Graceville State School parents have been called on to help curb a wave of illness sweeping through their children’s school, with staff urging families to keep unwell students at home for rest and recovery before sending them back to school.
The warning comes as schools across Queensland report a rise in influenza, gastroenteritis, and COVID-19 cases during Term 3. According to education officials, this seasonal increase in sickness is common at this time of year, but the impact is being felt strongly in Graceville where absences have already disrupted classrooms.
Staff at Graceville State School said families should not send children to school if they are displaying symptoms. They reminded parents that illnesses spread more easily in colder months, and that confirmed cases of notifiable diseases such as influenza should be reported to the school community.
Protocols and exclusion rules
Under Queensland Health guidelines, students who are unwell must remain home until fully recovered. Children with chickenpox must stay away until blisters have dried and at least five days after symptoms appear. Those with diarrhoea or vomiting need to be symptom-free for at least 24 hours, extended to 48 hours in confirmed norovirus cases. Conditions including tuberculosis and typhoid require medical clearance before a student can return to class.
Not all health concerns result in absences. Students with head lice, glandular fever, or cold sores are permitted to attend school once treatment has started and hygiene measures are maintained. These rules are designed to reduce the speed at which infections spread in classrooms where close contact is common.
Health officials’ response
The Queensland Education Department confirmed that illnesses are being reported in schools across the state. A spokesperson said that while the current pattern is consistent with previous years, staff and student wellbeing remains the department’s top priority. Schools are following strict health protocols, with children who become ill during the school day sent home immediately.
Local principals have been advised to consult their nearest Public Health Unit if outbreaks are suspected or if families raise concerns about specific conditions. The department said monitoring will continue, with daily updates from schools used to track attendance and illness levels.
Broader community impact
Recent health data shows that the state has already recorded more than 200 hospital admissions for flu in a single week and dozens of flu-related deaths this year. Vaccination rates among children remain below average despite free access, and health experts continue to encourage families to consider flu shots as a preventative step.
Graceville’s warning reflects the broader challenges faced by schools during winter. Officials said community cooperation—particularly keeping children at home when they are unwell—remains the most effective way to protect classmates, staff, and vulnerable family members.
Published 27-Aug-2025
