ABSENCE, ILLNESS & MEDICATION

ATTENDANCE is important to all students’ learning.  Students need to be at school 5 days a week, on time. If your child is absent and you have not notified the school you will be sent an SMS message advising you that your child is not at school. The message will arrive on your mobile phone displaying the number, 0427 016 460. Parents should store this number in their mobile phone under “Karama School” so that when the message arrives, the parent is aware the message has come from the school.

Parents can then reply by pressing the reply option on your mobile phone when you receive a message from the school and add your son or daughter’s name, year, date of absence and the reason they are absent or late.

e.g.     Steven Scott, Year 3 was sick yesterday (Tuesday 15th November)

Text version = “Steven S yr3 sick tues 15 nov”

OR alternatively parents can phone the school office on 8983 7700, via email at karama.school@ntschools.net, report the student absence online via the Karama School web page, or send a note explaining the absence.

For students requiring improved attendance, families may be contacted via the following means:

• A phone call or a home visit
• A ‘blue note’ indicating times when students absences have not been notified

 Punctuality is expected of all students. Any child arriving at school after 8:15 is recorded as late on the Class Roll in accordance with NT Department of Education

Medication

Any medication to be given to students must be accompanied by the following forms:

• Medication instructions from prescribing doctor. This form must be completed and signed by a registered medical practitioner.
• Medication request by Parent/Carer for student with notified medical condition. This form is to be completed by the adult responsible for the student.
• All medication must be presented in its original packaging with clearly labelled student name, dosage & any additional information.

Any student with a diagnosed medical condition requiring the administration of approved medication will need a Health Care Plan.  A HCP should be completed in consultation with the Medication Administration Officer, Parent/carer and the Principal or his/her proxy.  Please use the DoE’s Student’s Health Care Plan proforma.

• Student medical information is also be included in the student’s file (SRF) and entered into the Student Administration Management System (SAMS).

The administration of medication to a student should be noted on the Medication Administration Form which also contains student personal information and medical instructions.

The School will ensure that at least one staff member is appropriately trained to administer student medication as required.

Each time medication is given the date, total count, #No given, #No left, time given and signature of medication officer should be noted.  It is important that the medication officer cross check the labelling and dosage with the medication administration record details each time medication is administered.

All medication and paperwork pertaining to student medication must be kept in an individual named file within locked cabinet.

If there is a change in student medication, paperwork should be checked and where necessary changed to reflect the new medication regime.