Principal
How to Support Your Son if you Suspect he is Vaping
In the last week, our vape detectors have picked up an unusual increase in vaping activity amongst students. We have notified those parents, and with their support, we are seeking to break this habit.
For some students, vaping is an act of rebellion. For others, I’m concerned about a real addiction to the device. What is most concerning is that some students do not believe there is a health impact as long as the vapes are fruit-based, which could not be further from the truth.
Fruit-based vapes pose severe health risks because heating sweet chemical flavourings (like mango or watermelon) creates toxic aldehydes and volatile organic compounds. Recent studies show fruit flavours trigger more widespread, harmful genetic changes than tobacco or menthol flavours, paralyse lung immune cells, and heavily drive youth nicotine addiction.
To speak to an adolescent you suspect is vaping, initiate a calm, non-confrontational, and two-way conversation that focuses on curiosity and health rather than accusations or punishment. Approach the topic calmly to prevent them from becoming defensive or closing off.
Ask open-ended questions: Instead of asking direct, accusatory questions like "Are you vaping?", try open questions like "Why do you think so many kids at school are into vaping?" or "What do your friends say about vapes?". Adolescents often find it easier to talk about their peers before opening up about themselves.
Listen actively without judgment: Allow them to explain their perspective. They might be using vapes to fit in, handle school stress, or cope with anxiety. Focus on understanding the root cause of the behaviour so you can solve the problem together.
Use "I" statements: Frame your concerns around your own feelings to avoid assigning blame. Say, "I feel worried about the long-term health impacts of e-cigarettes," instead of, "You are ruining your health by vaping."
Stick to objective facts: Avoid using exaggerated or sensationalised claims. Focus on realistic risks like nicotine addiction, respiratory strain, and toxic chemical exposure.
Respond Appropriately to Their Reaction
If they deny it or shut down: Do not force the issue or lose your temper. Reiterate that you care about them, that they can talk to you without facing judgment, and remind them that you are there whenever they are ready.
If they admit to vaping: Acknowledge their honesty and avoid immediate punishment. Ask how long they have been doing it, if they feel dependent on it, and if they would like help to stop. Understand that nicotine withdrawal makes quitting highly difficult.
If they admit to vaping or want to quit, remind them they do not have to do it alone.
You can guide them to free, confidential support systems available in New South Wales:
Quitline (13 7848): Offers tailored, confidential phone counselling for young people.
Local GP or Youth Health Service: A local doctor can evaluate nicotine dependency and provide structured quitting strategies or nicotine replacement therapy if necessary.
Kids Helpline (1800 551 800): Provides free, confidential 24/7 mental health and behavioural support via phone or web chat.
The Pave App: A dedicated quit-vaping smartphone application supported by NSW Health designed specifically to track progress and handle cravings.
The Federal Government has a dedicated website with some great resources that you can access. The link is here.
If you have information you would like to share with us, please contact your son’s Year Coordinator in the first instance or Mr Sinadinos/Mr R Simpson, the Directors of the Middle and Senior Schools.
2027 Parents' and Friends' Association – Call for Applications
We extend our sincere thanks to the 2026 Parents’ and Friends’ Association for their outstanding commitment and contribution throughout the year. Their dedication, enthusiasm and unwavering support of our school community have helped make this one of our most successful fundraising years to date.
The fresh ideas, new initiatives and positive energy brought by our newest members have been invaluable in strengthening our Association and enriching our school community. We also wish to acknowledge and thank our long-serving members, Belinda Barakat and Lina Bartorilla, whose sons graduate this year. Their years of dedicated service and generous support have made a lasting contribution to our school, and we are sincerely grateful for all they have given.
As members of the Parents’ and Friends’ Association are selected annually, we are now inviting applications for 2027.
Applications are now open for the following positions:
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Year Representative Coordinator
Social Events Coordinator
General Member
If you are interested in becoming involved, position descriptions are available on the College website which provide an overview of the responsibilities and expectations of each role.
To apply for a role, please complete the application form on the College website.
Applications close on Sunday, 23 August 2026.
Successful applicants will commence their term at the beginning of Term 4, 2026, with appointments concluding at the end of Term 3, 2027.
We encourage all parents and carers who are passionate about supporting our school community to consider applying. Your involvement can make a meaningful difference, and we look forward to welcoming the 2027 Parents’ and Friends’ Association members.
Influencers, Ideology and Impact - How Algorithms Influence and Reinforce Harmful Beliefs
This webinar explores both the benefits and risks of recommender algorithms and offers practical strategies to help parents and carers support young people to build more positive and safer online feeds.
The eSafety Commissioner team now provides a recording of the webinar for registered participants for 72 hours following the webinar.
Information about date, time and content
Staff News
This week we welcome Ms Emma Ghantous to the College staff. She will join our talented Diverse Learning team in the role of Learning Support Officer.
Dr Vittoria Lavorato
Principal
SPC boys can do anything!
**except divide by zero