February 4, 2010

Dear Parents:

RIS and RIST Update to the AH1N1 (Swine Flu) Virus

We are very aware that the closure of the middle school last week in order to reduce the spread of AH1N1 has us all very concerned.

We want to reassure you that our schools continue to respond with a variety of measures to limit the spread of the virus while your child is at school, some of which are as follows. Please also remember that no school has been totally successful at stopping the spread of H1N1.

1. Teachers continue to observe students closely for any flu-like symptoms. Students are then sent to the School Clinic, and if necessary sent home. Students are required to present a medical certificate upon their return to school after such illness.
2. Contact surfaces, including desks and toys, are cleaned at least twice daily with antiseptic wash.
3. A daily ventilation of all classrooms.
4. In the lower levels, once a case is confirmed, all students in that grade level are tested daily for symptoms during the incubation period (1-7 days).
5. We teach and encourage regular hand washing and provide alcohol gel at all entrance gates and in offices, classrooms and common areas.
6. Face masks are available for students, staff, faculty and parents in all section offices, entrance gates, teacher work areas, school clinic, and libraries if requested.
7. Continue to request that students are not sent to school with flu like symptoms until cleared by a doctor.

The School Clinic works tirelessly to track and monitor all individual cases of student health and is in contact with parents, section offices and the Ministry of Public Health to coordinate these efforts.

Please note that these measures have been in place since the beginning of the school year. It is most important that families and the school continue to work closely together to limit the spread of this common virus. Although this virus is widely prevalent in the general community, please rest assured that we are doing everything in our power to keep our students healthy.

For further information and future updates, please visit our website at www.rism.ac.th.

Sincerely,

Fr. Pattarapong Srivorakul, C.Ss.R.
Head of School

- Jan 20 letter
- Guidance from Ministry of Public Health (English / Thai)
- Influenza -Brochure- (English / Thai)