As children begin a new school year, school administrators are looking forward to a problem-free year as well, especially when it comes to students’ health and well-being.
Parents whose children suffer from severe allergies which may result in anaphylactic shock should remember that the best approach to safety is a proactive one.
Mary-Catherine Kelly, education director for the Northwest Catholic District School Board, thinks the best way to ensure safety is to inform your child’s school principal of any severe allergy issues from the get-go.
“Ensure that there’s a conversation,” at the beginning she explained, to let the school know of any possible allergies.
Superintendent of education for the Rainy River District School Board, Heather Campbell recommended this approach as well.
“I advise them to ensure that they talk to their school principal,” Campbell agreed.
All schools are required to have anaphylactic shock policies in place as per Sabrina’s Law, instituted by the Ontario Government in 2005.
“Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that can be life threatening; it requires avoidance strategies and immediate response in the event of an emergency,” details the government website.
“We have to have anaphylaxis plans,” explained Campbell, “And we have them.”
The RRDSB has a school plan and also, in cooperation with parents, has special instructions for individual students depending on their circumstances.
But, without knowledge of an existing condition, the school can not prepare for it.
The onus rests on parents to inform schools of their children’s condition so that, as Kelly put it, “The child has an easy transition into the school.”
While RRDSB has no blanket policy of items which can not be brought into the school, she explained arrangements are made based on each classroom and the children in it.
In keeping with the proactive approach, the Catholic board schools pay attention to detail. Kelly highlighted that the janitorial staff are careful during clean up that no residue remains on surfaces which could affect the children.
She added that the children and school community in general are vigilant in their goal of a safe school for children at risk of anaphylaxis.
“It’s amazing how well-trained the children are,” when it comes to the issue, said Kelly.
“Children are well-trained by the teachers,” she affirmed.
Specific school plans can be found online at the respective boards’ websites:
Rainy River District School Board: http://www.rrdsb.com/Policies/section4/4%2014%20Anaphylaxis.pdf
Northwest Catholic District School Board: http://www.tncdsb.on.ca/resources/PRO%20H16%20Safe%20&%20Healthy%20Schools%20for%20Children.pdf
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
