Introductory Letter
Dear Parents / Caregivers / Students,
The government has announced that New Zealand is stepping up its pandemic influenza response plans. This means that the situation overseas has changed and as you will be aware cases of Influenza A [H1N1]
(‘Swine ‘flu’) have been confirmed in New Zealand and Australia. It appears to be a matter of time before the numbers of confirmed cases rapidly increase here.
The information enclosed in this booklet is designed to give you some information / background which explains what the college is required to do and will do, as well as give you some background information which may be useful in helping you cope, should a pandemic be declared by the Ministry of Health.
Opihi College is in touch with health officials and we have been advised that there is no reason for alarm. Opihi College will remain open until further notice. Our own pandemic plans mean that we have systems in place to help us cope if anything changes.
The most important thing you can do as parents and caregivers is reinforce healthy messages:
- Teach your children the importance of hand washing and drying – especially before meals and after toileting.
- Teach your children to use a disposable tissue when coughing or sneezing.
Families returning from overseas are advised that children should not come to school for seven (7) days after they return, regardless of the presence or absence of symptoms.
We ask that all children or students showing flu like symptoms be kept home until checked and okayed by a doctor or nurse to return to school. The symptoms of influenza and how they differ from common cold symptom are included Difference between Influenza and a Common Cold
Opihi College is updating our emergency contact details for all students and staff. Please complete the enclosed form and return it to the College Office as soon as possible.
Should the College be closed by the Ministry of Health we need to be able to advise you quickly, hence the need for up-to-date contact information.
The Board of Trustees and I are working closely with staff to ensure that all students at our school are kept as safe as possible.
Please contact me directly, if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you.
Yours sincerely
John Cruden
Principal / Pandemic Manager