From the Acting Headmaster

As I begin what is a serious topic in this newsletter piece, I want to acknowledge the magnificent work of our team led my Mrs Alicia Michielsen for hosting the most dynamic in-school careers expo I have been associated with. We had over 35 exhibitors that included Universities. Australian Defence, NSW Police, Western Sydney Airport along with local businesses including the Fairmont Resort and Leura Garage. Every student Years 7-12 had the opportunity to attend and the room was a buzz with young people and their parents imagining what they might pursue post-school. It was one of those events that showed why Blue Mountains Grammar School is an outstanding choice. I again thank everyone involved. 

Unfortunately, I now move onto something far more serious. I know that Mr Laffin has already communicated with you around this subject, but I will also speak in schools across our country this is a significant concern. The staff at BMGS are committed to raising this issue regularly. I am of course discussing the issue of vaping, because it is a rising health challenge for our young people. I believe that we, as the adults in their lives of young people have a responsibility to be on the front foot on this subject. I know that most of our parents agree. 

As mentioned - this issue is global, and it is not going away unless adults’ step forward. 

I have spoken with principals and school leaders across our country in online forums and every one of them has shared the same concern for the health of many of our young people. I have been surprised when talking to some adults that there is a belief that e-cigarettes are not harmful and are much safer than regular smoking. 

We now know that this is simply not the case. 

So big is this growing health concern that it is being addressed by educators and health professionals nationally (and globally). The Australian Teacher publication this week wrote of a new Government commissioned report that has been conducted by the researchers at the Australian National University. That report has found conclusive evidence of the damaging effects of e-cigarettes (vaping). Let me share some of those effects with you.

• Vaping causes immediate toxicity and can lead to acute lung damage.
• Nicotine is the key ingredient in e-cigarettes and is known as one of the most addictive substances which can lead to lifelong addiction issues.
• Non-smokers who vape are three times more likely to take up cigarette smoking than non-vapers.
• There is now proof that vaping leads to issues in concentration and learning.
• The report shows significant concerns for cardiovascular health including blood pressure, heart rate and lung function.
• There is also growing evidence for more major health concerns like cancer, early onset dementia, mental illness and others.

With these findings I invite parents and carers to join with the team at Blue Mountains Grammar School in taking a stand against what has been labelled by medical experts as ‘a health crisis that is rapidly unfolding before our eyes.” The School has introduced a number of measures to begin addressing the issue, and these will continue to be communicated with you. Mostly, we ask for your support when our team acts to minimise vaping in our community. 

Some will want more information, and so to help you get a clearer picture we are planning to run information sessions with professionals who can give the evidence and some context to why this is such an issue. We will keep you posted. 

Thank you for your support of the School and our staff in advance. 

Mr Steven Coote

Acting Headmaster