Nut Free Policy
Calwell High School has a duty of care to ensure the safety of all its students. As a result of an increased number of students that have been medically diagnosed as anaphylactic to nuts, the school will be implementing a “Nut Free Policy”in 2008. All members of our school community are asked to adhere to the guidelines of this policy to ensure the safety of affected students.
The condition of anaphylaxis is a life-long and potentially fatal disability. It causes a number of reactions within the body, with the most dangerous symptoms being breathing difficulties or a drop in blood pressure, which can be potentially fatal. In affected students just being in the vicinity of people who are consuming nuts can trigger an anaphylactic attack.
It is the aim of Calwell High School to establish and maintain a nut-free environment, for the safety of students who are anaphylactic to nuts and for those students who have unknown allergies to these products. All staff will receive training in the recognition, prevention and necessary treatment of anaphylaxis in students under their care. In addition to this we ask that our school community observe the recommendations of the “Nut Free Policy” as summarised in the list of points below.
Students are encouraged not to trade or share food, food utensils or food containers.
Foods containing nuts will not be used in any classes.
· The school canteen will not sell any nut products.
Parents/guardians of students are requested and encouraged to not provide food containing nut products within the school grounds.
Should a student bring food containing nuts to school, the food will be taken away, placed in a sealed plastic bag and returned to the student at the end of the day. A note will be sent home with the student explaining the reason for enforcing a nut free environment at Calwell High School.
Allergic Reaction
At Calwell High School we have students and staff members who are highly allergic to many chemicals in particular, perfume and spray deodorant. In severe cases this allergic reaction can cause the person to have an anaphylactic reaction. We therefore ask students not to bring deodorant cans to school. If a student should bring a deodorant can to school it will be taken off the student. A roll on deodorant is fine to use.
