In a couple of weeks all staff will be participating in Anaphylaxis Training. Anaphylaxis is a severe, rapidly progressive allergic reaction that is potentially life threatening. The most common allergens in school aged children are peanuts, eggs, tree nuts (e.g. cashews), cow’s milk, fish and shellfish, wheat, soy, sesame, latex, certain insect stings and medication. We currently have two trained staff but feel that training everyone will ensure greater safety for all our students. The training lasts for three hours and will be undertaken after school hours.
Mrs Ward and I and all the grade 5/6 students had a wonderful time on Urban Camp last week. Our experiences included the use of lots of public transport (which meant ‘strap hanging’ and amazing balancing acts), the Planetarium and Lightning Room at Scienceworks, swimming in the wave pool and going down the waterslide at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, celebrating Jaicob McCarrey’s birthday with cake, a visit to the Queen Victoria Market, a wonderfully informative programme around the Botanical Gardens, a visit to the Shrine of Remembrance where we gained an understanding of the importance of the Shrine as a place for people to remember all the soldiers who died overseas, the Eureka Skydeck (some 86 storeys high) at night, and a visit to the Royal Melbourne Zoo where we participated in an educational programme called ‘All But Lost’. Students then had the opportunity to view some of their ‘relatives’ as they toured the zoo! All in all, it is no wonder we came back totally exhausted.
As I write today we have the grade 3/4 students heading off to Oasis Camp. They are so excited. So are some of their brothers and sisters who have been telling me that they will enjoy their time with mum and dad to themselves. I will be visiting the camp on Thursday and am really looking forward to seeing some of the great activities that they will be doing.
On Monday, long after school had finished, Mrs Hanson and I were sitting in my office and heard some strange noises. Going out to investigate, we discovered Keita’s dad, Ben, busily using his blower to tidy up all the paths and outdoor classroom areas. Not having had enough on Monday, he came back again on Tuesday evening. A big thanks to Ben for caring so much about our school environment and helping to make it such a nice place to be.
Finally, we have a few parents in hospital this week. Bianca has had a beautiful new baby boy, Leigh has had an operation and Rachel is trying to get some well-earned rest (and teach Cohen how to sleep as well!). We wish you all the best.
Until next week …
Anne