October 22, 2009 

Dear Port Colborne High School Parent/Guardian: 

As you know, our school community is working to prevent the spread of germs in order to keep students and staff healthy. We have hand sanitizer available in all classrooms, our caretaking staff are following a rigorous cleaning program and we are also teaching proper sneeze and cough etiquette.  We would like ask that we work together to prevent the spread of germs and ask that you reinforce these simple steps at home:  

1.      Wash hands frequently - Encourage regular hand cleaning with both soap and water for at least 15 seconds, or an alcohol-based hand rub, rubbing hands until they are dry.  Be sure to set a good example by doing this yourself

2.      Stay home when sick - Your child should be without fever( without the aid of fever-reducing medications) for 24-hours before returning to school.

3.      Cover your cough or sneeze - Practice proper sneeze and cough etiquette; cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands

4.      Avoid close contact with sick people

5.      Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth, as germs spread this way

6.      Clean surfaces often, including counters, fridge handles, faucet taps, bathrooms, railings, computer keyboards, and telephones.

When reporting your ill child as absent, it would be helpful if you would be able to advise us of symptoms. Niagara Region Public Health is offering free H1N1 vaccination clinics. A list of clinics is attached here.  

For information on the H1N1 flu virus, visit www.niagararegion.ca, or call Niagara Region Public Health H1N1 Information Line Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7950.   

Sincerely, 
Mr. N. Evans
Principal