We ask parents to familiarise themselves with the information regarding Anaphylaxis Management included in this newsletter. Any parent with a child who has been diagnosed as being at risk of anaphylaxis is asked to contact the college reception to receive a form to complete regarding their son or daughter’s individual management plan and procedure.  In order to ensure the safety of your son or daughter it is vital that we receive this information and maintain updated records.
In keeping with Victorian Government regulations, we have in place an Anaphylaxis Management policy which includes our procedures for responding to an anaphylactic reaction and the provision of on going staff training.  For more information do not hesitate to contact the college.

Information for Parents - Anaphylaxis Management in Schools
The Victorian Government is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment in which children diagnosed at risk of anaphylaxis can participate equally in all aspects of their schooling.

As of 14 July 2008 the Children’s Services and Education and Training Reform (Anaphylaxis Management) Amendment Act 2008 came into effect. The legislation requires that all schools across Victoria must have an Anaphylaxis Management Policy in place if they have a student enrolled who has been diagnosed at risk of anaphylaxis. Schools are required to have in place:
•  individual management plans for each child diagnosed at risk
•  a communication plan to inform staff, parents and students about anaphylaxis and the schools policy
•  procedures to ensure that appropriate staff are trained

What is anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction to a substance, most commonly nuts, egg, milk, wheat, soy, seafood, some insect stings and medications.

Anaphylaxis can be life threatening, but with proper management and prevention strategies in place the risks can be substantially reduced.

Some symptoms of anaphylaxis include swelling of the lips, face and eyes, difficulty breathing, abdominal pain and/or vomiting and loss of consciousness.

What is the responsibility of the parent/guardian of a child who has been diagnosed at risk of anaphylaxis?
The parent/guardian must:
•  inform the school staff of the diagnosis and its causes
•  discuss strategies with the school
•  work with the school to develop an individual Anaphylaxis Management Plan for your child (in consultation with your child’s doctor)
•  provide copies of an ASCIA action plan for the child, with up to date photograph/s
•  supply the school with the child’s Epipen® and ensure it has not expired
•  inform the school if your child’s medical condition changes

What is the school’s responsibility to a child who is at risk of Anaphylaxis?
The school must:
•  have in place an anaphylaxis management policy
•  work with parents to develop individual Anaphylaxis Management Plans for students diagnosed at risk of
anaphylaxis
•  have in place a communication plan to provide information to staff, students and parents about anaphylaxis and the schools anaphylaxis management policy
•  know the students who are at risk of anaphylaxis
•  liaise regularly with parents
•  follow information contained in the student’s Anaphylaxis Management Plan
• be trained in how to recognise and respond to an anaphylactic reaction
•  in the event of a reaction follow the procedures in the students ASCIA Action Plan

Where can I get more information on Anaphylaxis?
For more information go to http://www.education.vic.gov.au/healthwellbeing/health/
anaphylaxis.htm

Elizabeth Hanney
Deputy Principal