The YCDSB has a policy in place to help protect anaphylactic students and staff with life threatening allergies. Protecting anaphylactic students and staff from exposure to life threatening substances creates a major challenge for all schools. As outlined in the policy, parents are asked to inform the school of such allergies and are required to fill out Plans of Care forms, which were sent home during the first week of school and are available in the office. Parents are also asked to ensure that students for whom Epi Pens are prescribed have two EpiPens at school. One EpiPen must be worn by the student at all times. This includes on the bus, on excursions and all other school related activities. The other EpiPen must be stored at the school for emergency use. The following are avoidance strategies we will be implementing at SES to help keep everyone safe.
1. We will continue with our “allergy safe” school environment via food restrictions;students will be informed of and reminded that they arenot to share food. This includes the entire school grounds, buses and other modes of transportation, school trips, before and after school programs and any school sanctioned events involving pupils.
2. Nuts and bi-products are strictly avoided throughout the school.
3. We have an “Allergy Safe School Plan” which is reviewed annually.
4. All staff are trained regarding administration of the EpiPen and recognizing reactions and symptoms.
5. We will prohibit food outdoors to minimize exposure to wasps/bees/insects.
6. We will continue to communicate regularly to the entire school community that we are an “allergen safe” school via notices and the posting of “allergy safe” signs.
7. We will take special precautions around holidays and special celebrations, by planning activities that are not food orientated. Parents may send small birthday tokens such as pencils, books or markers. Donating a game to your child’s classroom is a great alternative.
8. Special communication and instructions will be given to individual classrooms where students with allergies are enrolled regarding allergens in that classroom. For more detailed explanations of the School Board Policy, please visit the Board’s website.