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Frequent handwashing best line of defence 5 · OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, September 2, 2009 Continued from page 4 and was also posted on the school's website so that it was very clear and everyone was aware," Joudrie said. "This was a clear and tight protocol." The Catholic school board is also working in conjunction with the Region's Health Department to keep the virus at bay. "As is our practice with any health matter, our board will continue to work closely with the Halton Region Health Department, as well as the Halton District School Board, to protect the health of our school communities," said Rick MacDonald, superintendent of education, curriculum services with the HCDSB. Monitoring and reporting student absences will be a priority for both Catholic and public schools in Halton. "The Halton Region Health Department will be monitoring absenteeism in all Halton schools this fall to track the spread of influen- "Our key message is if the child is well, they should be going to school. If they are sick with fever and cough, they should stay home." Dr. Bob Nosal, Halton Region's medical officer of health za, with the assistance of the schools and school boards," MacDonald said. "Parents/guardians will be asked to report student absences due to influenza-like illness, so that daily totals may be provided to the health department. The timely reporting of this data will help to provide a picture of what is happening in our school communities." Nosal said that parents can also play an important role in helping prevent the spread of the H1N1 virus. One thing they can do is keep a close watch on their children's health, looking out for symptoms of the H1N1 virus, which include fever, chills, muscle aches, cough and shortness of breath. "We heard from parents who were keeping kids home because there were cases circulating in the school," Nosal said. "Our key message is if the child is well, they should be going to school. If they are sick with fever and cough, they should stay home." Parents should also review handwashing and other basic hygiene techniques with their children, he said. "Frequent handwashing is important, especially before eating and after using the washroom," he said. "Cough etiquette is also important, where you cough into your sleeve." The federal government has ordered an H1N1 vaccine, however, it is not expected to be available until November. Nosal said the Halton Health Department has not been notified who will get the vaccine first. As for how it will be distributed, he said the vaccine will likely be administered at doctor's offices and flu clinics. For information and updates on the H1N1 virus in Halton, go online to www.halton.ca or call the Region at 905-825-6000. Calendar art contest for kids Halton's second annual Waste Management calendar cover art contest runs until Oct. 9. Students from kindergarten to Grade 8 who live in or attend school in Halton Region can submit artwork for consideration. Entries must follow this year's theme of "Reduce, reuse, recycle -- every day" and feature a blue box, green cart and a positive environment. Acceptable materials for the contest include chalk, charcoal, collage, crayon, marker, paint and pencil. Contest details, entry forms and waste management images available for download can be found by visiting www.halton.ca. tutor We are here to advice you with expert gs! and great savin Preserve the beauty and market value of your home Protection against oxidation, UV damage, mould, decay & fungus Our Services Deck Staining & R Restoration Deck Repairs & Additions k Ad Fences & Power W ces Washing Friday, September 4th | 7:00 am - 9:00 pm One Day Only! (905) 630-0717 I focusrestoration.ca For more details & FREE ESTIMATE call us today! Make the honour roll with these GREAT SAVINGS! MORTGAGE RATES HAVE DROPPED AGAIN!! GET YOUR MORTGAGE NOW! 647-225-5446 Barb Levy Mortgage Agent blevy@mortgagebrokers.com www.mortgagebrokers.com FINAL CLEAROUT! on BBQ'S & Electric Fireplaces Everything In-store! 30 % All Perennials Off* 30 % Off* UP TO $ *selected models 1000 OFF* All Evergreens POSTED OUR TERMS RATES* RATES* 6 Month 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 4.75% 4.75% 4.50% 4.65% 5.15% 5.85% 3.75% 2.29% 2.81% 2.90% 3.80% 4.07% 2.55% "MASONRY & FIREPLACE DESIGN SPECIALISTS" ACROSS FROM RONA LANSING 35 % Off* Patio Furniture 40 p To 50 % U % Off* Fruit Trees, Rhododendrons & Japanese Maples Off* VARIABLE RATE *Rates may vary provincially and are subject to change without notice OAC Broker Licence #10408 406 SPEERS RD., OAKVILLE 905-337-2066 w w w. c o b b l e s t o n e m b e r s . c a 9 garden centres to serve you! *Some restrictions apply. Discount applies to regular retail prices only. Discount does not apply to Value Priced Items, Gift Cards, Teleflora, Landscape Design, Delivery Service, Planting Service, Memberships, Custom Design Service and General Labour. Not valid with any other offer.