Mr Peter McLellan | Head of Secondary

I am sorry for the story about vaping last week being attributed to my experience. 

It was a personal message from a family from Queensland warning parents of the real danger of vaping. 

Much like any substance that we put in our bodies that are based on chemicals and drugs, they are a cocktail of risk. 

We all need to be aware of what is happening in the wider community and take steps to safeguard our children.  The information I have been getting from various other schools and the Police is that vaping among school aged students is rife.

Mythbusters

MYTH: Vaping is not bad for your health.

FACT: Despite their appealing flavours, many e-cigarettes contain or produce chemicals and toxins such as formaldehyde and heavy metals that can cause DNA damage, serious lung damage and cancer.  They also contain other chemicals not found in tobacco smoke, and it is not yet known what effects these will have on your health in the long-term – so why take the risk?

What’s more, they can cause physical harm too; there are now thousands of cases of people being injured by faulty e-cigarette batteries exploding.

MYTH: You can’t get addicted to vaping like you can to smoking.

FACT: Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine – the same highly-addictive chemical that’s in regular cigarettes. What’s more, because you can buy extra-strength cartridges or increase the e-cigarette’s voltage to get a greater hit, many e-cigarette users get even more nicotine than they would from a tobacco product.

This is not good for you. Nicotine can affect brain development in teens, impacting their learning, concentration and mood, causing anxiety and depression.  Putting nicotine into your body also increases your risk of other types of addiction in later life.  Emerging evidence suggests non-smokers who vape are three times more likely to take up tobacco smoking than those who do not vape.

MYTH: E-cigarettes contain less nicotine than regular cigarettes.

FACT: One STIG or Cuvie device contains as much nicotine as an entire pack of cigarettes!

MYTH: Using a STIG or Cuvie is not as bad for you as using traditional e-cigarettes.

FACT: Using a STIG or Cuvie to vape is just as bad for you as using any other size or shape e-cigarette.

MYTH: Vaping will help you stop smoking.

FACT: There is not enough evidence to prove e-cigarettes are effective at helping smokers quit. That is why they are not an approved product for helping people to quit.  Worse, studies have shown High School students who start using e-cigarettes are much more likely to begin smoking regular cigarettes as well.

If you are trying to quit smoking, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is a better choice.  If you would like help to quit, call the Quitline on 13 7848, visit the I Can Quit website or talk to your parent or guardian, or a health professional.

MYTH: E-cigarettes are not bad for the environment like regular cigarettes.

FACT: Vapes waste is especially bad for the environment for three reasons.

• Many vape devices, pods and cartridges are made of single-use plastic.
• They introduce hazardous and toxic chemicals like nicotine into the environment when used and discarded.
• They produce electronic waste as they contain lithium-ion batteries and a heating element.

MYTH: All vaping is legal.

FACT: In NSW, it is illegal to sell e-cigarettes or e-cigarette accessories to a person under 18 years of age, while it is illegal to sell e-cigarettes containing nicotine to all ages.  It is also illegal to use e-cigarettes in places where smoking is illegal, including:

• Within 10 metres of children’s play equipment in outdoor public places
• Public swimming pools
• Spectator areas at sports grounds or other recreational areas used for organised sporting events
• Public transport stops and platforms, including ferry wharves and taxi ranks
• Within 4 metres of a pedestrian access point to a public building
• Commercial outdoor dining areas

From October 2021, you will need a doctor’s prescription to access liquid nicotine for use in e-cigarettes.

Source: Say No to Vaping | Health Promotion

E-cigarettes are not good for you – they contain or produce harmful chemicals known to cause serious lung damage and cancer. The nicotine found in them is highly addictive and can affect brain development in teens, impacting their learning, concentration and mood, causing anxiety and depression. 

That’s why we’re supporting Central Coast Local Health District’s Say No to Vaping campaign. Say no to addiction, say no to anxiety and depression, say no to being exploited, and say no to the serious health risks. Say No to Vaping. #SayNoToVaping

Uniform

Please make sure that your child does not wear printed, coloured or long sleeve t-shirts underneath their shirts as this is not part of the uniform.

Please write a note if your child’s uniform is unable to be worn for some reason.  Senior students are to wear their blazer as the first layer of warmth.  

A few students are starting to wear incorrect shoes, so please make sure enclosed leather black shoes that meet the styles which have been specified, are worn.  Just a reminder that if it is cold and a student wishes to wear a scarf, it must be in school colours.

LIFE

In SeniorLife we continued our conversation around issues of consent, boundaries and healthy relationships with our Years 10 – 12 students.

Senior Constable Peter Hughes (Police Liaison), Rachel Mondel (Youth Worker and Pastor) and Andrew McGillivray (PDHPE Teacher and parent) were part of our panel, responding to questions that had come from last term’s seminars and ongoing conversations.

Students were engaged as we discussed recent law reforms around consent, supporting friends, accessing resources and information, standing up for personal values and communicating boundaries. We are very grateful to our panel members for their time, wisdom, honesty and clarity.

These issues are such significant ones, particularly for this age group and we are keen to continue informing, encouraging and supporting our students in making wise choices.

In JuniorLife (Years 7 - 9) we covered Body Image. It was a powerful session where we addressed questions such as, "Have you expressed unhealthy self talk? And have feelings about your body ever stopped you from engaging in activities?"  We had several students from Year 9 share their personal experiences in dealing with Body Image and offering some helpful tips.  We then heard an engaging message from Jack Styles, the Youth Pastor at Erina Baptist Church and an ex-student of GPCC. He was able to share part of his journey in dealing with body image and bring encouragement to many students.

Reminder - Dr Patricia Weerakoon Seminars in Week 8

Thursday 10 June 2021

Student Session 1 for Years 11 and 12 Period 3 12.05pm - 1.20pm                      Hot Topics for Teen Sex

1. Protecting the developing brain: The science of the developmental dissonance in brain development (emotional brain and cognitive brain) and neuroplasticity. 

The need to monitor what is "fed" to the brain, especially in social media (the dark web of porn, predators and cyberbullying).

2. Body and Identity: A discussion of cultural sources of identity in the comparator culture of social media and gender fluidity versus an identity in Christ given by God.

3. Behaviour: The science of desire, romantic love and sexual intimacy. 
An overview of the current culture of expressive individualism.
An overview of Biblical sexual ethics.
Discussion on the difference between “feelings” and choosing what is right and good through self-control.
Discussion on the difference between non-sexual “friendship” intimacy; “crushes” and sexual intimacy.

Thursday 10 June 2021

Staff Professional Development Session: “Hot Topics for Teen Sex” 3:30pm 

Thursday 10 June 2021

Parent Night: “Sex Education in the Cyber-World” 7:30pm - 9:00pm

This session is for parents of the College and all parents are encouraged to attend.

Registration is required for this event, please click on link below: 

Green Point Christian College GPCC | Sex education in the Cyber-world…

Tea/coffee and light snacks provided.

Friday 11 June 2021 - Student Session 2 for Years 9 and 10:  9:00am - 10:20am
What Does God Have to Say About Sex?

1. Protecting the developing brain: The science of brain development and neuroplasticity and the need to monitor what is “fed” to the brain, especially in social media (the dark web of porn, predators and cyberbullying).

2. Body and Identity: A discussion of cultural sources of identity in the comparator culture of social media and gender fluidity versus an identity in Christ given by God.
Behaviour: The science of desire, romantic love and sexual intimacy.

An overview of Biblical sexual ethics.
Discussion on the difference between “feelings” and choosing what is right and good and Godly through self-control.
Discussion on the difference between non-sexual “friendship” intimacy; “crushes” and sexual intimacy.

Friday 11 June 2021 - Student Session 2 for Years 7 and 8:  10:45am – 12:00pm  Body, Brain and Behaviour

1. Brain: The brain as a work in progress and the need to understand that what you feed your brain will affect your values and behaviour. Discussion on the wise use of social media.

2. Body: Pubertal body changes. The goodness of the body and an identity based on Christ, not on social media comparator culture.

3. Behaviour: The science of desire, romantic love and sexual intimacy.

An overview of Biblical sexual ethics.
Discussion on the difference between “feelings” and choosing what is right and good through self-control.
The importance of asking for and accepting advice and guidance from parents, teachers and counsellors.

If you have any questions about these sessions, or why we think it is important for us to run them here at the school, please do not hesitate to contact me at: pmclellan@gpcc.nsw.edu.au.

Important Reminder for Parents of Students using School Bus Transport

In recent weeks the College has received some negative feedback and reports from the public and local bus companies regarding the behaviour of some of our students on buses.

I have included the Student Codes of Conduct: Transport NSW for your reference and would encourage all parents to remind their children of their responsibility when using this service to travel to and from school including the need to tap on and off using their provided School Opal Cards.

"It is every student's responsibility to behave in a manner that ensures the safety and comfort of passengers and drivers. This includes:

Behaviour on buses

• Use appropriate language not offensive or racist language.
• Fighting, spitting, feet on seats, throwing things in or from the bus is not permitted.
• No eating or drinking (other than water) - unless for medical reasons or the bus operator gives written permission.
• Offer seats to adults including people with a disability, elderly or expectant mothers.
• Do not push or shove other people.
• Do not bully or harass other passengers or the driver.
• Avoid attracting the attention of the driver except in the case of emergency.
• Do not play music at such volume that it may distract the bus driver or other passengers.

Safety on and near buses

• Obey reasonable directions from the driver (eg where to sit or to remain in the bus).
• Remain in your seat - do not move around the bus unnecessarily.
• If standing, remain behind the front passenger seat and keep a secure hand hold at all times.
• Keep bags and other items clear of the aisle.
• Do not allow any part of your body to protrude out of the bus at any time.
• Wait for the bus in a quiet and orderly manner - including at bus interchanges.
• Stand away from the roadside until the bus comes to a complete stop.
• Allow other passengers to leave the bus before stepping onto the bus in a single line.
• Wait until the bus stops before moving to get off the bus at your designated stop.
• Cross the road where and when it's safe to do so, use crossings/traffic lights where available.

Legal considerations on buses

• Wear the seat belt properly adjusted and fastened, if one is available.
• Obey the law that bans smoking on buses.
• Ensure that buses are not vandalised - report any damage, eg graffiti and window etching, to the driver.
• Do not interfere with bus property, equipment and signage.
• Do not leave rubbish on the bus, or at bus stops or interchanges.

Using bus passes

• Show travel passes or tickets to the driver on boarding and to Authorised Revenue Protection Officers, NSW Police Officers or bus company representatives when requested.
• Use the travel pass only for its intended purpose - do not lend your pass to other students or borrow a pass from them.
• Swipe or 'dip' passes in ticket readers if available when boarding.
• If issued with a School Opal card, always tap on when boarding and tap off when leaving the bus.

Disobeying these rules may lead to the withdrawal of bus travel passes, banning students from travelling on buses and/or police prosecution and court action."

Source: https://apps.transport.nsw.gov.au/ssts/studentCodesOfConduct#/studentCodesOfConduct#scrollTarget1

Congratulations - Youth in Performing Arts 

Scotia E is congratulated on being awarded the Gosford Musical Society Scholarship, after her brilliant performance at YIPA recently.  Scotia will be performing in Mamma Mia at the Laycock Street Theatre next month, as well as appearing as 'Belle' in our College production of Beauty and the Beast in November.

Well done, Scotia.

Year 10 Play

Years 10 and 11 will be performing a modernised version of Shakespeare’s The Two Gentlemen of Verona in Week 10 of this term on 23 - 25 June at 7.30pm each night and 11.30am Matinee on Friday.

Tickets will be available at the door.

Beauty and the Beast Rehearsals

There is a movement rehearsal this Saturday 5 June from 1.00pm - 4.00pm for 'Gaston' – dancers, ensemble and 'LeFou' required.

Our next Beauty and the Beast ENSEMBLE rehearsal will start up again next term.

Watch this space and your emails for confirmed details of day and times.