December 20th, 2016
Dear Sheppard Parents:
A number of students attending Sheppard School have severe food allergies that can cause an anaphylactic reaction. An anaphylactic reaction is an allergic reaction so severe that it can cause death. Some of the foods these children are allergic to are peanuts, tree nuts and nut products, eggs, sesame, cashews and shellfish. For some students inhaling or ingesting even minute amounts can trigger a life threatening reaction. Emergency treatment involves an immediate drug injection and an immediate trip to the hospital.
Although allergies may not affect your child’s class directly, we are asking for your help. Please do not send nuts of any kind or food products that contain nuts, may contain nuts, have come in contact with other food products that contain nuts or may have come in contact with other food products that contain nuts to school. Be aware that nuts or traces of nuts may be found in anything such as donuts, cereal, cookies, granola bars, candy, and muffins. Our concern is for foods where nuts might be “hidden” ingredients. Therefore, we ask that you read labels before packing your child’s snacks and lunch. In a school setting, cross-contamination is the greatest risk for this type of allergy as trace amounts of nuts can be left on gym equipment, computer keyboards, pencils, books, etc.
We also are requesting that you do not send in any food treats throughout the year, unless they are healthy snacks (fruit/vegetables), and/or individually-wrapped, store-bought treats that are clearly labelled as being nut free, and list the ingredients which will also alert us to any other allergens. With the holiday season upon us, we request that you consider non-food “treats”, such as pencils or erasers, in lieu of food on the last day of classes next Friday, Dec. 23rd. If less allergen is brought into the school there should be less risk of anaphylactic reactions.
We wish to express sincere appreciation for your support and understanding of these life-threatening allergies. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at any time.
Sincerely,
Elke Whitmore -Principal Janet Swan – Vice-Principal