The outbreak of a vomiting bug at Waihao Downs School near Waimate, has struck down more than a quarter of the school’s pupils and some staff.
A post on the school’s public Facebook page late on Wednesday afternoon said that 15 families had been affected by the bug, described as "sudden and violent", and that school buses would not run on Thursday.
One comment indicated 22 families were affected as of Thursday morning. Waihao Downs principal Jane Severinsen said 17 of about 62 children at the school had been sent home as a result of the bug, which had also hit some staff members.
While the school was open on Thursday, it was treated as a teacher-only day.
The school’s junior camp was postponed as a result of the bug.
Some schools in and around Waimate had experienced illness over the past few days. Waimate Centennial School principal Jonathan Young said two pupils were away from school with a similar bug to that seen at Waihao Downs, while Waimate Main School principal Paul Cartlidge said 10 pupils had been ill with chickenpox.
St Patrick’s School principal Neil Curtis said there had been no issues with illness, as did Waituna Creek School principal Tiffany Ottley.
She said the school was doing its best to avoid any potential outbreaks.
"We are taking precautions like making sure children are washing their hands."
