From the Guidance Officer to students and their families:   

On Thursday 9th September 2021, Australians acknowledge the importance of checking in on the mental health of others through national ‘R U OK?’ Day. Although important every year, 2021 has been a challenging year for everyone and circumstances have made it even more important for us all to stay connected.

‘R U OK?’ day spreads awareness about the importance of not only asking others if they are okay, but listening to what they have to say, encouraging them to take action and continually checking in with them.  

Due to a high proportion of students being involved in activities off site on that  Thursday, we will celebrate R u Ok Day on Wednesday 8^th September.  Activities will include:

- Compliment cards

- Cupcake sale

- Gratitude Rock Painting

- Handball competition

- Musical performance

- E-Sports competition

- Dodgeball competition

- Capture the flag game

Resources from The Lung Foundation Australia regarding Vaping

The Lung Foundation Australia is the Australia's Peak Lung Health Advisory Body to the Australian Government's Department of Health. They are a not-for-profit organisation working to strengthen the lung health of all Australians and supporting those experiencing a lung disease.

Many schools and learning institutions have sought the Lung Foundation's assistance to address the rising number of young people vaping in schools.

In 2020 Lung Foundation Australia, in collaboration with Minderoo Foundation, commissioned Curtin University to research the chemical ingredients in 52 flavoured e-liquids for sale over the counter in Australia. This Australian first project found results which are deeply concerning:

• 100% of liquids tested had incomplete or an inaccurate ingredient list
• 100% of e-liquids had between 1-19 chemicals which have unknown effects on respiratory health
• 21% of e-liquids contained nicotine (although it is illegal to sell e-liquids containing nicotine in all Australian states and territories)
• 62% of e-liquids studied contained chemicals likely to be toxic if vaped repeatedly. Toxicity increases through the vaping process.

The Lung Foundation Australia are promoting the resources below to help Australians make informed choices about Vaping.  Please take a moment to view these resources. 

• Vaping and Young People for Parents and Carers - https://lungfoundation.com.au/resources/vaping-and-young-people-parents-and-carers/
• Young and Young People for Youth 12 – 17 years - https://lungfoundation.com.au/resources/vaping-and-young-people-youth-age-12-17/

Janet Ingram