ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
Safety Sensors
We are pleased to inform you that the College has taken an important step to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our students. We are focused on promoting positive behaviours and protecting the rights of students at the College, and as such, we have installed safety sensors in College toilet areas.
As you may be aware, vaping has become a growing concern among young people in recent years. During Term 1, two of our staff members took part in a national data study, “Generation Vape” conducted by the University of Sydney and the Australian Cancer Council. 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 significant harms.
Further, to support safe environments, we have installed sensors that are capable of detecting vaping in our College toilets. These sensors are designed to detect the presence of e-cigarette aerosol in the air, as well as any other types of smoke and noises. We thank the P&F for their contribution and support of this initiative.
Our primary objective in installing these sensors is to help ensure that our students are not exposed to any harmful substances that may affect their health and wellbeing. We also believe that this will help to discourage any vaping or smoking on school grounds, as well as other antisocial behaviours. Parents and carers are reminded that the sale of e-cigarettes to people under 18 is illegal.
We understand that some parents and carers may have concerns or questions about the use of these detectors. Please be assured that they are non-intrusive and are simply designed to detect any potential hazards to our students.
If students are caught vaping or in possession of a vape, there will be a consequence put in place as per the school behaviour policy.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact the College. We appreciate your ongoing support and cooperation as we work together to promote a safe and healthy learning environment for all our students.
Winter Uniform Reminders
As we commence Term 2, students are required to wear full winter uniform. Winter uniform includes a blazer, which must be worn to Learning Group at the beginning of the day and when leaving the College in the afternoons. The College sport jacket is not to be worn with the academic uniform, and hoodies are not permitted as part of either uniform. Shoes worn with the academic uniform are to be black, leather shoes able to be laced.
Student Surveys
During Week 2, students will be asked to complete Pivot and TTFM surveys. Tell Them From Me surveys have been completed by our staff and are important for parents to complete as well. Feedback from these surveys will analysed as part of our College Cyclic Inquiry process, and will offer valuable insights into the current context of the College and inform furture planning. At a recent College assembly, I spoke with students about the importance of their voices in this process. Learning Group mentors will explain the TTFM process in detail with students during the Week 2 pastoral lesson. Further information can be found on Tell Them From Me in this edition of the College newsletter.
Students will also be asked to complete a Pivot wellbeing survey and learning survey. At John Therry, we acknowledge that learning and wellbeing are closely connected. Pivot is an online platform that surveys students using a rating system to allow students to give feedback on both their wellbeing and feedback on learning in individual classes. Pivot is a tool to support a culture of feedback and a culture focused on support and improvement. We encourage parents / carers to speak with their child about their feedback on learning and wellbeing.