St. Mary CES does not conduct head lice checks unless a parent/guardian or child requests that a staff member check. More information on Pediculosis is provided below:
If your child has head lice, please inform the school immediately (705-324-3113). Information and support will be provided regarding treatment.
If your child has head lice, he/she will be sent home to receive treatment. Please consult with a pharmacist, health practitioner, or your family physician to determine the appropriate treatment. A fact sheet and 'Verification of Treatment for Pediculosis' form will be sent home to sign after treatment has been done
Your child can return to school when all the lice and nits have been removed from his/her hair.
When your child returns to school, he/she will receive a lice re-screening by the Principal, his/her designate, a designated volunteer(s) or professional. If a child is clear of lice and nits, his/her parents will receive a written note permitting the child to return to school. If lice or nits are still present, the Principal, his/her designee, a designated volunteer(s), or professional will provide assistance and suggestions for further treatment.
For additional information, you can read the Board's Pediculosis Policy 803 or visit the HKPR District Health Unit Website.
Pediculosis/head lice are tiny bugs that live on the scalp of humans. They do not have wings so they cannot fly or jump. Head lice are not found on cats, dogs or other household pets. The bites from head lice cause itching and scratching. Nits are the eggs that head lice lay. Live eggs range in colour from off-white to dark brown, and are typically half the size of a pinhead. Nits stick to the hair and do not fall off if touched. After nits hatch, the shells are white. These empty shells stay on the hair as the hair grows. Head lice are not a reflection of being unclean. Head lice are a recurring problem which can affect anyone in direct contact. Once lice are present in a classroom or school, it can be difficult to manage without a careful screening process.
Anyone can get head lice. They are very common among school-aged children or children attending day care. They spread mainly through direct head-to-head (hair-to-hair) contact or through indirect contact from items such as shared hats, combs, hairbrushes, hair accessories and headphones. Lice cannot fly or hop, but they crawl very quickly. Head lice do not live on pets, such as cats and dogs.
The first symptoms are itching and scratching of the head. Some people do not itch at all.
Scratch marks may be seen on the neck and scalp and may look like a rash.
Adult lice are greyish-brown in colour and the size of a sesame seed. They move fast and are hard to see.
Lice eggs (nits) are easily seen and will be firmly attached to the hair shaft close to the scalp.
Nits are grayish-white in colour and oval in shape.
Nits may look like dandruff but are not easily removed.
Nits hatch in 9-10 days and lice can survive for 1-2 days away from the scalp.
Treating head lice may require two treatments, applied about 1 week apart, to kill newly hatched lice.
After the second treatment, check the head every 2 to 3 days for 2 to 3 weeks to ensure all lice and nits are gone.
Head lice products can be purchased without a prescription at the drugstore. It is important to use the product as directed.
Treatments are generally safe but for children under 2, those with allergies or women pregnant or breastfeeding, it is best to check with your health care provider or pharmacist.
Treat all those affected in your household at the same time.
If your child has head lice, be sure that his/her school or day care is aware so that the parents can check their children. Also, tell the parents of your child’s playmates.
Wash bedding, clothing and personal items used within the last 2 days before treatment starts in hot water and dry in a hot dryer for at least 45 minutes. The heat of the water or a hot drying cycle will kill any live lice and nits.
Personal items (such as stuffed toys) that cannot be exposed to heat should be dry-cleaned or stored in air-tight plastic bags for 2 weeks.
Children with head lice should be treated and then attend school or child care as usual.
Teach children not to share combs, brushes, hair accessories, hats and headphones.
Talk to your child about avoiding head-to-head (hair-to-hair) contact.
Long hair should be tied in a ponytail.