I want to make the public aware of an ongoing issue at one of Sooke’s elementary schools. This is not the first time or first year I’ve had to deal with this matter nor will it be the last, but the outbreaks (of head lice) at this one particular school is out of control.
I’ve had enough.
My first battle with this was almost a three-month deal before I finally got a grip on it. I am one of those persons who go a little over the top with the cleaning procedures so that I can insure I have dealt with every possible bug. My child stayed home till every bug and egg are removed. I check on a daily and weekly basis to be sure we do not have re-infestation. Here we are again, dealing with another outbreak that we’ve been battling for two months. (I had to give up keeping my child home).
Now, not only do I have an issue with the re-infestations, but my time as well as the cost. My hydro bill is normally about $120, due to this out break it’s up to $534. My water bill is through the roof and the amount I’ve spent on laundry soap, solutions for the treatment at $15 a pop, replacing over-boiled brushes, hair ties, as well as worn out clothes due to the extreme washing. It is taking out of our fridge and the time spent is taking from our family activities. It is not a lack of cleaning that is re-infesting my poor child. Then there is the torment of combing and picking.
This has to be nipped in the bud. What happened to the old days where a nurse would come into our schools and any one with it or signs of it were sent home and not to return until entirely gone? I want this back. It did work, why have they stopped funding it? I except head lice occasionally but this is out of control. Five times this year my child has had it and notices are sent home almost weekly - what the heck? There should be funding in our school systems for parents who need help with the cost.
What is in the school that’s so bad?
Name withheld
Sooke