Wellbeing

Our Well-being Team

Important Information about Inhalant Use

Inhalant use (commonly known as ‘chroming’ or ‘huffing’) presents a danger to young people.

Inhalants are common household, industrial and medical products that produce vapours, which some people inhale to make them feel intoxicated or ‘high’.

Commonly used products include readily available items such as cleaning products, beauty products (deodorant), cream whipper bulbs (nitrous oxide or ‘nangs’) and household aerosols, glues and gasses.

Inhalants are breathed in through the nose or mouth. They may be sprayed into a plastic bag, poured into a bottle or soaked onto a cloth or sleeve before being inhaled.

The dangers of inhalant use

The Victorian Department of Health advises that inhaling certain substances can cause sudden death, which is known as ‘sudden sniffing death syndrome’.

Chemicals in these products can cause heart failure within a few minutes, particularly if the person is stressed or does heavy exercise after inhaling, even in people who are otherwise healthy.

In the long term, impacts can include psychological dependence and a range of physical and mental health problems, such as mood changes and brain damage.

The Alcohol and Drug Foundation advises that most long-term effects of inhalant use can be reversed if use is stopped, though some inhalants can cause permanent damage.

For more information

If you would like to find out more about this issue please visit the following websites:

• the Better Health Channel’s information and guidance on inhalants
• the Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s information on inhalants
• DirectLine, for information, counselling and referral around alcohol and drug issues.

Student Immunisations

On Wednesday our Year 10 students were given the Meningococcal ACWY. The Year 7 students will receive the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine and the Diptheria-Tetanus-Whooping Cough (DTP) Booster Vaccine on Wednesday, 31st May. 

If you haven't returned your immunisation form to the general office, please do so as soon as possible.

HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS (HPV) VACCINE UPDATE

From 6th February 2023, the dosing schedule for the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, Gardasil®9, has changed from two doses to a single dose for most people. The schedule has not changed for immunocompromised people, who may still need three doses of HPV vaccine. The change is based on advice that a single dose of HPV vaccine provides about the same protection as two doses. You can find out more information at the Better Health Channel here.

What do you need to do?

Your council immunisation service will seek your consent for vaccinations given at school as usual. If you have already given consent for your child’s HPV vaccination, and agree to your child having a single dose of Gardasil®9 vaccine instead of the previous two doses, you do not need to take any further action. 

If you would like to discuss the change, or clarify any information contained in this message please contact your local council before your child’s vaccination session.

Cardinia Shire Council

www.cardinia.vic.gov.au

1300 787 624

Doctors in Secondary Schools Program

Telehealth appointments are available on Wednesdays and Fridays throughout Term 2 between 9am and 3pm. If you would like to make an appointment, please see your Team Leader.

Events

Max - Our Wellbeing Dog

Every Thursday in Term 2, Max, our Wellbeing Dog will be attending the College. 

Max has already helped many students in the short time he has spent at the College. He has attended group sessions, helped individual students with anxiety, visited students in classrooms and around the school and has even met some parents at our Reception.  

We have been very impressed by the behaviour of the students when they encounter Max, by following our four points (as identified in this infographic).

If you would like to read more about the program (and Max), please visit our website at: pakenhamsc.vic.edu.au/wellbeing-dog 

Important Information on Vaping

Health Clinic during term time

Support Services

If you feel like you could do with the support of a professional, help is always available.

• MyPlace - Cardinia - 1800 496 884
• Youth Counselling and Support Service - Casey - 9792 7279
• Coronavirus Health Information Line · 1800 020 080 · Call if you are seeking information on coronavirus (COVID-19). The line operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• LifeLine -  13 11 14 - Provides counselling, information and referrals for people experiencing a personal crisis. Click here for the link.
• Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636 - Provides advice and support for people experiencing depression and anxiety. Click here for the link
• Suicide Call Back Service - 1300 659 467  - Provides free counselling for anyone (15 years+) who is suicidal or affected by suicide.
• Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800 - Provides free, private and confidential telephone and online counselling services specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25. Click here for the link.
• E-HeadSpace - Provides free online or telephone support with a clinician via an online chat. This service is available for 12–25-year-olds, Click here for the link.
• Reachout - Click here for the link.