Pastoral Care and Wellbeing
Wellbeing Focus this week
As a school community we are required to reflect on what is happening in our family surrounds. Unfortunately, externally, our youth are presented with a number of unhealthy options; one being vaping. In researching what Australia’s picture looks like at the moment, the following has come to light:
- There has been an increase in the usage in the age group of 18 -24 years up 14% (current smokers) and up 6% with current non-smokers
- For the age group between 12- 17 years around 14% have tried e-cigarettes and 32% of these students have used one in the past month
- Students who had vaped most commonly reported getting the last e-cigarette they had used from friends (63%), siblings (8%) or parents (7%). Around 12% of students reported buying an e-cigarette themselves.
At the moment there is a thought that vaping is mostly made up of harmless water vapour. However, it is the aersol that contains the toxic particles. Some of the toxins include:
- Formaldehyde – at the lowest concentration will have the sensory irritations of itchy, sore throat or burning sensations. At higher concentrations irreversible effects on lung function and long-term studies have found a link to cancer.
- Acrolein – has been known to be used in pesticides, making of plastics.
- Propylene Glycol – which adds the flavour and nicotine. Studies have found that this affects the small airway cells.
- Nicotine – the amount will vary depending on vape, however, there is an increased chance for long term addiction.
Health wise these pose potential long term effects. Working together we can better support your child/children to make wiser choices.
Please use the following link that maybe useful in your conversation around the impacts of vaping with your child/children.
We also recommend SchoolTV for more information on Vaping: https://sje.vic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-vaping-au
Further References:
https://adf.org.au/talking-about-drugs/vaping/vaping-youth/vaping-australia/
https://respiratory-research.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12931-022-02142-2
https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/protection/npi/substances/fact-sheets/acrolein-2-propenal
Students arriving at the College
The beginning, and at the end, of each day our learners enter the College using various forms of transport. Once on the College campus behaviour is actively monitored and reasonable steps are taken to minimise risk. However, learners who do not enter College grounds after getting off their transport, for whatever reason, are unsupervised and not monitored by St Joseph’s staff.
Parents/Carers on Campus
When picking up your child/children, for whatever reason, please make your way to the College Reception. It is here that you will be able collect them.
Sometimes as parents/carers there may be a need to ‘drop off’ lunch, forgotten materials, etc. College Reception is the best point for making sure that goods are passed on as needed. To make it easier for item collection, please label goods with Student Name, Year Level and Learning Mentor.
Suzanne Pola
College Leader – Student Wellbeing