Pastoral Care and Wellbeing
Learning Mentor Meetings
Thank you for your participation in our recent Learning Mentor meetings held online. If you were unable to attend, please make contact with your student’s Learning Mentor (if you haven’t already). These meetings play an important role in fostering positive relationships between school and home, and in supporting collaboration and understanding.
Front Office Support
Please remember if you wish to contact your student during the school day (or they need to contact you) that this should be through the Front Office. This enables us to best support your student and ensure information is distributed appropriately and effectively, and any follow up, management and assistance is put in place. A reminder that mobile phones are not to be used during the school day.
SchoolTV
Each newsletter, we will continue to showcase and highlight SchoolTV resources. We encourage you to access these regularly as there is an extensive range of resources, advice and support available on a variety of subjects pertinent to raising, caring for, supporting and educating adolescents.
Please check out our SchoolTV by using the link below.
Vaping
This week, we recommend the SchoolTV information and resources on vaping:
“Over recent months, there has been a growing concern about the impending epidemic affecting young people in relation to the use of e-cigarettes and the trendy pastime of vaping. As this activity grows in popularity, most teenagers are unaware of the associated risks and the potential impact vaping can have on their development and overall health.
Vaping is the act of inhaling a vapour created by an electronic cigarette, or e-cigarette. Although vaping is often marketed as being the 'healthy' alternative to smoking, doctors advise that if you do not smoke, then you should not start vaping. Although vaping products are infused with enticing flavours, many contain high levels of nicotine as well as other chemicals and additives, that when inhaled, can cause severe damage to the lungs.
Australia has strict regulations in place for nicotine-containing products and despite it being illegal to use, sell or buy nicotine for use in e-cigarettes, users are purchasing these products through other avenues. A recent Australian study of chemically flavoured liquids used in e-cigarettes which are available here for purchase over the counter, has confirmed concerns about their safety and respiratory health impact. Attempts are being made to regulate vaping and ban the importation of vape products containing nicotine. Unfortunately, manufacturers are developing vaping devices that are cheaper and easier to hide than conventional cigarettes, making it more attractive and cost-effective for impressionable young people.”
For more information click here to download vaping fact sheets from the Lung Foundation Australia.
Or, if this special report has raised some issues, please seek support from your medical practitioner or one of the following services:
Lung Foundation Australia 1800 654 301 • Quitline 13 78 48
Poisons Information Line 13 11 26 • Alcohol and Drug Foundation 1300 85 85 84
https://sje.vic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-vaping-au
Driving to School
We understand many of our students are excited to gain their licence and drive to school. We also know there are times when they may need to transport passengers (such as siblings) to and from school. To support us in our care of your student with this, please ensure you and your student have completed the ‘Driving to School’ form available on SIMON (if they are a driver or passenger) and provide this information to the Front Office.
Driving to School form: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1z4NiEWcdTjZ21sp1BwF94frs2v81jdhKJEuvmkWtlFU/edit?usp=sharing
Rachelle Chapman
College Leader - Pastoral Care and Wellbeing