Dear parents/caregivers

At this time of year there are always several illnesses making their way around the community. Nayland College has been particularly badly affected this year by a stomach virus that has impacted many staff and students. The following actions can be taken to avoid getting and spreading viruses:

• Frequent and thorough hand washing, especially before eating or preparing food, and after going to the toilet or contact with an infected person
  
• Ensure that children wash their hands frequently and thoroughly
  
• Avoid direct contact with infected individuals, if possible
  
• Stay home from work and keep children away from day-care or school until symptoms have gone (at least 48 hours after the last episode of vomiting)
  
• Washing the clothing, bedding, and toys of an infected person
  

For more information please visit: https://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/conditions-and-treatments/diseases-and-illnesses/norovirus-vomiting-and-diarrhoea-bugs

Over the coming year I intend to make the safe use of social media a major focus for the school. All schools are experiencing a rise in friendship issues caused primarily by immature interactions over social media. These events usually occur outside of school hours, but we are often in the position of having to mediate the fallout.

Two of our year 9 students, Zoe Jurgeleit and Lotte Ketcher have identified this as a concern for them and have set up a challenge for next week. Each day of week 9 (next week), positive post challenges will be posted at the Instagram address @Thepositivityproject2018. I would encourage you to join with them in promoting such a worthwhile project.

Nga mihi

Daniel Wilson
Principal