Wellbeing News 

Term 1 Wellbeing Wrap Up

Term 1 has been a vibrant and energising start to the year, with a strong focus on building connection, positivity and a sense of belonging across our school community. A wide range of wellbeing initiatives have brought both students and staff together, helping to create a supportive and engaging environment for all. 

One of the highlights of the Term was our Feel Good Feb celebrations. Throughout the month, students had the opportunity to take part in a variety of fun and inclusive lunchtime activities designed to promote connection and boost mood. From quick games and fun challenges with Kingston Youth Services, to student interviews with our school captain Donovan, there was something for everyone to enjoy. Form group competitions added an extra layer of excitement, with some amazing creations in response. Our winning Forms were 7F with Mr Garton, 8F with Ms Li and 9H with Ms Weissenfeld.  

Staff also embraced the fun, getting involved in activities that strengthened connections within our large staff cohort. A staff scavenger hunt had people collaborating across departments, while the much-loved Pet Flex Wall gave everyone the chance to share photos of their furry companions. Another crowd favourite during staff morning briefing was the “Guess the Staff Member – Mini Human Edition,” which brought plenty of laughs as staff tried to match childhood photos to familiar faces. 

Alongside these events, our Breakfast Club program has continued to play an important role in supporting student wellbeing. By providing a welcoming space and access to a nutritious breakfast, the program ensures students can start their day settled, focused and ready to learn. It also offers an opportunity for informal connection with peers and Wellbeing staff, which can make a significant difference to a student’s sense of belonging and overall engagement at school. Thank you to Michael and Jess from the Wellbeing team for their continued dedication to the running of this program.  

We have also been excited to announce the launch of our new Wellbeing Website, this term, designed specifically to support parents and carers. This online resource provides practical information, strategies and guidance to help families support their child’s emotional health and wellbeing at home. We encourage all parents and carers to explore the website and make use of the resources available. 

On a sad note, we farewell Michael Carrucan from the Wellbeing Team. Michael has been our Youth Worker for a number of years and we know, like us, many students and staff will miss seeing his friendly face around the College.  

Dear Patterson River Secondary College Community, fellow staff, students & families. 

I am writing this message with great sadness to inform you all that I’ll be leaving Patterson River Secondary College at the end of this Term. I have been fortunate enough to pick up a new role, in an alternative setting where I will have the opportunity to support students who have disengaged from mainstream schooling. I am feeling very excited for this next chapter but also feeling equally heavy-hearted to be saying goodbye to all of you! 

A message for the students: You have been the best part of this job, you are all so awesome, amazing and unique! 

Thank you for the conversations, the laughs, the honesty, the trust and even the chaos at times. I am inspired by the growth you have all shown over the years, it has been incredible to witness and you should all be so proud of yourselves! 

Good luck with your future endeavours, I wish you all the best success! 

Michael  

As we wrap up Term 1, we are proud of the strong sense of community that continues to grow within our school. We look forward to building on this momentum in Term 2, with even more opportunities to support the wellbeing of every student and staff member.

Ms Kelly Maxwell

Wellbeing Leader

Vaping and Teenagers: What Every Parent Should Know 

Did you know that 1 in 3 teenagers have tried vaping and 1 in 5 are currently vaping? Even if your teen hasn’t mentioned it, it’s possible they’ve already experimented with it. That’s why it’s important to be informed and ready to have the conversation. 

What is a Vape? 

A vape is an electronic device that heats a liquid, creating an aerosol that is inhaled. While it may seem harmless, vapes contain a mix of harmful chemicals, many of the same found in cigarettes such as: 

• Nicotine (highly addictive) 
• Formaldehyde (used in embalming) 
• Rubidium (used in fireworks) 
• Acetone (found in nail polish remover) 

Not Just “Water Vapour”

Many people believe the mist from vaping is just water vapour. In reality, it contains dangerous chemicals that can harm not just the person vaping, but also those around them, including pets. This includes exposure through second-hand vapour and third-hand vapour (chemicals left behind on surfaces and in dust, which linger long after the vapour has cleared). 

Why Teens Are at Greater Risk?

Nicotine use during adolescence can harm brain development, affecting learning, memory and attention. It also increases the risk of addiction later in life. While vaping may be promoted as a tool to help adults quit smoking, for teens it often leads in the opposite direction.  

Recent research shows that teens aged 12–17 who vape are: 

• 5 times more likely to start smoking cigarettes 
• If they start closer to age 12, they’re 29 times more likely to smoke later in life 

Start the Conversation Early 

It’s not always easy to bring up these topics, but the earlier you start, the better. A great resource is the Vaping Conversation Guide for Parents, which helps you: 

• Talk without judgement 
• Show genuine interest in your teen’s thoughts 
• Create a safe space for open discussion 

The more supported your teen feels, the more likely they are to open up and the more you can help guide them in making healthy choices. 

For more information and facts on vaping visit: 

Uncloud 

Royal Children’s Hospital 

Vaping Conversation Guide for Parents 

QUIT – Seeing Through the Haze 

Heather Lavery 

Adolescent Health Nurse