Wellbeing
Vaping
This week, families, staff and students had the opportunity to participate in seminars on the topic of vaping. Vaping, the use of electronic cigarettes, has become a growing issue among teenagers globally, and as parents and educators, we share the responsibility of ensuring our students make informed and responsible choices regarding their health and wellbeing.
While the long-term health effects of vaping are still being studied, it's crucial to note that many e-cigarettes contain nicotine, an addictive substance with potential negative impacts on adolescent brain development. Moreover, the use of flavoured e-liquids can make these products particularly appealing to young individuals.
To address this issue proactively, we are committed to taking steps to ensure that students and families are educated on the topic. We are continually integrating comprehensive education about the risks associated with vaping, drugs and alcohol into our curriculum. This includes classroom discussions, guest speakers, and resources that students can access to learn more about the potential consequences.
If you were unable to register for the parent webinar, you can access the 1-hour recording here. HT Connect - Spotlights & Webinars (huntingtower.vic.edu.au) Please use the passcode: i1ef.L!6
We encourage parents to have open and honest conversations with their children about the dangers of vaping. Knowing the signs of vaping and staying informed about current trends can help parents address this issue at home. By working together, we can empower our students to make informed choices about their health. If you have any questions or concerns about this matter, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Your partnership is invaluable in fostering a positive and secure learning environment.
Mr Dean Owens
Head of Wellbeing and Learning Enrichment
Toxic Achievement Culture
Toxic achievement culture is characterised by the entanglement of self-worth, achievement and the relentless pursuit of academic or extracurricular success - at any cost! This phenomenon goes beyond the mere quest for success. it embeds a belief in students that their merit is exclusively tied to their achievements, often propelled by intense external pressures from families, schools, and society.
Some students are overfilling their schedules with activities aimed at "getting ahead". However, the consequences are proving to be detrimental on students' mental and physical health resulting in burnout and heightened levels of stress. This culture is also being aggravated by parental expectations, peer competition and a relentless comparison ethos often driven by social media.
There is nothing wrong with having ambition, but it's crucial to ensure that this desire doesn't push our young people into a toxic cycle of achievement and make them feel that they must achieve in order to matter. The relentless drive to excel is leading many students to prioritise accolades over genuine learning and personal growth, often at the expense of their own wellbeing and interpersonal relationships. As adult carers, we need to advocate for a more balanced and holistic approach to achievement, emphasising the importance of resilience, wellbeing, and the pursuit of diverse interests.
This Special Report will help you understand the signs of toxic achievement, and how to address them so as to teach students how to adopt a better work/life balance.
Here is the link to your Special Report https://huntingtower.vic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-toxic-achievement-culture
Mrs Jaynie Gorander
Psychologist & School Counsellor
Elevate Education - Parent Webinar
We’re excited to announce that Elevate Education will be hosting a free webinar for parents on technology on Wednesday 13th March.
Elevate works with students, delivering high-impact workshops on study skills, motivation, wellbeing, and exam preparation. By tuning into their webinar series, you’ll learn how you can help support your children at home by reinforcing the skills they’re learning at school.
Their upcoming webinar on motivation will give you some easy-to-implement strategies to help your child utilise technology for good!
How You Can Make Technology an Ally
Wednesday 13 March 6:30-7:30pm
Click here to register for free
Other upcoming Webinars include:
How You Can Help Improve Your Child's Memory
27th March 6:30pm
This webinar is free for the Huntingtower community to use and access. We hope this may assist you in supporting your child throughout their schooling career.
Mr Dean Owens
Head of Wellbeing and Learning Enrichment