PRINCIPAL

Calling all budding auctioneers

Elders have made contact with us because they wish to cultivate students with an interest and aptitude for auctioneering as there is a shortage in the industry. In week 9 they are visiting the College at lunch and giving a demonstration of the art. Hopefully we can generate some interest from students and they will receive some training from Elders’ auctioneers which will culminate in a competition. Think “the voice” but with auctioneering.  This is a serious need in the industry but will be fun and a great opportunity for those students who like to talk a bit. 

Vaping

This week we had the unfortunate task of suspending a student due to a range of matters including vaping. You will note through media reports that vaping is becoming quite an issue in schools and the wider community so it should come as no surprise that there will be students here that are involved.  We have already taken an educative approach through information sessions with all year groups plus printed materials around the College alerting students to the dangers of vaping. The Department of Education announced today the roll out of a program to manage the growing tide of vaping in schools. These materials will influence our response at a school level but at this stage, given the illegality of vapes (without medical authority) our response is likely to be suspension for those students vaping on site. Unfortunately despite our efforts, some students will choose to engage in inappropriate behaviours and must take responsibility for their actions. I urge all parents to speak to their children about vaping and the impacts on their health. 

Disposable vaping implements are quite difficult to identify and can appear as marker pens. They are designed to appeal to young consumers with bright colours and fruity flavours but contain high levels of nicotine (a lot... the one pictured has the equivalent nicotine content of 3 packets of cigarettes) in a form more comfortable to consume and more easily absorbed by the body. Because they contain nicotine they are illegal to be sold to under 18 year olds and not the sort of thing we want to encourage our young people to use.  The attached picture gives an idea of how these devices look. 

This week we also came across a situation where a student was passing off his prescription medication to another student. As it appeared to be an out of school weekend issue it was not appropriate for us to apply a sanction but it is concerning that this sort of thing does take place.  Again I would also ask parents to speak with their children about the dangers of sharing medication. 

COVID vaccinations

You may be aware of the changes to the vaccination requirements in Western Australia from today. These changes mean that staff in schools or regular visitors to schools no longer need to be vaccinated.  This will have the advantage of increasing our potential pool of relief and permanent staff.  Students involved in work experience will still need to abide by the settings in place at their particular host site.