by Dio Communications
From the Principal
Mary Curran — May 6, 2024
With the Winter bugs starting to hit and COVID still very much a part of our daily lives, it is timely to share the refreshed health guidance released by Health New Zealand / Te Whatu Ora to help you decide if your daughter is well enough to attend school.
Parents/caregivers can significantly influence their children's academic success by ensuring consistent school attendance and promptly informing the school of any illness affecting their child. Notifying the school of the reasons for any absences is imperative, as family vacations or extracurricular activities do not justify missing school.
Assessing Your Daughter's Health for School Attendance:
Determining whether your daughter is fit for school can be challenging for parents or caregivers. The following advice, drawn from comprehensive guidance provided by Te Whatu Ora | Health New Zealand, can aid in decision-making:
When Mild Symptoms Allow School Attendance:
If your daughter tests negative for COVID-19 and exhibits mild symptoms that are unlikely to be infectious, such as a mild respiratory condition, hay fever, or non-infectious skin issues, they can typically attend school.
When to Keep Your Daughter Home:
Students should stay home from school if they are too unwell to learn or display symptoms of concern like fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, sore throat, or difficulty breathing. This includes situations where they've tested positive for COVID-19 or are advised by health authorities to stay home due to an infectious illness.
Supporting Anxious Children:
Anxiety about school is common and may stem from various sources. Parents should identify the underlying cause of their child's anxiety and collaborate with the school to provide appropriate support.
Communication with the School:
Notifying the school when your daughter will be absent and providing a reason for the absence is essential.
Seeking Health Advice:
Parents should contact healthcare professionals with concerns about their child's health. Healthline is also available for free health advice 24/7.
Returning to School:
Students should return to school once they are no longer infectious and feel well enough to participate in school activities. Doctor's certificates are generally not required for re-admittance after illness.
Tips for Parents:
Encourage positive attitudes toward school in children and foster good habits. Schools are expected to create a supportive environment and enforce attendance policies. Collaboration between schools and parents is essential to address attendance issues effectively.
Thank you for your ongoing support in fostering a thriving learning community at Dio. Wishing you all a safe and successful term ahead.
Blessings
Mary Curran | Principal
