Awakeri
School
Information
Please!
Click on the
links below for everything you want to know
To contact us: phone / fax 07-3049506 or email admin@awakeri.school.nz
Starting
School
IMPORTANT THINGS YOUR CHILD SHOULD KNOW:
1. NAME AND ADDRESS.
2. YOUR PHONE NUMBER.
3. HOW TO USE A HANDKERCHIEF
4. TOILET ROUTINES
5. TAKE OFF AND PUT ON OUTER CLOTHING, WITHOUT HELP.
6. HOW AND WHERE TO CROSS A ROAD.
7. WHERE TO WAIT WHEN GETTING OFF AND ON BUSES.
8. NOT TO ACCEPT RIDES WITH ANYONE.
Back to top
Extracts from the School Charter
Mission Statement:
Philosophy
The underlying philosophy of the school is the pursuit of excellence.
|
Te Manu
E kai ana te Miro
Nona te Ngahere.
Te Manu
E kai Ana te matauranga
Nona te ao.
|
The birds that eat off the Miro tree,
The bush belongs to them.
The birds that eat knowledge,
The world is their oyster.
|
Vision
ALL people are supported and valued
Students will have a wide range of learning opportunities and experiences
within a secure environment in which achievement is encouraged.
The focus is to encourage life long learning with learners developing
the skills to question and make decisions.
Awakeri School is an Enviro school and promotes enviro school philosophies.
The school will have clear expectations for learning and behaviour,
teamwork and success, for children. Staff and BOT, and these expectations
will be articulated by staff and Board.
Local Goals
Children will be provided with opportunities to explore their wider environment.
Using community and staff expertise children will be given a chance to experience fields of learning outside the normal range of topics.
Effective, regular communication and consultation with parents and community will occur.
Team and individual sports will be encouraged within the school.
Individual differences and cultural diversity will be recognised and respected.
There will be positive attitudes and tangible practices towards Bi-culturalism. There will be consultation with the local community and Te Reo will be an integral part of every classroom programme. Kapa Haka will be offered as part of our extension and enrichment programme.
The special needs of individual children will be accommodated within the constraints of the resources provided.
Values Education
To support our motto and philosophy we actively promote the virtues
programme.
Virtues are the qualities of the soul, the foundation of character.
Virtues are the only sure basis for self esteem.
We encourage all children to develop the virtues within them.
Virtues are recognized, acknowledged and promoted in all rooms and in
school assemblies.
Educational Goals and Improvement Targets for 2018.
1/. There will be a focus on those 17 children listed as below in Mathematics. This will come through the accelerated learning in Mathematics professional development as well as the further development of our Maths Assistance programme.
2/. Monitoring will ensure that the high levels of achievement in Literacy and Numeracy will continue in 2018. We will continue to monitor progress in the learning of basic facts and essential spelling. In Maths, Writing and Reading the number listed as above will rise to 25%, from the 2017 levels which were; Maths 23.0%, Reading 20.0% and Writing 18.0%.
There will be a focus on improving our results through monitoring the value added results throughout the year in Reading and Maths and evaluating progress though our review days.
3/. An intensive programme will be developed to target those children, particularly Maori, not achieving against the National Standards. Extra help will be provided through our learning assistance programme.
Back
to top
BOARD OF TRUSTEE MEMBERS:
Chairperson Lindsay John 3048123
Treasurer Debbie Rowe 3080469
Brett Grindrod 3072051
Kiri Carter 3049092
Abby Bateson
Lara Akers-Douglas
Dermott Sweeney
Principal Craig McDonald
Staff Representative Alison Derbyshire
B.O.T. MEETINGS are generally held the 3rd Monday in the Month and parents are
welcome to attend.
The School Charter, Policies and Minutes of B.O.T. meetings are available
to parents in the school office.
Here is the BOT's annual report to the MOE (opens in new tab)
Back to top
Staff
School Secretary - Jo Wanoa
Principal - Craig McDonald -
Deputy Principal - Barrie Hawkes - Rm 14 Senior school- 3222076
Deputy Principal - Louise Howard - Rm 8 Middle school - 3229464
Deputy Principal - Peter Sheather - Rm 5 Junior school - 3079512
- Sam Morris,- Rm 1 Yrs. 0/1
- Martie Andrew -Rm 2 Yr 1
- Emma Munn - Rm 3 Yr. 1
- Kelly Turner/ Natasha Grindrod- Rm 4 Yrs. 1&2
- Jamie Maunder/ Brigette Davidson - Rm 6 Yr. 2 & 3
- Nicola Laurent - Rm 7 Yr. 3
-
Danni Manderson- Rm 9 Yr. 4 & 5
- Joanne Elliot
- Rm 10 Yr 5
- Rosie Ulrich - Rm 11 Yr. 6
- Carrie Anne Dennis- Rm 12 Yr. 6
- Naomi Courtney Tennent- Rm 13 Yr. 7
- Alison Derbyshire- Rm 15 Yrs. 7&8
Sara Elliot - 1.0 SENCO—special needs programmes - 3222120
Julie West, Helen Harvey, Julie Wakelin, Marilyn Sisam, Sian Cass — Release for Staff.
Viv Barr - 0.2 Special Needs Teacher - 3049704
Caretaker - John Chelley, Cleaner - Sharon Glossop
Teacher Aides - Andrea Maru (Te Reo), Judy Stichbury, Pam J Lavery, Brenda Looney, Margot White (Library), Kate Robbie (ICT), Paula Mayne.
Admin support: Sandra James
Back to top
P.T.A.
The PTA is not currently operating
School Banking
We don't offer a school banking service.
Bell Times:
8.50 School starts
10.45 Morning interval starts 11.10 Morning interval ends
12.40 Lunch starts 1.40 Lunch ends
3.05 pm School Ends. 3.10 pm Buses leave.
* If any changes are made to school hours you will be notified in a
newsletter.
* School does not finish early on wet days
* Non-urgent phone calls to teachers should be made before school, during
intervals or lunch and after school. Messages can be taken in the office.
* Cell phones are not to be brought to school by children.
* The school accepts supervision responsibility for children from 8am
to 3.30 pm..Back to top
Code of Conduct.
In 1997, the Board of Trustees and staff, adopted a code of conduct
for all adults who are involved with your child. Click here to view it.
The code lists the expectations that we have when we have contact with
children.
All adults will be required to sign the code of conduct, and in doing
so acknowledge these expectations, before they become involved school
activities.
The Board has determined that there is to be NO ALCOHOL on school camps
and activities. Back to top
Bus Routes/Routines:
There are 2 bus routes.
Every afternoon children's names are ticked off by bus monitors.
Please notify the office, or write names on the white board by the office,
if your child is not travelling home by bus.
Any parents wishing to change the bus their child permanently travels
on is to notify the school. Due to bus loadings, temporary changes are
not permitted.
Children can only travel on the bus that they are on the bus roll for.
We would ask you to remind your children of the following rules.
1. Follow the direction of the senior children who are bus monitors
2. Do nothing that will distract the driver i.e. moving / shouting
3. If possible be seated at all times until the bus has stopped moving
4. No food or drink to be consumed on the bus
5. Wait till the bus has passed two power poles before crossing the
road
Our aim is to provide a safe bus service for all families. Any minor
misbehaviour is dealt with at school. Repeated or serious problems are
notified to parents.
DRIVE AT 20KPH PAST A STOPPED SCHOOL BUS .Back to top
Absences:
With the problems arising with children's safety, it is important to
call to let us know of absences by 9.00 am. Similarly if you take your
child out of school - let us know so that we are aware they have left
the grounds. If anything unusual is happening please help us to help
you by informing the school. The school's phone number is 07-3049506, or email admin@awakeri.school.nz
Back to top
Enrolments:
Due to rapid growth the school has adopted an Enrolment scheme. Entry
into the school is restricted.
The school tries to keep a record of pre-school children in the district
and your help in keeping this up to date would be appreciated.
When your child is due to start school, please come to the office and
fill in an Enrolment form, and you will then be advised about the first
day of school.
Birth certificates and immunisation records must be provided for all
children when they first start school. 4 year olds are invited to attend
the New Entrant class, to familiarise them with the classroom routines.
This is arranged through Mr Sheather - please enquire at the office
for more details.
Awakeri School Enrolment Scheme
Awakeri School has been directed by the Ministry of Education
to enforce an enrolment scheme that will reduce the possibility of overcrowding
at the school. Only children living inside the school zone, children
who are siblings of pupils already enrolled at Awakeri school as at
the 10th October 2001, and children of Board of Trustees employees have
automatic right of enrolment. The Awakeri school home zone, as required
under the Education Amendment Act 2000, is defined as follows:
West of the school; All of State Highway 2 (White Pine Bush Road) and
side roads, down to and including Downards Road.
North of the school: All of State Highway 30 and side roads, down to
but not including Fortune Road. Powdrell Road down to and including
Magee Road.
East of the school; State Highway 2 (Awakeri Road) and side roads, down
to and including Putiki Road. McLean Road to Reids central canal. All
of McCrackens Road.
South of the School: Macdonalds Road and side Roads down to the Forestry
access road.
State Highway 30 down to but not including Hydro Road.
List of roads in the zone not mentioned above: Angle Road, Butler
Road, Ernest Road,
Fermah Road, Luke Road, Luxton Road, Maunders Road, Melville Road, Murphy
Road,
Orini Road, Selwyn Road, Station Road, Te Rahu Road, Titoki Road and
side roads, Western Drain Road.
Children living in this area have automatic right of entry into the
school.
Children living outside the zone may be enrolled if they are successful
in obtaining a place under a ballot system. For more information contact
the school office.Note; Siblings of children accepted under the ballot
system do not have automatic right of enrolment and will need to make
application to do so.
Written applications for enrolment are to be made to Awakeri School;
R D 2 Whakatane. Fax 3049506, email admin@awakeri.school.nz
Map of the Awakeri School zone:
Click here to open.
Back to top
Lunches:
There are not currently lunches available for purchase at Awakeri School.
Back to top
Concerns:
Please if you have a concern come and talk about it. Often the right
action at the right time quickly sorts out the problem, or at least
makes those responsible aware that a problem exists. If you have a concern
about anything to do with school, firstly contact the class teacher.
It would be appreciated if it were before or after school as it is often
inconvenient for teachers to leave the classroom.
If possible, phone for an appointment.
If you are still concerned then the senior teacher in charge of that
area, then the Principal, then the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees
may be consulted in that order.
Mr. Hawkes is in charge of Rms. 11, 12, 13 14 & 15, Mrs Howard is in charge
of Rms. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and Mr. Sheather is in charge of Rms. 1, 2, 3,
4, 5. Back to top
Stationery:
This is available from the school office before school each day at prices
comparable to the shops. At the beginning of the year a list of requirements
with prices is sent home.
During the year junior school children will bring home a note requesting
any further stationery they need.Back to top
School Donation:
A suggested amount is set each year by the Board of Trustees. For this
year they are as follows - Per child $100 Per term per child $25 This
equates to $2.50 a week.
However any contribution is gratefully received. This donation helps
to cover such costs as photocopying of worksheets, visits by Life Ed,
newsletters and some short bus trips. As well this also pays for part
of a teacher's wages so as we can have lower class numbers, and provide
additional help for children. Back to top
Changes to your family situation:
e.g. health, sickness/accidents, telephone, address: Please ensure that
your normal phone number and an emergency number are available to the
school. All efforts will then be made to contact you or your emergency
number if it is thought to be necessary. If for any reason any of these
should change it is important to notify the school as soon as possible.
Minor accidents and emergencies are attended to by staff with current
St. Johns First Aid certificates.In the event of a major crisis/emergency
and parents/Caregivers cannot be contacted, the school will act in loco
parentis, and make a decision in the best interest and well being of
the child concerned. Back to top
Custody:
If you are involved in a dispute over custody we cannot act on anyone's
behalf unless we have a copy of a custody order. Unless we have the
order any birth/natural parent is allowed access. Back
to top
.
Allergies/Medications:
Students have a right to receive prescribed medication in school hours
if this enables them to access education.
Staff members have a right to choose whether or not to take responsibility
for administering prescribed medication to a student.
The policy acknowledges that some students take personal control of
their own medication e.g. asthma.
Guidelines:
1. Agreement/Consent Form
This requires the parents/guardians to provide the Board with a medical
statement that is acceptable for a non-medical staff member to hold
the responsibility for administering the medication.
The form must be signed by the Staff Member/s, Principal, Parent/Guardian
or another appointed person and if appropriate the child or student.
Alternative arrangements are to be noted in case the person usually
responsible for administering the medication is absent.
The name of the medication and the directions for administering must
be included in the agreement.
Where no staff members elect to accept responsibility for administering
medication, the responsibility is then the parent's.
Medication may need to be administered by Parents/Guardians or by another
appointed person willing to accept responsibility. The school must see
the authority to do so.
2. Register
The register is to be signed by the Administrator and the student each
time a medicine is administered.
Details to be recorded include:
date, time, students name, details of medication, dose given and who
by, any relevant comments e.g. quantity, expiry date,
3. Information/Training
The Board is to ensure appropriate information/training has been given
to staff members who elect to administer medication.
By law, the Medical Practitioner's directions must be included on the
label of all dispensed medication. It is essential that the person administering
the medication follow these directions.
4. Safe and Secure Storage
Storage must be safe and secure at all times, either in the medical
room or if required in the staff room refrigerator.
Staff's personal medication must be secure at all times. Back
to top
NO toys, lollies, skateboards, or skates are allowed
at school, unless children are invited to bring them by their teacher
for a special project or occasion. Back to top
Clothing:
To prevent a build up of lost property we request that you name all
your children's clothing clearly. At the end of each term the lost property
will be on display and then disposed of to a worthy charity.
Parents are welcome to check lost property which is kept in the Canteen
Foyer, beside Room Eight, during school hours. Back to
top
Library books:
The school library is open to the children on a regular basis and children
are encouraged to take books out.
Books are very expensive to replace so please ensure they are looked
after and returned by the due date.
Fines are imposed for lost or badly damaged books. If your children
are leaving the school please ensure that all library books are returned.
Back to top
Book Club:
Through Wheelers we operate a Book Club. Approximately 1 offer is made
each term and pamphlets describing the books are sent home to parents.
It is not necessary to buy any. Orders are done online. Back to top
Swimming pool:
All children are expected to take part in swimming as it is part of
the school programme, and a note is required if your child will not
be swimming for any reason.
Sports:
Our school is part of the Rangitaiki Plains Schools Group. Sports are
combined at various venues. This mainly involves rooms 8, 9, 10, 11,
12, 13, 14, 15. The sports are a mixture of team, individual, competitive
and non competitive activities. Any help with transport, supervision,
managers etc. is more than welcome. Full details are sent out prior
to the event.
Outside school hours sports groups have their own conveners and notices
are placed in the newsletter when these are being organised.
Check out the Awakeri
Soccer Club's web site
Back to top
Top School:
This is the school's major fund raising event of the year. It is held
in March and involves 30 schools in the Eastern BOP. Each school brings
to our school a team of 10 children plus cheer-leaders and supporters
to compete in various activities for the honour of being Top School
for the area.
Our school has an early morning garage sale and sells food, sweets,
plants, raffles along with games all day. There are conveners for each
area who try to contact people to help with stalls/sales on the day.
Back to top
Camps:
These are run by individual teachers, and information is sent out as
the time approaches. In general camps are mainly for older children,
while the younger ones participate in day trips. Parents are advised
of costs and requirements prior to the camp. Any queries should be directed
to the teacher.
Parent help is always needed and this will be called for when arrangements
are being made.
NO Alcohol is to be taken on trips or camps. Back to
top
Home learning (Homework):
This varies according to age, class level and classroom teacher requirements.
The learning of tables, basic spelling lists and daily reading is the
basis of home learning.
Home learning is normally revision of what has already been undertaken
at school, to either re-enforce it or to practise skills. If any problems
are encountered, the child should not be pushed too hard. Back
to top
School Production:
The Year 5 to 8 children have an operetta that involves a lot of singing
and acting, that builds confidence in the children. A lot of parent
help is needed with transport, makeup and costumes. The production is
performed in the Little Theatre in Whakatane.
There are usually daytime matinees for schools and evening performances
for adults/families. As the time approaches there will be notices sent
out with fuller details.
Again, teachers need to be approached if you can offer help/expertise
in some area. Back to top
Reporting to Parents:
Interviews are conducted late February and again in July. Written reports
are given out at midyear and the end of the year. When school interviews are held,
school closes early, and buses run early to take children home. A notice
is sent home allowing parents to choose an approximate time for the
interview appointment. Confirmation of times are sent back to parents.
All efforts will be made to find a suitable time.
You are of course still able to discuss your child's progress at any
time, and teachers need to be contacted to arrange a mutual time if
you wish to discuss something in particular.
This is a two way process and teachers will also contact you if they
have any concerns about your child. Back to top
Sun Sensible Requirements:
Parents are responsible for providing sun-hats and protective clothing
and applying sun block on their children before they leave home.
The school has sun block available at all times. Staff will actively
encourage appropriate behaviour in the sun during school hours by being
appropriate role models. From October to March if the UV reading exceeds
5, hats should be worn by children outside for prolonged periods. (Swimming
activities excluded.) Back to top
Fancy Dress:
This takes place in an evening in the final week of the school year.
Children are invited to wear fancy dress. They take part in a programme
of dance. This is also our final prize giving and our formal send off
for our departing Year 8 children. Back to top
Ag Day/Group Day:
The school has an Agricultural Day mid October. All children are encouraged
to participate. There are indoor displays as well as calves, lambs,
goats and pets. Before the day a notice is sent home explaining what
to do for the indoor exhibits and rules governing calves, lambs and
goats.
The day before the show children are encouraged to bring flowers, containers
and plants to school where they assemble their arrangements for the
indoor exhibition.
On Ag Day cooking for the indoor displays is brought to school along
with the animals and judged on the day. The children who have animals
have photos taken with their pets and are presented with a certificate
once these are processed.
The indoor show is organised by the staff. A meeting of all interested
parents is called by the Ag Club committee. Successful competitors in
the calf, lamb and goat section are eligible to enter in Group Day which
involves most schools in the Rangitaiki area. Children not entering
pets will take part in school as normal. Back to top
Newsletter:
Every Thursday a newsletter is sent out to all parents via email. Spares are available from the local dairy and is available
on the web site by mid afternoon each Thursday. Anyone can have input
into the newsletter by contacting the office or sending a note along.
The deadline for having things included in the newsletter is 9.00 am
Wed. Back to top
Photocopying:
Photocopying is available at 15c per copy or reduced to 10c per copy
if over 100 copies are needed. The photocopier reduces and enlarges.
Please enquire at the office for more information.
Laminating: Is available. It is normally done once a week on
Thursdays. Costs are reasonable. Back to top
Parent help:
This is always welcome for many things within the school. Without parent
help some things cannot be undertaken and the Teachers appreciate any
help offered. If at any time you can help please feel free to contact
the teachers or office. Assistance will be given in the direction needed,
so don't feel you aren't qualified or capable. Grandparents are also
welcome! Don't feel as if you are unable to do it - we are prepared
to assist you.
This is especially so in sports activities as coaches and help is always
needed for class visits to help with supervision and transport. On planned
days if you would like to help, contact the organiser who can discuss
where best your expertise can be used. Back to top
Dental Clinic:
Parents will be advised when the Mobile Dental clinic will be in the school. For urgent work outside these days please contact the Whakatane Intermediate Clinic 3071548, or 0800 TALKTEETH.
Back
to top
Money at School:
Most requests for money come home to parents in writing.
The school will endeavour to help but cannot accept responsibility for
money lost.
Any cheques should be made out to Awakeri School. Back
to top
Civil Defence:
In the case of any civil emergency all children will follow emergency
evacuation procedures as in the school policy. They will be cared for
at school by Staff, until such time as legal Caregivers arrive to collect
them. Back to top
Playcentre:
Playcentre is situated next to school. It is a preschool play environment
for children aged
0 - 6 years. Enquire at the school office for further details or phone
3048132.
Clubs:
Out of school clubs are as follows: Junior
Soccer, Cubs, Brownies, Pippins - Edgecumbe or Whakatane, Guides,
Garden Club, Young Farmers, Indoor bowls and Touch. School clubs are
- Netball, Hockey and Cricket.
For further information contact the school office. Back
to top
Junior School
The Junior School comprises Rooms 1 to 5. A co-ordinated teaching programme
covers the first three years of schooling in these rooms.
Children move progressively through each stage at a rate according to
their own ability.
No formal promotion takes place but children can sometimes be moved
on to another room to accommodate children arriving in the New Entrant
Room.
We endeavour to keep the numbers low, and therefore provide a better
quality and a sound beginning to education.
The children who are moved into another room are not however being promoted,
but will continue to work at their current level of attainment.
Parents and Caregivers are welcome to visit the Junior Dept. before
and after school and should feel free to do so.
Parent help is welcomed, and if you would like to join us please get
in touch with your child's teacher. Back to top
Educational Links
Online Maths Dictionary It's cool, it's fun too
Figure This Maths challenges for families
Mathletics
A lot of our students are enrolled in this fun on-line Maths programme,
where they can compete against others around the world in basic facts
races, practise and learn new mthas skills, and play maths games. See
the school office to enrol ($20 per year).
Writing Fun A great site for understanding types of writing
Ministry of Education
ERO (Education Review Office)
STA School Trustees Association
(for BOTs)
NZEI Primary Teachers'
union
Info about New Zealand
facts disasters people
NZ Maths Homepage
Statistics New Zealand facts
and figures from the census
Kiwi Kids News - a great resource for Current Events
Reading Eggs -
Many of our students practise their skills using this great program too.
Be a Reading Superhero - Cool ideas from the National Library
Back to top
Nits or Headlice:
Headlice may be present amongst children in your child's class. These
insects are a nuisance and can be controlled or eradicated by families.
Headlice crawl from head to head and may be passed on through shared
objects such as hairbrushes and hats.
It is recommended that you check all members of your household carefully.
Anyone can host headlice. Cleanliness is not a factor in whether headlice
are present or not.
What to look for
Small light or dark brown insects without wings.
Tiny whitish eggs (nits) like grains of salt attached to hair shafts.
There may be unusual itching on the head or neck.
Small red marks on the neck or behind the ears (headlice bites).
What to do
Check all members of the household daily at the same time for at least
three weeks.
Treat anyone who is hosting headlice. Effective treatment need not be
chemical or expensive.
See the next page for the range of treatments that are available.
Please advise the school if you find headlice and confirm that treatment
has begun.
Be prepared to continue treatment for about three weeks depending on
the method chosen. Three weeks is the length of the headlouse breeding
cycle; you need to break the cycle or infestation will continue.
After each treatment, comb the hair with a fine toothed comb.
Extra precautions may include washing all bedlinen, pillowcases and
towels in hot water and tumble drying for 20 minutes on high. Other
items that have come in contact with heads should also be thoroughly
cleaned.
Soak hairbrushes and combs in hot water for at least ten minutes.
Vacuuming carpets and rugs may be helpful.
Repeat treatment 7 to 10 days after initial treatment.
Treating the hair is no guarantee that the problem has been eradicated.
Success is more likely if treatment is thorough, checking is daily for
at least three weeks and children are reminded to avoid head to head
contact with others.
What not to do;
Do not use shampoo, conditioner or a hair drier on hair within 24 hours
of using a chemical treatment. Each of these can make the treatment
less effective or cause it to fail.
Do not use ordinary insecticides, pet shampoo or flammable petroleum
products.
Do not use chemical products if the person applying the treatment or
the person being treated is pregnant.
Treatments
Dry combing
This method is for removal of headlice and eggs.
Use a metal fine-toothed comb. The National Pediculosis Association
in the United States recommends combs that have individually tooled
rounded teeth that are evenly spaced and set in a plastic handle.
Fingernails can effectively remove eggs.
Individual strands of hair can be cut to remove difficult eggs.
Some combs will extract adult headlice only and leave the eggs; the
closer together the teeth of the comb are, the more successful combing
will be.
Wet combing
This method, using any kind of hair conditioner, is for detection and
removal of headlice and eggs. It is recommended that this treatment
be repeated on alternate days for three weeks. The idea is to smother
the headlice with conditioner, preventing them moving away, and to allow
manual removal. Do not use conditioner within a day of using a chemical
treatment; it will make the chemical treatment ineffective.
Apply enough conditioner (much more than usual) on dry hair to thoroughly
cover the whole scalp and all the hair from the roots to the tips.
Keep the conditioner in the hair. Conditioner stuns the insects for
about 20 minutes.
Comb the hair straight and get knots out with an ordinary comb.
Use a fine-toothed comb to systematically comb the hair. Comb the full
length of each hair.
Wipe the comb with a clean tissue after each stroke of the comb.
After thorough combing and inspection, wash the conditioner out.
Electric combs
Electric battery operated combs are available to be used on dry hair.
These are claimed to stun or kill the headlice so they let go of the
hair and can be combed out. Clean the teeth after each stroke of the
comb. Electric combs should be used on alternate days for two or three
weeks to break the breeding cycle. People with epilepsy, heart disease
or pacemakers should not use them.
Haircuts
Short hair is easier to comb, requires less time to treat and makes
detection easier. It should not be necessary to shave heads. Hairdressers
may refuse to cut infested hair.
Chemicals
The use of any chemical in or on the body carries risk. Some older treatments
for headlice are no longer available because of the risk they posed.
The chemicals used are insecticides and should be used with care and
strictly as directed by the manufacturer. Chemicals are expensive.
There are three chemicals that are most commonly used:
Pyrethrins - derived from chrysanthemum flowers, these attack the insects'
nervous system but break down in sunlight. These are usually combined
with piperonyl butoxide for more effectiveness.
Pyrethroids - synthetic pyrethrins that are more stable in sunlight.
Maldeson - an organophosphate insecticide that attacks the insects'
nervous system.
Apply the treatment strictly in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Treat those members of the household who appear to be hosting headlice.
Do not treat babies with chemicals.
Do not wash the hair or use conditioners for at least 24 hours after
treating. Treatments are designed to coat the hair shaft and should
be allowed to remain. Do not wash chemicals off.
Do not use hairdryers on treated hair. The heat may break down the active
chemical.
Comb the hair carefully to remove as many dead or live headlice and
eggs as possible.
Repeat the treatment after seven to ten days.
Check all members of the household daily for a period of three weeks.
Herbal remedies
Several herbal preparations are available, however the effectiveness
of these is not clearly established. Most herbal remedies might be regarded
as expensive conditioners that are no more effective than other conditioners.
Some, such as tea tree oil, may be, volume for volume, more toxic to
humans than chemical preparations. Olive oil, hair gel and mayonnaise
may make combing easier.
What else can help?
Extra precautions may include washing all bedlinen and certainly pillowcases
and towels in hot water (at least 60 degrees centigrade) and tumble
drying for 20 minutes on high. Other items that have come in contact
with heads should also be thoroughly cleaned. Soak hairbrushes and combs
in hot water for at least ten minutes. Vacuuming carpets and rugs may
also be helpful, if only to ensure that dead nits and lice are collected
and not left to reappear on the heads or clothing of people in the household.
Back to top
