November 2, 2009
Dear Parent/Guardian:
Cold and flu season is upon us and our school is beginning to experience student absenteeism due to flu-like illness.
As we all know, H1N1 and seasonal flu are both present in Nova Scotia and across Canada and this increase in flu-related absences was not unexpected.
I want to assure you that we are taking every precaution to keep students and staff safe and healthy, including additional cleaning of high touch surfaces throughout the school and by advising local public health officials of this increase in absences.
Managing student illness and practicing good health protocol will reduce the number of student absences and allow for the continued education of your children.
Our teachers are aware of the increased absences from school and are responding accordingly in terms of program delivery. Children who are absent will be given the opportunity to cover any missed work or lessons.
Remember, the best way to limit the spread of the virus is good, basic hygiene, which will go a long way in minimizing the spread of H1N1 and seasonal flu in schools and in our communities.
I want to remind parents that we are working closely with our public health officials and they recommend the following actions to keep you and your family healthy:
- Get immunized. Getting the H1N1 vaccine, and the seasonal flu vaccine if you’re in a risk group, is your best defense against getting sick. For more information about H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccine, visit .
- Stay home if you’re sick and keep your child home if he or she is sick with flu-like symptoms (cough and/or fever, and one or more of sore throat, head/joint/muscle aches, and unusually tiredness). Make sure to drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest, and return to school or work when you feel better.
- Wash hands often with soap and water. When soap and water are not available, 60-90 per cent alcohol-based hand sanitizers are an acceptable alternative.
- Cough and sneeze into elbow or sleeve. If using tissues, dispose of them appropriately and wash hands.
- Limit touching eyes, nose and mouth.
- Do not share drinking glasses, water bottles, mouth guards, cosmetics or eating utensils.
- If you need medical advice, dial 811 to speak to a nurse 24 hours a day. Should symptoms worsen, visit a doctor or walk-in clinic.
We have been told to expect cases of H1N1 influenza in our school community and there may be cases at this time. It is important that parents keep children home if they are not feeling well until they are well enough to return to normal school activities.
If you have any questions or need additional information related to our school, please feel free to contact me. Thank you for your support as we work together in the best interests of our students.
Sincerely,
Phillip Landry
Superintendent of Schools
PL/tf