Public Health

AN EYE-OPENING WEBINAR FOR PARENTS AND GUARDIANS
Flyer
WEDNESDAY JANUARY 29TH 7:30PM 

This Lung Health Foundation webinar will boost your knowledge about vaping and its dangers while preparing you to start a judgement-free dialogue with a teen you care about. Yes, you can help your teen start their quit journey – and with our help, you can get started right now, when New Year’s Resolutions are top-of-mind. Strategically scheduled at the midpoint of the school year, this webinar will also touch on the role of stress in your teen’s decision to vape. 

This Lung Health Foundation webinar will help parents and caregivers refresh their knowledge about vaping and plan for supportive, empowering conversations with a young person they care for.  Parents and guardians can register for the webinar using this registration link:
https://cvent.me/nvqQXq?utm_source=halththehazeweb&utm_campaign=halththehaze&utm_medium=halththehazeweb 

 

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:

Vaccines Needed for School Entry


Routine childhood vaccinations are a highly effective way to prevent infections and outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases and are important for the health and wellbeing of all in the community. By law, under the Immunization of School Pupils Act, parents of students who attend school are required to provide to their local Public Health Unit a complete vaccine record or a valid exemption for each student for the following diseases: diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, and meningococcal diseases.

Every year, Hamilton Public Health Services reviews the vaccination record of every child attending a school in the Hamilton area, to ensure their vaccinations are up to date according to Ontario’s Immunization Schedule.

If Hamilton Public Health Services does not have an up-to date vaccination record or valid medical/non-medical exemption on file for your child, the student may be suspended from school under the Immunization of School Pupils Act.

Letter to Parents from Hamilton Public Health Regarding Vaccines

School Vaccine History Form


City of Hamilton Vaccine Clinics:
https://www.hamilton.ca/people-programs/public-health/vaccines-immunizations/school-vaccine-clinics

Immunization of Schools Pupil Act
Please see the City of Hamilton Screening and Suspension FAQ

 

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

 

 

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