Wellbeing

Bullying No Way Week is returning 11–15 August 2025.

Bullying No Way Week is Australia's key bullying prevention initiative for schools. It provides an opportunity for schools to create a shared understanding about bullying behaviours and share their bullying prevention policies and strategies.

The theme for 2025 is 'Be bold. Be kind. Speak up.' It takes courage to spark change.

Bullying is everyone's responsibility. It takes a community to be brave and address bullying behaviours, within and beyond the school gate. Students can be bold, kind and take a stand to support others being bullied, while parents and teachers are there to support children and young people learn how to behave in a positive way. In our community and in our school, we want a place where everyone can belong, a place that celebrates everyone, and where bullying is never accepted.

This Bullying No Way Week, we're asking students, schools, families and communities to be bold and say something, be kind and support someone, and be proud to take a stand against bullying.

As part of our commitment to student wellbeing and the National Week of Action Against Bulling and Violence, the Pat Cronin Foundation is visiting the College on Thursday 14 August to deliver the Be Wise Violence Prevention Program to our Year 9, 10 and 11 students. 

Please see attached various fact sheets for both students and families or visit: Bullying No Way for more information.

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DENTAL HEALTH FOR TEENS

This year’s Dental Health Week campaign (4-10th August), focuses on the importance of children’s oral health milestones, educating parents and caregivers about what they need to do to help their kids “reach every S-milestone", taking them on a journey from birth through their initial teeth ... and beyond.

Brushing and flossing teeth is important for keeping teeth clean and preventing tooth decay, bad breath and gum disease. But teenagers don’t always brush their teeth or floss, and there could be many reasons for this. Try to look out for signs that your child isn’t brushing their teeth or flossing (eg: their toothbrush hasn’t been used, their teeth don’t look clean, or they have swollen or bleeding gums or bad breath).  Some helpful tips include:

Brush twice a day - in the morning and at night before bed. Gently brush your teeth and along your gum line, making sure to brush each tooth on the front, back, and top.

Avoid sugary, acidic or fizzy foods/drinks - watch out for sweet and sticky foods, soft drinks, fruit juices, energy drinks and even diet ‘no sugar’ carbonated drinks which can cause tooth decay in excess. If you do have these, it is better to have them at mealtimes rather than between meals.

Drink plenty of tap water - most of Victoria’s has fluoridated tap water, which helps repair the tooth surface. If your water is not fluoridated (eg tank water), talk to your oral health professional about how to you can get the right amount of fluoride to best protect your teeth.

Regular check-ups - are important for identifying and treating any issues before they become bigger and harder to treat. There are also a number of treatments which help to prevent disease. Ask your oral health professional how often you should have a dental check-up.

Wear a mouthguard - when you train for and play sports where your teeth could get damaged.

Quit smoking/vaping - Smoking and vaping both have detrimental effects on dental health, increasing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems. While vaping is often perceived as a safer alternative to smoking, it still poses significant risks to oral health, with potential for tooth staining, enamel erosion, and increased susceptibility to infections.