Letter of the Week
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LOCAL NEWS
Thursday June 25, 2015
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Warning on deadly disease A CONFIRMED local case of meningococcal disease has prompted Meningococcal Australia to warn northern NSW parents to know the signs and symptoms of the disease. Parents should also check their child’s vaccinations are up to date and act quickly if they suspect someone they know or care for may have meningococcal disease. The reminder follows the Northern NSW Local Health District report of a local child who has been admitted to hospital with a confirmed case. Meningococcal disease, while rare, is a sudden and severe disease that can lead to death in less than 24 hours. The rapid progression and generalised early signs can mean it is easily misdiagnosed in its early stages, even by experienced healthcare professionals, so any
preventative measures that can be taken are extremely important. The disease is spread by prolonged close contact such as coughing, sneezing and kissing. Steps such as washing hands regularly and covering your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing can all help stop the spread of the disease, however vaccination is the best protection. There are now vaccines available in Australia to protect against all major strains of meningococcal disease, and these are recommended by the Department of Health However, not all vaccines are given as part of the National Immunisation Program, so parents should talk with their doctor to understand how to best protect against disease. Symptoms can vary considerably and may include headache, fever, fatigue or drowsiness, a stiff or painful neck, sensitivity to light and vomiting or shivering, cold hands and feet,
muscle or joint pain or a change in skin colour. The late-stage rash may also develop, which can start off as a spot, blister or pinpricks and later turn into purple bruise-like blotches. In Australia, the five major strains of meningococcal disease (A, B, C, W and Y) cause between 200-250 cases every year with the B group accounting for around 85 per cent. Meningococcal disease can present as meningitis (an infection of the membrane around the brain and spine), septicaemia (blood poisoning), or a combination of both. Around five-10 per cent of those who contract meningococcal disease will not survive and 20 per cent of survivors are left with permanent disabilities. Anyone who suspects they or someone they care for may have meningococcal disease should seek medical attention immediately.
Vulnerable urged to get flu shots DIRECTOR OF Public Health for the Mid North Coast and Northern NSW Local Health Districts, Paul Corben, is urging the public, especially pregnant women, elderly people and those with chronic medical conditions to get vaccinated against the flu and to take other steps to avoid becoming ill during the winter months. “Free flu vaccine is available to people who are more vulnerable to severe influenza, including those aged 65 years and older, pregnant
women, people with chronic illness and Aboriginal people,” he said. “Influenza vaccination during pregnancy should be considered routine as it protects both the mother and the infant. Mr Corben said parents of children older than six months and who were at higher risk of severe influenza should also talk to their local GP to arrange a flu vaccination. "Vaccination not only protects you against the flu or developing potentially serious illness, but also protects those around you,” Mr Corben said.
July to September are historically busy months for influenza and local hospitals expect respiratory related presentations and admissions to increase over this period. “There are many bacteria and viruses that can cause respiratory illness circulating in our community and vaccination, hand hygiene and cough etiquette remain the best defences,” Mr Corben said. Health advice and information is available via the free Health Direct Australia service, staffed by registered nurses 24-hours a day on 1800 022 222.
Murwillumbah Primary School Choir wins the Harry Postema Memorial Cup Students and teachers at our school were delighted this week to retain the perpetual Harry Postema Memorial Cup. MPS won the impressive trophy when the 5/6 School Choir showcased their extraordinary choral skills at the annual Murwillumbah Festival of Performing Arts. Mrs Vikki Armour coached the students during the past term and students thrilled the audience with an enchanting performance. The Harry Postema Memorial Cup is especially important to our school as Mr Postema was teaching at our school 35 years ago when he was tragically killed in a car accident. He had a passion for choral music and was an active member of the Festival Society. Mr Postema also initiated the inclusion of the choir section in the annual festival. Mrs Loma Postema was on stage this year to present the trophy to our school captains who were excited to accept such a wonderful cup and achievement on behalf of our school. Murwillumbah Public School entered choirs in other sections of the Festival and received two second places and a Highly Commended. The tradition of Verse Speaking also continued last week when every class participated in the Speech and Drama section of the Festival. Our Year 1/2 Verse Speaking choir outperformed the competition by placing first and bringing home a magnificent trophy for the foyer cabinet. In others age groups, the 5/6 and Kindergarten Verse Speaking choirs received Highly Commended for their recitals.
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Well done to all our students. You continue to make us proud with your dedication and involvement in the Arts.
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Students in the Recorder Ensemble, who are performing at the Sydney Opera next term, won every section they entered into the festival. The adjudicator announced they were the best recorder group in Australia!
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Family Fun Day
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Family Fun Day
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Trophies to be presented to winners of each division Three runs $5 per driver Extra runs $1 each
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at Murwillumbah Showground hill Sunday July 26 2015 9.00am to 1.00pm
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