ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL'S MATTERS
As we move towards the end of Term 1, it is important to commend students for their efforts and evident dedication to learning. The commencement of a new academic year brings challenges as well as opportunities, and students have focused on demonstrating their full potential and risen to the demands of learning.
At our last College assembly, it was wonderful to acknowledge multiple Year 8 and 9 students who received Assistant Principal and Principal's Awards. Congratulations to these students. We also celebrated Harmony Day during this assembly, with cultural performances from our Pacific Islander students, and discussion of the Harmony Day themes of recognition and inclusion. Images of this celebration are below. We look forward ongoing performances at future assemblies by students from other cultural backgrounds, to extend the themes of Harmony week throughout the year.
Uniform Items
Students will return to Term 2 on Wednesday 26 April in full winter uniform. Please ensure students have blazers and all other necessary items for winter uniform. Uniform requirements can be found on the College website - https://www.jtccdow.catholic.edu.au/our-uniform
Students are required to return to school with correct haircuts. For male students:
- Short hair must be conservative, clean, neat and tidy and above the collar, off the face and ears. Hair must be no shorter than a No. 2 blade and blended. There are to be no extreme variations in length.
- Long hair should be brushed, consistent in length and tied back if it touches the collar. If not yet long enough to tie back, hair must be parted neatly and worn behind the ears so as to not cover the eyes or ears.
- Extreme hairstyles should be avoided; these include but are not limited to undercuts, layers, steps, rat’s tails, mullets, lines, mohawks etc.
Student haircuts will be checked by Learning Group mentors and the Pastoral team at the beginning of Term 2. Students in breach of College policy will be required to rectify issues and parents/carers contacted. In the event of extreme hairstyles, students will be referred to a member of the Pastoral or Leadership Team, who may deem it appropriate to send the student home until such time the student’s hair complies with the uniform policy.
Generation Vape
"Generation Vape" is a three year research project being undertaken by the Australian Cancer Council and the University of Sydney. The study aims to examine awareness, perceptions, attitudes, related knowledge and behaviours of e-cigarettes among teachers, parents and young people (both users and non-users) aged 14-17 in Australia. The project is currently in its second year with findings set to inform government policy, programs and campaigns. Over the past week, two of our staff members have particpated in extended research forums for this project, discussing the health and social impacts of e-cigarette use on young people. This involvement of our staff is a proactive way to address the fact that no studies in Australia have yet investigated the extent of e-cigarette use in young people and little is known about the level of awareness and understanding of e-cigarettes and their harms.
E-cigarettes, or vapes, are battery operated devices that heat a liquid to produce a vapour that users inhale. They are designed to deliver nicotine and/or other chemicals via an aerosol vapour directly to the lungs. Some international studies have shown that in places where e-cigarettes are readily available, use may lead to smoking among young people. E-cigarette use alone is also directly harmful to health, particularly among young people.
Recent data from NSW shows a concerning increase in the sale of nicotine-containing e-cigarette devices through retail stores. Social media and reported community experiences also suggest e-cigarette use among young people is growing at an alarming rate. At John Therry, we are concentrating on ensuring students are not engaged in vaping. To support this, we are installing vape detectors in our student bathrooms, and we thank the College P&F for their assistance with the purchase of this resource. Our focus is on the rights of students to have access to safe facilities and spaces. We are also aware of the importance of educating our students about the dangers of e-cigarette use.
Attached is a copy of NSW government information for students on this matter.