Week 3 already! The lovely rain yesterday has possibly marked the end of the balmy weather and we are making the transition to winter. This will mean that all students will be required to be in full winter school uniform as soon as is practicable. This does include the tie and we encourage all students to wear it correctly. If you have any questions regarding the correct items for the winter uniform please contact the front office. We are very proud of our uniform and are thankful to all the students and families who represent the school with pride each and every day.

Currently there is a lot of information coming into schools about the use and hazards of e-cigarettes or VAPING. Despite limited longitudinal studies there are obvious health risks associated with using ”vapes” and it is our responsibility to stay informed around legislation and health advice concerning their use. Included below is some important information around e-cigarettes that is worth reading and discussing with your child/ren. In coming weeks we plan to invite the local police to lead some information sessions for our student in the hope that they can make informed and sensible choices about their own health.

What are e-cigarettes? (information taken from the Royal Melbourne Hospital for children website)

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are battery-powered devices that come in many forms. They all heat liquids, called e-liquids, into an aerosol that users breathe in. They may contain nicotine, flavourings and a range of harmful and toxic chemicals. Many e-liquids come in flavours that are attractive to young people, such as mango, lime and mint. The e-cigarette heat may also produce toxic substances. E-cigarette devices come in many different shapes and sizes. They can look like traditional cigarettes, cigars or pipes. Some look everyday items commonly used by young people, such as pens or memory sticks (USBs). Some are even disguised as medical devices or concealed within clothing.

Using e-cigarettes is often called ‘vaping’. It is sometimes referred to as ‘juuling’.

Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive especially for teens. E-cigarettes and e-cigarette liquid may contain nicotine, even if they have been labelled ‘nicotine free’. One e-liquid pod can contain as much nicotine as a packet of cigarettes.

Nicotine exposure during the teenage years can harm brain development, which continues until about age 25. It can impact learning, memory and attention, and increase risk for future addiction to other drugs. Young people who use e-cigarettes may be more likely to go on to use regular cigarettes.

E-liquids can poison children and adults through swallowing or skin contact. Symptoms of nicotine poisoning include sweating, dizziness, vomiting and increased heart rate.

E-liquids can also be a danger to young children if inhaled, swallowed, or spilled on the skin. A young child can die from very small amounts of nicotine. The effects of nicotine poisoning can come on very quickly. If you think your child may have been exposed to nicotine, you should seek medical attention or call an ambulance immediately.

While scientists are still learning about the short and long-term health effects of using e-cigarettes, a recent outbreak of lung disease and deaths related to e-cigarette use in the United States demonstrates that e-cigarette aerosol can be harmful to the lungs. E-cigarettes can also be modified to deliver marijuana and other harmful substances that have been linked to lung disease.

Defective e-cigarette batteries have caused some fires and explosions, which exposes the user to the risk of serious injury and burns.

Parents should learn about e-cigarettes. It’s important to talk to your children about the health risks of e-cigarettes. Many teenagers are under the misconception that e-cigarettes are safe. It is helpful to know what the different devices look like and the different words young people may use to describe using e-cigarettes. This will help you to talk about e-cigarettes with your child.

NAPLAN 2021 (WEEK 4)

Once again the NAPLAN testing program will be conducted in schools over the coming week, with a catch up week scheduled for week 5. All students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 (unless they are exempt) will complete the literacy and numeracy tests along with their nationwide peers. It essentially provides information for schools on the different literacy and numeracy skills that are demonstrated and allows schools to recognise strengths and weaknesses in the student cohort. We strive to ensure that it is as stress less as possible for the students and hope that the students endeavour to do their best in the different tests. Once again this year, the testing will be online. Please do not book any appointments if possible during this testing period. This testing will be conducted in a COVID safe manner. Please contact the classroom teacher/PCA  or Mr Ken Mooney if you have any questions.

We continue to push the importance of attendance to improving student outcomes and building lifelong skills. Please contact the classroom teacher/PCA if you have any issues or challenges around attendance.

Tomorrow our Year 7 students will head to Camp Hudson, just outside Tumut, for the annual Wiradjuri Cultural immersion experience. They will return Thursday and Year 8 will head up for their postponed experience – dues to COVID. This is a wonderful opportunity for our Stage 4 students to learn about and appreciate many different and fascinating skills, beliefs and experiences of the First Nations people. We thank Mrs Maher for all her organisation. Hopefully there will be photos and a report in subsequent newsletter.

Our Faith in Action program for Year 10 students has started again for Term 2. Currently our fabulous Year 10 students are involved in a range of activities to support our community in a faith-driven way. The year 10 class help out at Elouera School, the Nursing Home, the Sacred Heart Parish and in our Infants classrooms. Below are some pictures of our Year 10s supporting our littlest learners.

Remember: If you can be anything…be kind!

“Go gently” was the parting message from Fr Kevin every time I saw him. It is sage advice for us all!

Mrs Nicky Trinder

Principal