Wellbeing
Wellbeing
Our Year 10 Peer Support Leaders took part in their Training Day last week. They are now equipped with the skills and strategies to run the Peer Support Program. We are really looking forward to them having the opportunity to work with and mentor our Year 7 students. This program will run throughout Term 2 and we know now more than ever the importance of peer connection across different ages. Thank you to Miss Galante for organising this opportunity for our Year 10 students this year.
Since returning from Year 7 Camp it has been busy with the Student Leadership process. Students nominated themselves, recorded a speech which was shown to their peers and then voted in the election. The Year 7 Leaders have now been announced and we congratulate them all. We look forward to having them join the Student Committee Meetings next term.
As mentioned in our last newsletter we had our Harmony Day celebrations on Friday April 1. During lunchtime there were various activities arranged by our student committees and it was a great day all round. Our cultural and casual dress day raised more than $800 for our school charities! Thank you to everyone who got involved. It was another great opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate our multicultural Killester community.
Schools TV SPECIAL REPORT: 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.
Here is the link to your special report https://killester.vic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-vaping-au
Greater Dandenong Holiday activities
Are you looking for something for your daughters to do during these school holidays?
The City of Greater Dandenong has a great range of activities planned. Please see this link for more details: https://www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/school-holiday-activities
We strongly encourage students to maintain a healthy sleeping pattern and take a break from technology during the next two weeks to give themselves the best chance to transition back to school in Term 2.
Term 1 is always hectic and the start to 2022 has been no exception. After two years of COVID affected schooling, it has been refreshing to have a lockdown free term. Considering this, we acknowledge the resilience shown by students, parents and staff to navigate their way through a 10 week term.
We wish everyone a relaxing, enjoyable and most of all safe and healthy holiday period and Happy Easter!