Reconciliation Week

Reconciliation Week is an important date in the Padua College calendar. The theme for this year was “Be a voice for generations” and a time for all Australians to learn about shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation. It was an honour to share my own connection to indigenous heritage with the story of my grandmother taken as a small girl from her native Aranda land as part of the removal of indigenous children from their families.

As part of their pastoral eXcel lesson students also created small footprints with statements on how they can be a voice of generations and walk the talk of reconciliation and create a better, more just Australia for all of us. Reconciliation is also grounded in our story as Christians and it helps guide us to our Padua College North Star whereby, we utilise our God-given talents, make a positive impact on our world and strive to be the best we can be.

Focus on Wellbeing

Padua College continues to focus on building resilience and supporting our students with solution-focused strategies they can use both in the classroom and in other aspects of their lives. Recently we have been running our Year 7 eXcel Day with a focus on enabling students to ‘Awaken their Voice”.

This eXcel Day is designed using positive education interventions to help our Year 7 students develop their social and emotional literacy focusing on transition and awakening their voice. Our students will learn ways to utilise their own unique voice and know when to speak up. This will include the home environment, the school environment, the online environment, and how to take up the challenge to show self-care and respect for themselves.

Over the course of the day each student participates in the following three sessions:

Sharon Witt Presentation

Sharon Witt is one of Australia's leading authors of books for children and teens on growing up, resilience and wellbeing. An educator of over 30 years, she is a sought-after presenter in schools, conferences and is often called upon in the media. https://www.sharonwitt.com.au/

Peer Mentoring

All our Year 7s have an older student in their homeroom that they can look up to and call a mentor. On this day the Year 7 students will have a period with their peer mentor to work on communication and relational skills.

Communication

Often we try to communicate with other people and, for many different reasons, we struggle to make the connection we are wanting. The students participate in a workshop run by Padua staff designed to help work on some of the miscommunication issues we all have.

Brainstorm – Wired

This live performance for high school students explores cyberbullying and mental health, and provides strategies for resilience, help-seeking and positive relationships. https://www.brainstormproducti...

Faith

Respect is a cornerstone of our faith; the students participate in a liturgy that allows them to reflect on what they have learned and experienced through the day.

Vaping

This week the College hosted a parent vaping seminar by Sonya Karras, and hopefully, many parents have taken up the opportunity to come along and be informed in this community-wide problem. Sonya addressed the topic thoroughly, looking at the long-term effects vaping might have, the laws around it, and resources for supporting students to quit.

Padua College takes these issues very seriously and working students and parents to educate our community on the dangers of this practice. Most of the College bathrooms are fitted with ‘vape sensors’ and those found with these devices will be dealt with accordingly.

Even though it is illegal to sell vaping devices to people under the age of 18, young people are accessing these devices in various ways, including over the internet. E-cigarettes might be shaped like cigarettes, pens, USB sticks or other common items. In addition to various chemicals, the e-cigarettes often have fruit and confectionery flavours, to appeal to young people.

E-cigarettes fall under the tobacco laws in Victoria. Therefore, it is illegal to:

• smoke or use e-cigarettes on school premises or within 4 metres of any access point to school premises
• smoke or use e-cigarettes during school events and excursions held off school premises
• sell cigarettes and e-cigarettes to people under 18 years of age
• smoke or use e-cigarettes in a motor vehicle if a person under 18 years is also present

Our students learn about the harms associated with ‘vaping’ as part of the Health Education curriculum in Year 7 & 8 and I have shared Dr Michael Carr-Gregg’s ‘School TV’ episode on this topic in the Paduan and on the College Website.

Many teenagers are succumbing to peer pressure around this risk-taking activity due to the ease of accessing and hiding vapes. These teenagers are unaware of the associated risks and potential impact vaping can have on their development and overall health. Parents are encouraged to discuss the dangers of nicotine addiction and include e-cigarettes in the discussion alongside alcohol and drugs. Should you be aware of a vendor selling e-cigarettes to people under the 18 years of age we encourage you to report them to the local police.

Students found ‘vaping’ at school or in the deliberate presence will be suspended and required to engage in material about the harms and risks of this behaviour.

For your reference, a factsheet about e-cigarettes published by the Department of Health is attached. The following websites also provide further information that may be of interest and assistance to you:

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/e-cigarettes

https://lungfoundation.com.au/lung-health/protecting-your-lungs/e-cigarettes-and-vaping

We ask that you discuss with your child the health risks and laws associated with vaping and reinforce the importance of making healthy and safe choices.

School TV

Today parents face a multitude of modern-day challenges in raising happy, well, and resilient young people. Whilst there is a great deal of information available, this can often be confusing and overwhelming for parents looking for guidance.

At Padua College we have subscribed to SchoolTV an online resource designed to empower you as parents with credible and sound information with realistic, practical ongoing support strategies. Here, you'll find a range of topics each published monthly with comprehensive videos from leading specialists and organisations.

The information can be accessed by visiting the College website:

PADUA COMMUNITY > Padua Parents > SchoolTV or follow the below link

Link - School TV https://padua.catholic.schooltv.me/launch

This month on SchoolTV - SPECIAL REPORT: Mobile Phone Separation Anxiety

The use of mobile phones and technology in schools has been a highly debated topic internationally, including in Australia. Almost all states and territories in Australia, have implemented full bans on mobile phones during class, recess, and lunch times, while allowing students to carry their phones during travel to and from school.

Critics argue that there is no evidence supporting the effectiveness of such bans, but this is a mischaracterisation. Studies have shown the positive impacts of mobile phone bans in schools. One study conducted in 2016, found that banning mobile phones led to an increase in student performance, with test scores improving by 6.4% of a standard deviation. Similar studies from Spain and Norway also supported these findings.

For parents concerned about mobile phone separation anxiety in their children, it is important to acknowledge it as a real issue and discuss the negative effects of phone addiction, such as sleep problems and mental health issues. Gradually introducing phone-free periods at home, setting clear expectations and boundaries and modelling healthy behaviours can help your child cope. It is also crucial to establish a support network and seek professional help if needed. Implementing mobile phone bans in schools allows for better focus on teaching and learning, minimising distractions and interruptions.

This Special Report will help address mobile phone separation anxiety and provide guidance on supporting your child’s wellbeing during this transition period. We hope you take a moment to reflect on the information offered, and as always, we welcome your feedback. If this raises any concerns for you, a loved one or the wellbeing of your child, please consider seeking medical or professional help.

Click on this link to view the Special Report https://padua.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-mobile-phone-separation-anxiety