

For further information contact:

· Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy www.allergy.org.au

· Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia www.allergyfacts.org.au

· Western Australian Department of Health www.health.wa.gov.au/anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis - checklist for parents of students at risk

· Tell the school administration if your child has been prescribed an adrenaline autoinjector (i.e. EpiPen), has experienced anaphylaxis, has any changes in allergies, and/or any other health care needs that may affect anaphylaxis management.

· Make sure you give the school an adrenaline autoinjector, which is clearly labelled for your child.

· If old enough, make sure your child carries an adrenaline autoinjector and knows how to use it. Show his or her friends, brothers and sisters if they are old enough to understand.

· Provide an ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis completed and signed by your child’s doctor. Update the plan (including a photo of your child) when the adrenaline autoinjectors are renewed (usually every 12-18 months). Action Plans are available from www.allergy.org.au

· Help the school to develop an Individual Health Care and Risk Minimisation Plan for your child.

· Educate your child about how to avoid known allergens (triggers).

· Remind your child to immediately tell someone if she/he feels sick.

Big prizes are up for grabs! Raise at least $10 and your child will receive a selection of awesome prizes.

You have until 11 November to Fundraise for a new playground for the school.

www.australianfundraising.com.au