Assistant Principal - Learning and Wellbeing - Happening Events

My Perfect Day

At a staff briefing this week I had the opportunity to describe what a wonderful day I had last Friday. Firstly I had a wonderful morning teaching 7.4 and 9.3 Physical Education in pleasant conditions. I witnessed our senior debating team in action against Canberra Girls Grammar, attended mass at the cathedral with our students who participated in the Vinnies sleep over, and transported our students from NECOM where they participated in New England Sings. The reward for picking them up was an impromptu concert on the bus on the way back to school. Lastly I had the opportunity to be on bus duty engaged in an important conversation with a Year 7 student on who the greatest character in Star wars is. I highlight this day but it is representative of many of the great things that occur on a daily basis at O'Connor. At the time of writing, one of the largest teams we have ever assembled are on their way to the Diocesan Athletics in Tamworth and in the near future there are opportunities for our students to be ambassadors for the college in Basketball, Rugby League, Chess and debating.  I mentioned Vinnies who meet every Tuesday, but other clubs are also very active including our Zonta group, our Wednesday Wellbeing Hangout, Youth Group and our daily Chess Club. 

There is also great community involvement in the school. This week alone we had the Leading Senior Constable Brad Killen from the Armidale Police addressing students in Years 7 to 10 about social media, the impact that irresponsible use has and the legal ramifications for offensive messages or materials. posted. He also gave information regarding violence, again including the ramifications for victims and perpetrators. We also had Justine Kavanagh from TAFE NSW giving information on Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses offered that can be used as part of HSC pathway and as is the case Father Roel came in to celebrate mass with our Year 7s. Wonderful opportunities abound at O'Connor and it is heartwarming to see students taking these up.

Vaping

Vaping has become a world wide social issue and one at times we deal with at O'Connor. Initially developed as a product to help smokers to quit, it has become a vehicle for companies to profit and exploit young people. One of the ways that we deal with vaping is to educate our students on the dangers of vaping. We look at what is actually in vapes and how imported vapes will most likely contain nicotine even though it is not listed on packaging to avoid legal ramifications. Students are made aware of the other substances inhaled that include diacetyl, heavy metals, ultrafine particles and volatile organic compounds. These harmful substances can lead to health problems such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. Students also look at reasons why people take up vaping and approaches to take when feeling peer pressured to fit in.  Students learn of how companies take advantage of people and influence them to take up unhealthy practices through clever advertising. 

At O'Connor vaping is very much seen as an unwelcome activity and is banned. Students that contravene these rules have their parents contacted are withdrawn from class and educated on the dangers of vaping. Repeat offenders may be suspended.

Mr Damian Roff

Assistant Principal - Learning and Wellbeing

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