As many would be aware, the use of electronic cigarettes, or vapes, among young people is on the rise. The ease of availability, the affordability and discrete nature of these devices have all contributed to the increase in use, particularly in recent months. Of particular concern among some young people, is the perception that vaping is a safe alternative to smoking cigarettes. The indisputable facts, however, remind us that:

• Nicotine, a highly addictive drug, is present in most electronic cigarettes. In some cases, additional illicit drugs can also be inhaled. 
• It is illegal for any person under the age of 18 to use, or be in possession of, any form of vape or electronic cigarette.
• It is illegal for anyone to sell or supply vapes or electronic cigarettes to a person under the age of 18. 

At Mount Carmel, we have a zero tolerance approach towards any illegal activity, particularly ones that have been medically proven to have such a significant negative impact on the health and wellbeing of members of the College community. For this reason, I remind all members of the community that such items have no place here at the College and that possession or supply of such items would typically result in an external suspension from the College for a minimum of 3 days for a first offense. Please note that each case is considered on its merits and further sanctions or conditions may be applied in addition to this. Furthermore, subsequent instances would compromise any ongoing enrolment at the College. In most cases these details are also communicated to external authorities for review. In the interest of transparency, it is important that students and parents are made aware of the consequences of such actions so our expectations are made clear and are applied consistently. 

We share these expectations with a priority of informing all within our community regarding the dangers of vaping so that parents may initiate a discussion with their children around such behaviours so that wise decisions are made to abstain from this practice. At a school level, we have discussed the issue of vaping on a number of occasions, and each year group has been addressed by our Police School Liaison Officer, as well as a number of other external presenters regarding such matters.  

I encourage parents to discuss the issue of vaping with their children and to reinforce the dangers associated with this behaviour. I also thank parents for your support in this matter.

Finally this week, please note the College Cross Country Carnival will be held on Thursday April 1. In the interest of ensuring that students are participating in the event during the cooler parts of the day, this event will commence straight after homeroom. Given the anticipated duration of the carnival, it is our intention to dismiss students at 2pm that afternoon. This was raised with the P&F at the first meeting of the year and received strong support. Please note that the College office will close at 3pm on this day, although supervision will be provided for any students who are required to stay back for regular afternoon buses or collection by their parents.