McCarthy Catholic College Newsletter

Leader of Student Wellbeing 

Year 7 Peer Support 

Peer Support lessons have begun in Be Better lessons. These lessons involve  2-3 year 10 students leading a small group of students through a 40 minute session. The eight week module involves a variety of activities on topics related to “rethinking challenges - resilience.” Meeting in small groups allows meaningful connections to form, assisting students with the transition to secondary high school. Over 8 sessions, Year 7 students will be guided by their Year 10 leaders, acknowledging their strengths and achievements, identifying people who support them and learning how to view challenges as opportunities for growth. 

 

Year 8 Camp

Students have spent much of Week 10 on camp at Pindari Dam. With a focus on outdoor challenges, developing self confidence and team building skills with peers, students engaged in activities such as canoeing, rock climbing, orienteering and off-road activities.

 

Year 7, 8, 9 & 10 Real Talk Day Seminars

All junior year groups will be involved in a full day seminar in Week 1, Term 2.  The program is run by Real Talk and engages with students in topics such as Personal Identity, Media and Technology and Life and Relationships. 

 

Year 11 - Leadership Days

Thursday and Friday, Week 2 will see the students involved in a 2 day program with Character Builders. The focus will be on servant leadership, with sessions going into the evening of Thursday, and a celebration of mass on Friday afternoon.

 

Year 12 - Character Builders Day

Wednesday, Week 2, Year 12 will engage a one day event with Character Builders focussing on developing skills in confidence, respect, resilience and self-esteem. The theme for this day is: The Bigger Picture – Focusing on all of us finishing strong and keeping the bonds for the future.

 

Vaping 

Vaping (the use of electronic cigarettes, e-cigarettes or 'vapes') has become a growing issue for many schools across the country. Vaping involves inhaling “e-juice” in the form of aerosol produced by an electronic cigarette or vape device. The aerosols typically contain flavorings such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to serious lung disease, nicotine and harmful chemicals, including formaldehyde and acrolein. Vape cartridges or “pods” can also be filled with THC, CBD or other “e-juice.

 

Vaping is easy to hide, and the signs can be easy to miss. Unlike traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes don’t leave the telltale scent of tobacco. If you notice any of the following things, it’s best to talk with your child about whether or not they are vaping.

  • Presence of Unfamiliar Technology, Online Purchases or Packaging
  • Faint Sweet or Fruity Scents
  • Behavioral and Mood Changes
  • Increased Irritability or Restlessness
  • Cutting Back on Caffeine
  • Desire for Flavour Due to Tastebud Degradation
  • Pneumonia
  • Increased Thirst

Further information for parents/carers on the dangers of vaping: 

 

Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne:

https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/E-cigarettes_and_teens/

 

Alcohol and Drug Foundation

https://adf.org.au/talking-about-drugs/parenting/vaping-youth/

 

School TV Vaping & E-Cigarettes

Vaping is becoming a trendy pastime that is growing in popularity across Australia, especially amongst teenagers. It is the act of inhaling a vapour created by an electronic cigarette, or e-cigarette. Many teenagers are succumbing to peer pressure around this risk-taking activity due to the ease of accessing and hiding vapes. They are often cheaper than conventional cigarettes, making it more cost-effective and attractive to young people.

 

Although under 18s are not legally allowed to purchase any type of e-cigarette or vaping product in Australia, teenagers are finding ways to access them online. Australia has strict regulations in place for nicotine-containing products, and attempts are being made to regulate vaping and ban the importation of them. Many of the flavoured liquids associated with vaping, contain not only high levels of nicotine, but other potentially harmful additives. Many of these “e-liquids” contain chemicals that are likely to be toxic, that when inhaled or vaped repeatedly, can cause severe damage to the lungs.

 

Vaping is often marketed as being the “healthy” alternative to smoking. However, doctors strongly advise that if you do not smoke, then you should not start vaping. Most teenagers are unaware of the associated risks and potential impact vaping can have on their development and overall health. Parents are encouraged to discuss the dangers of nicotine addiction and include e-cigarettes in the discussion alongside alcohol and drugs.

 

This Special Report highlights the facts around vaping and e-cigarettes and what are the potential risks. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.

 

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.

 

https://mccarthy.nsw.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-vaping-au

To access the SchoolTV reports please go to our website, select Parent from the top right corner and sign into our Moodle Page:

 

Username: parent

Password: Parent2340!

 

Pastoral Care Team

Each year group has a Leader of Student Care. The best way to contact a Leader of Student Care is through the College Office email mccadmin@arm.catholic.edu.auor by direct email to the relevant year leader.

 

Year 7 - Mrs Fiona O'Neill foneill@arm.catholic.edu.au

Year 8 - Mr Damian Kenniff dkenniff@arm.catholic.edu.au

Year 9 - Mrs Melissa Bearup mbearup@arm.catholic.edu.au 

Year 10 - Mr Bernie Williams   bwilliams1@arm.catholic.edu.au

Year 11 - Mr Andrew Davy   adavy@arm.catholic.edu.au

Year 12 - Mrs Melissa Lees   mlees@arm.catholic.edu.au 

College Psychologists - mccthrive@arm.catholic.edu.au

 

Mrs Sharon Stuart - Leader of  Student Wellbeing

sstuart@arm.catholic.edu.au