Winter Ills

Thursday, 1st May 2025 at 12:20pm

Knowing if your child is well enough to go to school - a guidance for parents and caregivers

At Green Bay High School, we recognise the importance of student health and well-being. We also understand that regular school attendance plays a crucial role in a student’s learning, development, and overall success. Being absent from school, even for short periods, can impact academic progress and social connections.

In 2024, the government released updated guidelines to help school staff and whānau better determine when a child should stay home from school due to illness. These guidelines, available on the Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora website, provide practical advice for a wide range of health concerns - including clear information for parents supporting students with anxiety.

To further support rangatahi attendance, our on-site Registered Nurses offer free and accessible healthcare within school. By offering timely care and early intervention, they help reduce the need for students to leave school for external appointments. Working in partnership with students and their whānau, the nursing team supports positive health and well-being outcomes that contribute to students staying engaged in their learning.

• Some of the services available through the Health Centre include:
• Management of pre-existing health conditions (e.g. peak flow monitoring, diabetes support, blood pressure checks)
• Wound care (monitoring, dressing changes, suture removal)
• Referrals for free sore throat checks programmes (certain criteria)
• Referrals for sports-related concussions (within 4 weeks) to Axis Sports Medicine Specialists
• Referrals to Child and Family Services Auckland (North and West) for free hearing and vision testing (for students under 18)
• Support for vaping cessation, sexual health support, and referrals to Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa
• Collaboration with the Pastoral and Guidance teams for additional support and referrals
• Access to free period products throughout the year
• Weekly on-site physiotherapy appointments (in partnership with Green Bay Physio)

Together, we aim to support students to be present, healthy, and ready to learn.

Please click HERE for more information.