8 Dec 2025

The Fire Truck will be at school on Wednesday 10th December with a slip n' slide for the students

Please ensure your child/ren have togs/towel and have sunscreen on before they come to school

Each class will have an allocated time to go over to the field for some fun in the sun

5 Dec 2025

The school library stocktake will start on Monday ... please ensure that ALL library books are returned Monday morning

Thank you

5 Dec 2025

Good morning

We have been advised that a student in our junior school has been diagnosed with Hand, Foot & Mouth – which is also going around a Putāruru kindy

Please find information below regarding this virus – and please keep an  eye on your children and keep home if they have symptoms

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common and highly contagious viral illness in New Zealand, especially affecting children under 10. Symptoms include a mild fever, sore throat, and painful sores inside the mouth, along with a rash or blisters on the hands, feet, and sometimes the buttocks. Treatment focuses on comfort, with no cure, and individuals should stay home until blisters have dried to prevent spread.  

 

Symptoms

Starts with a mild fever and sore throat, appearing 4–6 days after infection 

Painful red sores in and around the mouth 

A red rash, sometimes with blisters, on the hands, feet, and occasionally the bottom 

Loss of appetite and general tiredness 

 

Treatment and prevention

No cure: There is no specific cure, so treatment is focused on managing symptoms. 

Stay home: Keep children at home until all blisters have dried to prevent spreading the virus. 

Stay comfortable: Offer plenty of fluids and soft foods to ease a sore mouth. Pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen can help with fever and pain, but never give aspirin to children. 

Good hygiene: Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, especially after changing diapers or using the toilet. 

Clean surfaces: Disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects like toys. 

Avoid close contact: Avoid kissing, hugging, and sharing utensils or cups with someone who has the disease. 

 

Important notes

HFMD is a human illness, not the animal disease with the same name. 

While most common in young children, it can affect people of all ages, though adults are less likely to be severely affected. 

If symptoms are severe, such as difficulty drinking, or if you are concerned, it is best to see a doctor.