Medical Information and Medications

General Medical Information

To ensure that the School has up-to-date contact and medical details for all students, we would appreciate parents and caregivers accessing these records on the Parent Portal and making any changes or additions required for the start of each school year.

There will be occasions when the administration of medication is necessary to support students. All prescribed medications for all students are kept securely in the First Aid room. It is the responsibility of students to present themselves at the appropriate time for their medication. A record will be kept of times and quantities of medication given. 

Regular Medication Administration

Kindergarten to Year 12

Regular medication can be administered to Primary and Secondary students under the direction of the student's medical practitioner and parents. The school requires a letter from the doctor (or medical practitioner), which must include the student's name, medication and dosage on the original medication packaging. The parent must advise in writing when they would like the school to administer this medication. If the parents wish to stop or reduce the medication administration, they must advise the school in writing. For any dosage increases not specified in the original letter, the school requires an updated letter from the student's medical practitioner.

Due to the increasing number of students who require regular medications to be administered at school, we ask that parents of students requiring regular medications supply the school with a webster pack.

As Required Medication Administration

(Pain relief medication – Paracetamol and Ibuprofen)

Kindergarten to Year 6

Students in primary school cannot be administered pain relief medication at the request of their parents, unless:

The student has had a previous injury (i.e., fracture) and may require paracetamol or ibuprofen on their return to school. The student's parents are required to send an email or write a signed note outlining the medication, dosage and times required for administration. The medication supplied must be standard over-the-counter pain relief medication suitable for the age group. 

Under the discretion of the Head of Primary School and approval from parents for individual cases.

The school only offers paracetamol and Ibuprofen in tablet form. If the student is too young or unable to swallow the tablet, parents must provide the preferred alternative, and additional information may be required. (As this depends on the child's weight, the parent must advise either the dosage requirement or the student's weight in writing.)

Year 7 to Year 12

Paracetamol or Ibuprofen can be administered to Secondary at the discretion of First Aid Officers/Teaching Staff and parents.

If the student is under 14 years of age:

• Written consent must be received by the parent prior to administration.

If the student is over 14 years of age:

• Verbal consent must be received by the parent prior to administration.

As Required Script Medication

Kindergarten to Year 12

From time to time, students may require medication prescribed by their medical practitioner but are well enough to be at school. In these circumstances, First Aid Officers may administer provided:

• The medication has a letter from your doctor or medical practitioner attached to the original medication packaging. The medication is for that student, and the dosage and timing are clearly outlined.

• If timing is not defined on the packaging, written permission is required from the parent outlining when they would like the medication administered and for the duration this will be required.

Any situations that arise outside of these criteria will require approval from the Principal.

Please note: No students are permitted to self-medicate at any time.

To assist with your child's medical needs, we ask that all medications and related equipment (i.e. EpiPens, spacers for asthma etc.) be brought to the First Aid room on the first day of the school year. It is expected that all antihistamines, EpiPens and other medications have expiry dates covering the entire year. All medications should be accompanied by an up-to-date Action Plan or letter from your child's doctor outlining your child's condition, medications and/or treatment options. Student medications should be collected on the last day of school each year. If you have any enquiries, please email our first aid room.

Consent to Administer Medication

For medication to be administered at school or during school-related activities, there must be medical authorisation for the student to have that medication, and the medication must be in its original container with intact packaging or in a labelled Webster pack. 

Examples of medical authorisation include:

• a pharmacy label with both the student’s and doctor’s name on it;

• a signed letter from a doctor;

• a medication order from a dentist. 

To request that the school administer medication to a student 

1) Complete the Consent to administer medication form.

2) Provide the school with the medication in the original container with intact packaging or a labelled Webster pack (required for routine/everyday medications).

3) Provide the written medical authorisation (e.g. completed pharmacy label, medication order, action plan) completed and signed by the prescribing health practitioner.

4) Make an appointment with the principal/delegate if:

• the student requires medication as an emergency response;

• the student has complex health support needs or requires other support strategies; or

• you have any concerns about the student’s health which may affect their schooling.