Deputy Principal - Students, Ms Gabby Smith
Applications for 2025 Student Leadership Positions
Year 11 students who are interested in applying for a Student Leadership position in 2025 must submit their application by 9am on Friday, 21 June 2024.
Each student wishing to be considered for a Captain or Prefect position needs to put together an application in the form of a Covering Letter and Curriculum Vitae and submit by the due date via the link which has been emailed to the students.
The Cover Letter must be in PDF format and students are asked to respond to each of the Edmund Rice Touchstones which will be used to create their Curriculum Vitae.
Parent Webinar about Teens and Screens
Our College is participating in the Black Dog Institute’s Future Proofing Study – the largest and most comprehensive investigation of adolescent mental health in Australia. When our current Year 12 students were in Year 8, families and students could choose to opt into the study or not.
Researchers from the Black Dog Institute now visit our College every year to facilitate these enrolled students completing an anonymous online survey about all aspects of their mental health and wellbeing. This information is then analysed with the data from the other thousands of participants, and the analysis is provided to key decision makers to shape policy and service provision.
In 2023, the researchers asked participants about their screen use and linked this input with participants’ mental health input. The research team then prepared a webinar for parents/carers documenting their findings about teens, screens and mental health. This webinar also includes options for how parents/carers can support their children navigate the digital world positively and safely.
Please click here to watch this accessible and informative webinar on YouTube.
The researchers have also created a PDF of the webinar slides and content you can view here.
Free Phone App for Teens Going Through Tough Times
‘ClearlyMe’, a free CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) phone app has been launched by the Black Dog Institute, specifically designed to help teens (aged 12-17) going through tough times. Please find more information here.
Head Waves – Mental Health Support for Old Boys
In our ongoing commitment to the wellbeing of our alumni community, we are pleased to announce the launch of our new Mental Health Program – Head Waves.
In recognition of life’s challenges, we have partnered with Access Services to develop a comprehensive Members Assistance Program (MAP) designed to address the mental health needs of all Waverley alumni. Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall wellbeing, and we believe that fostering a community that supports each other emotionally is essential.
The Head Waves mental health program is run by Access Services, and as one of our members you can access these services by calling 1800 818 728. The professional team at Access will arrange for you to speak with an experienced professional counsellor or psychologist, either face-to-face or over the phone.
They will provide a range of resources and support services tailored to the specific needs of each individual who engages with the program. Whether you are navigating the challenges of career transitions, facing personal hardships, or simply seeking a supportive network, this program is here to assist you.
Two key factors to note:
- You can take up the services anonymously
- The Old Boys’ Union will pick up the cost of the initial consultation and ongoing services you may be eligible for.
These services include:
- Counselling services: Face-to-face, by phone or online access to qualified professionals who specialise in confidential counselling sessions to address individual needs.
- Case management: referral to specialist services when required.
- Workshops and webinars: regular events to equip you with practical tools for everyday challenges.
- Online resources: a dedicated online platform offering articles, videos, and other resources on mental health topics, providing information and guidance at your fingertips.
We believe that by fostering a culture of support, we can contribute to the well-being and success of our Old Boy community. Your mental health is a priority, and we encourage you to take advantage of the resources and services offered through Head Waves.
To learn more about Head Waves and how to access our Members Assistance Program call Access Services 1800 818 728.
Smokeless Tobacco Products
The evolving nicotine landscape requires parents and caregivers to stay informed to protect young people from these emerging threats. Snus and nicotine pouches are gaining popularity among young people as smokeless tobacco (SLT) products. Both products are discreetly placed under the upper lip, allowing nicotine absorption through the gums.
Health authorities are urging proactive measures to curb this growing trend and calling on regulators to implement controls before these products become as widespread as vapes. The high nicotine levels in these products pose serious health risks, including nicotine addiction, cardiovascular disease, gum disease, tooth decay, and even nicotine poisoning. Researchers highlight the detrimental effects of nicotine on developing brains, linking its use to depression, anxiety, ADHD symptoms, and an increased risk of addiction to other drugs.
The marketing of snus and nicotine pouches targets young audiences through social media influencers, raising concerns about their increasing popularity among school students. And like vapes, they come in various flavours and strengths, with unregulated nicotine levels leading to inconsistent and misleading labelling. It is clear that SLT products contain not only nicotine, but also other chemicals with unknown long-term effects.
This Special Report will help you become aware of the potential risks of smokeless tobacco products and guide you in age-appropriate discussions with your child.
Ms Gabby Smith
Deputy Principal – Students
gsmith@waverley.nsw.edu.au
