SCC Newsletter

Dear Parents, Caregivers & Whānau

2019 Measles Outbreak Information

We have been checking on student’s records and have found we have not got some students’ vaccination information on file. Could you please complete the attached form and email or send back in with your daughter as soon as possible? Please complete a form for each of your daughters. If you have their completed immunisation record (from your GP or in the Plunket book), we would like to have a copy this on file if available. We apologise for the inconvenience, but with the measles outbreak we need to have this information at hand.

Information sent by the Ministry of Health

There are currently outbreaks of measles in New Zealand.

Last updated 11.05 am, 4 September 2019.

From 1 January 2019 to 4 September 2019 there have been 991 confirmed cases of measles notified across New Zealand. 821 of these confirmed cases are in the Auckland region.

Measles is circulating in New Zealand, particularly in the Auckland region.

If you’re feeling sick, you should stay away from work, school or public places, to help prevent putting other people at risk.

If you or a family member suspect, you have measles you should stay at home and call Healthline on 0800 611 116 or your doctor to alert them of your symptoms. If you have measles it is important to avoid spreading it to others in the waiting room.

When you immunise your child, you're also protecting the people around them, including those who can’t be immunised themselves.

Auckland infants can get their first dose of MMR from 12 months of age. For those outside the Auckland region, infants can continue to receive their first dose at 15 months and 4 years.

People aged 50 years and over are considered immune as measles used to be very common, so won't need the measles immunisations.

At this stage the Ministry does not recommend event organisers cancel events such as concerts, sports events, festivals, or other public congregations. However, organisers are asked to liaise closely with their local DHBs and public health units for the latest advice.

Uniform

Students are expected to wear winter uniform until the end of term three.

Winter uniform includes:

1. blazer - to and from school and when not on school property

2. long-sleeved white shirt

3. tie

4. white ankle socks or black tights

5. black school shoes

6. hair to be tied up

Students are permitted one earring in each ear, one ring and natural nail polish shades.

Some students are decorating their eyebrows with eyebrow slits.

Eyebrow slits are not an acceptable part of the school uniform.

If your daughter has decorated her eyebrows in this way, please ensure that she grows the slits out immediately.

Regards & God’s Blessings

St Catherine’s College