Head Lice Notice – Year 2

We have had several confirmed cases of head lice this week in Year 2, classes 2F and 2K. Head lice are common in primary schools, especially in winter when heads are bent together over books and hoods are shared, and they are nothing to be embarrassed about. With everyone checking at the same time we can usually clear a year level within a week. Our procedures are set out in the Head Lice Policy.

Please do this weekend

1. Check your child's hair — every child in Year 2, not just those in 2F and 2K, and siblings too. Use plenty of white conditioner on dry hair and comb through in sections with a fine-tooth lice comb, wiping the comb on a tissue after each pass. Look for live lice and for eggs (nits) close to the scalp behind the ears and at the nape of the neck.
2. Treat if you find anything. Either continue the conditioner-and-comb method every second day for 10 days, or use a lice treatment from the pharmacy exactly as directed, repeating after 7 days. Ask the pharmacist about products suitable for young children.
3. Tell us. A quick message to your child's teacher via the Parent Portal helps us track when the outbreak has passed. Names are never shared.

Returning to school

Under Victorian Department of Health guidelines a child may return to school as soon as treatment has started — there is no need to keep your child home once you have begun treating. Please do not send a child with untreated live lice.

Helping to prevent spread

• Hair below the collar must be tied back every day (this is also our uniform rule).
• Discourage sharing hats, beanies, hair ties and headphones.
• Wash hats, pillowcases and brushes in hot water after treatment.

Our Junior office keeps a small supply of lice combs for families who need one. Thank you for your help.