Influenza B and COVID 19

There have been several confirmed cases of Influenza B and COVID 19 within the College.

Both are contagious viral infections that can cause severe illness and life-threatening complications, including pneumonia. Both viruses spread by contact with fluids from coughs and sneezes.

The common symptoms are fever, a dry cough, body aches, feeling extremely weak and tired, sore throat and a runny or stuffy nose.

As these viruses are highly contagious, the College is taking every precaution to prevent further spread of the infections. If your child is unwell and/or showing flu/COVID like symptoms at school, they will be isolated and parents/emergency contacts will be called to collect them. We ask for your cooperation in keeping your child home if they are unwell and showing flu/COVID like symptoms.

The best defences against these viral infections are practising good hand hygiene, being up to date with available vaccinations and isolating if suspected or symptomatic of influenza or COVID.

Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Jalna Holmes, Health Centre Coordinator, on 54211200.

Free Meningococcal ACWY Immunisation for Year 10 Students

Year 10 students are eligible for a free Meningococcal ACWY vaccine as part of the National Immunisation Program. The Meningococcal ACWY vaccine protects adolescents from four strains of meningococcal bacteria (A, C, W, and Y), which can cause serious infections like meningitis and sepsis. This vaccine is provided through the Secondary School Immunisation Program and will be administered by nurse immunisers from Macedon Ranges Shire Council at school.

Parent/Guardian Consent is Required
To ensure your child receives this important vaccine, you must complete the consent section via the Central Immunisation Records Victoria (CIRV) portal. Consent can be yes or no—if you do not wish for your child to receive the vaccine, please decline online through CIRV.

📅 Immunisation Date: Tuesday 1 July 2025

🔗 Submit your consent here: CIRV Portal - https://portal.cirv.vic.gov.au//PrivacyCollection/?id=f3990ef4-04a3-ef11-8a6a-6045bd3f09a6&Year10

🗓 Deadline for consent: Thursday 26 June 2025

For more details about Meningococcal disease and the Meningococcal ACWY vaccine, visit: Australian Government Health Website

Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Jalna Holmes, Health Centre Coordinator, on 54211200.