Head Lice

Head lice can be a concern for many parents who may not be familiar with them. These tiny grayish insects live and breed on human hair and are most commonly spread through head-to-head contact. They cannot fly, jump, or be transmitted by pets or animals, and they prefer clean, healthy hair. While head lice are more common in Primary and Junior School, they can also be an issue in Middle and Senior School.

We urge parents to check their children for head lice and nits (eggs) before they return to school after holidays. If you find that your child has head lice, treatment can be obtained from your pharmacist. Please notify the school so that we can inform other parents in the same classroom, enabling better control of any potential outbreak. It's important to note that large outbreaks often occur when the school is not informed by parents about cases of head lice.

Rest assured that your name and your child's name will be kept confidential. Students who have head lice may not return to school until they have received appropriate treatment, and all nits and eggs have been removed from the hair. Additionally, bedding, clothing, hats, scarves, etc., must be thoroughly laundered.

In the event of a significant outbreak, school staff will check your child's head upon their return to school to ensure that all nits have been removed. Based on this assessment, a decision will be made regarding their admission to class or further treatment at home.

If head lice are found in your child's class, you will receive information requesting you to check your child as well. Your cooperation in this matter is crucial to prevent the spread of lice. You will also be asked to provide confirmation of treatment and checking on a form. Our goal is to support families and students during this time, understanding that this issue can evoke strong emotional responses from parents.