Anaphylaxis & Allergy Aware Policy

A number of St Mary's College students live with severe allergies, and for some a small exposure could trigger anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction. This policy explains how we plan for those students, how staff are trained and equipped, and how every family helps by respecting our nut-aware practices. Our College First Aid Officer, Mrs Julie Sanders (First Aid Room, next to the Junior office, firstaid@stmaryswc.vic.edu.au), coordinates all anaphylaxis planning.

Purpose

To meet the requirements of Ministerial Order 706 and Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) guidance by minimising the risk of an anaphylactic reaction at school, and by ensuring staff can recognise and respond to one immediately.

Scope

This policy applies to all students Prep–Year 12, staff, volunteers and families, at school and at every college activity including sport, camps, excursions, OSHC and after-hours events in the Hall.

Policy statement

St Mary's College is a nut-aware school, not a "nut-free" school, because no school can guarantee an allergen-free environment. We reduce risk through planning, education and supervision, and we prepare every staff member to act. Students at risk of anaphylaxis must have a current ASCIA Action Plan and a college Anaphylaxis Management Plan before attending.

Procedures

• Before starting. Parents provide a current ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis (red plan) signed by the student's doctor, with a recent photo, and at least one in-date adrenaline autoinjector labelled with the student's name. Parents then meet the First Aid Officer to complete the college Anaphylaxis Management Plan, which records triggers, risk-minimisation strategies for the classroom, yard, canteen, sport and camps, and where the autoinjector is kept. No student at risk starts without this meeting.
• Annual update. Plans expire after 12 months. A reminder is sent through the Parent Portal in Term 4 so that a new ASCIA plan and autoinjector are in place for the first day of Term 1. Plans are also updated after any reaction or change in diagnosis.
• Autoinjectors. Junior students' autoinjectors are kept in a clearly labelled, unlocked location in the classroom and move with the class to specialist lessons. Students in Years 7–12 carry their own autoinjector. The First Aid Room holds 2 general-use adrenaline autoinjectors, and one is included in every camp and excursion first aid kit. Expiry dates are checked monthly.
• Staff training. All staff complete the ASCIA anaphylaxis e-training and autoinjector practice every 2 years, plus twice-yearly briefings (Term 1 and Term 3) reviewing each at-risk student's plan. Casual relief staff are briefed on arrival.
• Food practices. The Harbour Café canteen sells no nuts and marks allergen-friendly items; see Canteen Menu & Lunch Orders. Students do not share food. Birthday treats are not permitted in Prep–Year 2; families are welcome to send a non-food item such as stickers or a book for the class library. Food-based class activities require a risk assessment and 5 school days' notice to parents of at-risk students.
• Responding. Staff follow the student's ASCIA plan: administer adrenaline, call 000, then call parents. A general-use autoinjector is used for any person showing signs of anaphylaxis, diagnosed or not. Every use is recorded and the plan reviewed with the family within a week.
• Communication. Classroom teachers inform parents of a class with an at-risk student (without naming the child) about relevant food restrictions at the start of the year.

Responsibilities

Parents and carers

• Provide and renew the ASCIA plan and in-date autoinjector; attend the annual plan meeting.
• Read class notes about allergens and avoid sending nut products, especially in Junior School.
• Update the College immediately after any reaction or medical change.

Students

• Never share food or drink bottles; wash hands after eating.
• Senior students carry their autoinjector at all times and tell a teacher at the first sign of a reaction.

Staff

• Know which students in their care are at risk and where their autoinjectors are.
• Complete training, attend briefings and follow risk-minimisation strategies in plans.

Related documents

• Medication & First Aid Policy
• Asthma Policy
• Excursions & Camps Policy
• Canteen Menu & Lunch Orders
• Medical Forms & Health

Review

Policy owner: Deputy Principal – Wellbeing & Mission. Approved by the College Leadership Team February 2026; ratified by the College Advisory Council; reviewed annually alongside staff training; next full review February 2028.

Frequently asked questions

Is St Mary's a nut-free school?

We are nut-aware. We ask all families to avoid nut products, the canteen sells none, and Junior classrooms with at-risk students have specific restrictions, but we cannot guarantee that no nut product ever enters the campus. Planning and training are our main protections.

Can I send a birthday cake for my Prep child's class?

No. Birthday treats are not permitted in Prep–Year 2. A non-food alternative is very welcome. In Years 3–6, teachers will advise whether food can be brought in for their class.

My child has a mild allergy, not anaphylaxis. Do you still need a plan?

Yes. Please provide an ASCIA Action Plan for Allergic Reactions (green plan) and record the allergy in the Parent Portal so staff can respond correctly. See Medical Forms & Health.

What happens if the autoinjector expires during the year?

We check expiry monthly and will contact you a month ahead. An expired device is still used in an emergency if nothing else is available, but a replacement must be provided promptly.

Are autoinjectors taken on camp?

Yes. Each at-risk student's own device travels with the camp first aider or the student (Senior), and every camp kit includes a general-use autoinjector.