In June 2005, the Ontario government passed Sabrina's Law (Effective January 2006), a Private Members Bill which requires that every school board establish and maintain an anaphylactic policy which must include the following:

• Strategies to reduce risk of exposure to anaphylactic substances.
• A strategy for communicating information on anaphylaxis and life-threatening allergies within their institutions.
• School boards must develop a program that consists of ongoing training of staff on how to respond to life-threatening allergies.
• School principals must develop a plan to identify and maintain a file for each student who has a history of anaphylactic allergy.

This individual plan must include:

School Board employees may be preauthorized to administer medication or supervise a pupil while the pupil takes medication in response to an anaphylactic reaction. Where parental written consent is not available, in a potentially life-threatening situation due to anaphylaxis, a School Board employee may administer an epinephrine auto-injector or other medication that is prescribed, even if there is no pre-authorization to do so. (This introduction was taken from the Ontario School Board's Insurance Exchange, "ORACLE" September, 2005 / Volume 16 / Number 3)

The St. Elizabeth Seton School community has begun to ensure that the Bill 3 "Sabrina's Law" is working effectively in our school. The staff at St. Elizabeth Seton School has been in-serviced in recognizing the signs and symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction and are aware of emergency procedures in dealing with an anaphylactic reaction. In an effort to reduce the risk of exposure to anaphylactic substances, we have also reviewed our school policy concerning food in the classroom during lunch and special occasions. We would like to inform you that St. Elizabeth Seton School is an allergen aware school. There are children in attendance who suffer from severe and life threatening allergies to certain foods, such as peanut and nut products. Exposure to the smallest quantities can cause severe life threatening reactions. Anaphylaxis is a severe and life threatening allergic reaction. The most common allergen triggers are food, insect stings, medications, exercise and latex. An anaphylactic reaction involves symptoms from two or more body systems.

St. Elizabeth Seton School would appreciate the co-operation of the entire school community in NOT sending any lunches or snacks that contain peanuts or nuts, which could potentially harm a child. We would like to keep the classrooms allergen free. In an effort to do so, any child that brings a lunch into the classroom that contains any life threatening allergens will eat their lunch in another location in the school designated for that specific purpose. Please make sure that all of your children's caregivers are aware of this request. We understand that parents and students bring in food for special occasions to share with others in the classroom and this practice will not be stopped; however, we request that parents consider the following:

• Bring non-edible treats- There are many alternatives to bringing in food for birthdays and special occasions. Some suggestions are: stickers, gift certificates, erasers, dollar store toys or items, pencils, etc. If you have any questions please talk to your child's teacher or the school administration.
• A list of ingredients must be provided for the classroom teacher to ensure that the food is free of allergens.
• Students with anaphylactic reactions will not share in the food without parental consent even if the ingredients are free of potential allergens.
• Students with an anaphylactic allergy are encouraged to bring in their own treats for special occasions.