Public Health

Information for parents/guardians regarding prevalent medical conditions

In alignment with Policy/Program Memorandum No. 161 Supporting Children and Student with Prevalent Medical Conditions (anaphylaxis, asthma, diabetes, and epilepsy) in Schools, parents/guardians are encouraged to visit the board website to access:
- board policies;
- roles and responsibilities;
- annual parent(s)/guardians request and consent for intervention forms; and,
- physician authorization forms. Physician authorization forms are for completion only if medical information is new or if there are changes.

Parent(s)/guardians are asked to:
- become familiar with the parental responsibilities;
- inform the school principal of medical conditions on an annual basis through the request and consent for intervention form; and,
- participate in the co-creation of the Individual Plan of Care on an annual basis.

Policies can be accessed through the following link: https://www.hwcdsb.ca/our_board/governance/policies_procedures

Roles and forms can be accessed below:

Immunization of Schools Pupil Act

 

Please see the City of Hamilton Screening and Suspension FAQ

 

Prevent the Spread of Respiratory Illnesses

Hamilton Public Health Services is urging Hamiltonians to remain vigilant and take a multi-layered approach to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses, using multiple measures in addition to vaccines.

Respiratory viruses are a common occurrence during the fall and winter months, and they include well-known viruses such as influenza (flu), common cold viruses (rhinoviruses) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Additionally, the COVID-19 virus remains a significant concern worldwide. A multi-layered approach highlights the importance of prevention, vaccination, symptom recognition, and responsible healthcare resource utilization.

To protect ourselves and others, Hamilton Public Health Services is emphasizing using all of these measures together:

Wash your hands - Practice good hand hygiene by washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially during times when you are likely to get and spread germs.
Respiratory etiquette – Follow proper respiratory etiquette by covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and dispose of used tissues promptly.
Wear a mask - Consider wearing a tight-fitting, well-constructed mask in indoor public settings, especially if you are at higher risk of severe infection.
Screening - Screen for respiratory symptoms daily and stay home when sick.
Clean and disinfect - Disinfecting shared surfaces and shared items is a crucial step in preventing the spread of a virus.
Speak with a healthcare provider - Speak to a professional healthcare provider about treatments for COVID-19, influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus.
Influenza and COVID-19 vaccination – Residents are encouraged to stay up-to-date with influenza vaccinations (flu shots) and COVID-19 vaccinations to support their immune system and reduce the risk of respiratory illnesses. Co-administration of COVID and flu vaccines is safe, effective and strongly recommended.
 
Hamilton Public Health (HPH) Services is now offering Covid-19 and influenza vaccines to those at higher risk for serious illness.

Higher risk groups include:

Residents and staff of congregate living settings (e.g., long-term care facilities, retirement homes);
Pregnant individuals;
Individuals 65 years of age and older;
All children six months to four years of age;
Individuals who are from a First Nation, Inuit or Métis community, and/or who self-identify as First Nation, Inuit, or Métis, and their household members;
Individuals six months of age and older with underlying health conditions, as per the National Advisory Committee on Immunization;
Members of racialized and other equity deserving communities; and,
Healthcare workers and first responders.
 

The general public will be eligible for vaccines in early November.

For details, please visit the HPH website.

Those eligible may book appointments online.

 

Need support PARENTING your child under 6?

Public Health Services offers a variety of free groups that can help.

Visit us online to learn more and call Health Connections to reserve your spot!

Free Groups for Parenting Flyer

 

ROUTINE VACCINE CLINICS

Book an appointment for routine school and childhood vaccinations

Appointments available for:

Students in grade 7 and 8 who are unable to receive their vaccinations at their school clinic.

Students from JK to grade 12 who do not have a health card and require routine childhood vaccinations.

Learn more here:
https://www.hamilton.ca/people-programs/public-health/vaccines-immunizations/school-vaccine-clinics

 

 

Bullying Prevention, Intervention and Follow up Plan

HWCDSB Bullying Prevention Intervention and Follow up Plan

 

 

Food Substitutes for Anaphylactic Students

There are students in our schools, who have severe allergies to foods and other substances. At times, even exposure to a tiny amount of these foods or substances could be potentially serious and life-threatening. We can all play a positive role in preventing such a dangerous and frightening situation at our school. The specific students and their families are taking responsibility to avoid exposures. However, staff members, other students and their families can also help to make the school environment safer.

Below are some websites that can provide information on food substitutes for anaphylactic students. Feel free to speak to your school administration should you have any questions.

http://www.eatingwithfoodallergies.com
http://www.kidswithfoodallergies.org
http://www.superhealthykids.com
http://www.verywell.com

 

 

Coverage for student injuries that occur on school premises

Please see attached flyer for more information.

Student Protection Plan

 

 

Need Help With Head Lice?

 

Caring for Kids – Head Lice provides information for parents from Canada’s paediatricians.

Treatment for head lice is covered by OHIP+. To obtain RX medication shampoo, please visit your child’s family doctor or walk-in clinic for a prescription.

 

 

Dental and Vision Care Information

Your child may be eligible for free dental care. The Healthy Smiles Ontario program pays the cost of regular dental services. This program is for children & youth under 18 years of age from lower-income families in need of support. Even if you have dental insurance you may be eligible for Healthy Smiles Ontario. Call us at 905-546-2424 ext. 5369 or visit http://www.hamilton.ca/dental for more information.

Please see the flyer below for information from the City of Hamilton on Dental and Vision care.

Dental Programs and Services-School Board December 2018

School Dental and Vision Care Information 2020

 

Avoid risk of suspension. Report your child’s vaccines to Public Health

Provide a copy of your child's yellow immunization card or a record from their doctor by:

Fax: 905-546-4841
Mail: City of Hamilton, Public Health Services, Vaccine Program, P.O. Box 897, Hamilton, Ontario, L8N 3P6
Phone: 905-540-5250 - have your child's vaccine dates and health card number ready

http://hamilton.ca/vaccines

Postcard Homework Vaccine

Postcard Sleep Vaccine


 

Cannabis: Know the risks

On October 17, 2018 cannabis will be legal in Ontario. To buy, have or use cannabis you must be 19 or older. Cannabis remains illegal for anyone under 19 years of age. The Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board does not permit smoking or the use of cannabis at school or board sanctioned activities or events. The Student Code of Conduct outlines expectations of student behavior, including consequences for being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

As a Catholic school community, the HWCDSB is committed to ensuring student safety, which includes prevention of cannabis use among youth. The following resources provide facts about cannabis, risk factors associated with use, and ways to engage youth in the conversation about cannabis.

Resources for Educators:
- HWCDSB B.B.05 Cannabis, Tobacco and Smoke Free Schools (policy)
- http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/healthyschool ...
- http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/policyfunding ...
- http://www.ccsa.ca/Resource%20Library/CCSA ...
- http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/healthyschool ...

Resources for Parents
https://smh-assist.ca/wp-content/uploads/P ...
https://www.drugfreekidscanada.org/wp-cont ...
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/healthyschool ...

CANNABIS LEGALIZATION INFORMATION SHEET PARENTS

 

 

Healthy School Website

 

http://www.hamilton.ca/healthyschools

 

Child and Youth Mental Health Information Network

Anti-Bullying
Anxiety Prevention
Depression Prevention
Social and Emotional Learning