Pediculosis (Head Lice)

The Toronto District School Board has developed a uniform approach to addressing the pediculosis issue in its schools.  This new procedure has provided a standard practice for all schools.

 General Instructions

      The principal may designate an interested parent who is available and trained to perform head lice checks in the school, to verify suspected cases of head lice and/or to recheck returning students.

     Parents of children identified with head lice will be notified by the school of that fact by letter, and will be required to seek treatment for the child.

      The parent is required to keep the child at home until the problem is cleared.

      On returning to school, the child is rechecked by the principal or designate to ensure that the child is free of lice or nits. Children will be readmitted to class when the problem is cleared.

     All parents of children in a class in which a student is found to have head lice will be sent a letter informing them of the fact that a head lice case has been found in the class and providing them with instructions for observation and precautionary measures. 

     Students in other classes will also be checked for head lice if a sibling of one of the students has been found to have head lice or nits.

      From time to time, random checks will be done of all classes. 

Medication

In the course of a school day situations may arise that require measures to be taken to address the medication needs of students.  The Board authorizes the involvement of designated staff in the essential administration of prescribed medication only when all of the following conditions apply: 

      the use of the medication is prescribed by a physician;

      the medication is essential for a student to continue to attend school;

      it is necessary that the medication must be taken during school hours or during school sponsored events;

      it is not appropriate for the student to self-administer the medication; and

      the student’s parent/guardian is not reasonably able to come to the school to administer the medication.

This procedure does not apply to medications which must be administered by a regulated health professional.

Please contact your child’s teacher or the school office to obtain more information and the necessary forms.

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© 2004/2005 École John English Junior Middle School
This page was last updated on February 11, 2005
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