At the beginning of each school year, I like to remind families of my role. I usually work at Glen Huon Primary School every Thursday. One of my main roles within the school is to undertake Kindergarten Health Checks in terms 1 and 2. These free checks are offered to all students in kindergarten as part of the state-wide School Health Nurse Service.  I am also able to complete hearing or vision assessments for any child in school with parental consent.

Alongside the Kinder Health Checks, I can provide health promotion that runs in line with local, state, and national health promotion initiatives, including:

• Healthy lunch boxes
• Growth and development including healthy relationships
• Hand washing and hygiene
• Oral health
• SunSmart

Each month you will see an article in the school newsletter from me related to a local, national, or international health awareness event. This month I would like to share some lunchbox ideas, which helps to address one of the DECYP key priority areas relevant to nursing, childhood obesity prevention.

A healthy lunchbox: why it’s important

• A healthy lunchbox full of fresh food gives your child energy to play, concentrate and learn all day
• What you put in your child’s lunchbox depends on your child’s age, appetite, and length of your child’s day
• Glen Huon Primary is a water only school. Fruit juice and soft drinks are high in sugar and aren’t recommended for children. They can lead to tooth decay and other health problems

Please contact me either via the school office or your child’s teacher if you have any health-related concerns.

Emma Middleton, Primary School Health Nurse - Cygnet, Huonville & Glen Huon Primary School