Protocol for Students Experiencing Symptoms of Illness – September 18

DEAR PARENTS;

RE: PROTOCOL FOR WHEN YOUR CHILD EXPERIENCES SYMPTOMS OF ILLNESS

This letter is meant to reiterate our school protocol on student illness, as described in our Stage 2 – Return to School Plan and September Start Up Information.  Now that we have been living the plan for one full week of school, I thought a reminder would be helpful.  Symptoms of illness for consistency are included on the Health Check Form. 

Please remember to assess your child’s health each morning prior to sending them to school using the Health Check Form.   

What to do when your child has symptoms of illness at home:

1. Keep your child home until they are no longer symptomatic  
2. Call the office at 250-379-2320 or email fal@sd83.bc.ca to advise that your child is home and the reason for their absence. Please do not contact the classroom teacher.
3. Follow the process indicated on the Health Check Form
   • If the symptoms are normal for a pre existing condition like allergies/asthma answer “No” on the Health Check Form
   • If your child is experiencing symptoms of illness (as listed on the Health Check form) contact your health care provider for further assessment. This includes 811 or a primary care provider like a physician or nurse practitioner.

What we will do if your child develops symptoms of illness while at school:

1. Your child will be required to put on a mask
2. Your child will be moved to an isolation area
3. The office will contact you to arrange the pick up of your child as soon as possible. If you do not answer, your designated emergency contact will be contacted.

What you need to do if your child develops symptoms of illness while at school:

1. Pick up your child as soon as possible – or advise the school on an alternate contact
2. Follow up with your health care provider for further assessment.  This includes 811 or a primary care provider like a physician or nurse practitioner.

Your child is welcome back to school once symptoms of illness are no longer present. It is important to follow the advice you receive from your health care provider.  Please be advised that as always, information about your child’s attendance and reason for any absence is confidential.

Thank you for your cooperation with this protocol, our first layer of defense, when it comes to preventing all illnesses.  I realize it takes extra coordination on your part to arrange for emergency care for your children, and we appreciate your effort to ensure these plans, as much as possible, if ever your child develops symptoms of illness.  This protocol may be updated as new information is received.

Thanks,

Shelly Cull, Principal