Informer - August 2019

From the Headmaster's desk ...

A concerning trend which is becoming an increasing issue in schools and society over the past year is vaping.

Vaping is the use of an electronic cigarette (e-cig) or vaporizer (vape) to deliver nicotine, marijuana and/or other chemicals to the body. Vape contains liquid chemicals (e-juice), along with a mechanism to heat those chemicals in a very small device that comes in many styles. Vapes heat the chemicals to create an aerosol form of those chemicals that get delivered into the body and often into the environment. Vaped chemicals enter the lungs, bloodstream and brain within seconds. The user can often have a feeling of light-headedness, dizziness or experience a rush or high, which may set off cravings for more.

Purchasing or possessing a vape under 18 years of age is supposed to be illegal, but in New Zealand, in it’s poorly legislated position over vapes, there is little regulation or control. Many of our students are buying vapes online and just ticking the box on the order form online agreeing that they are 18 years of age (even if they are not). There is no real proof of age required. Australia, in contrast, does not allow vape shops – you can only buy online, it is illegal to vape in public/out on the street/in a vehicle where children are present.

Read more here.

Key events in August

Fri 9 Aug: Good Vibrations - 7pm in the Chapel - tickets online

Sat 10 - Mon 12 Aug: EXEAT weekend

Tues 27 Aug: Andrew Fuller seminar - 7pm in the Chapel - tickets online

Sat 31 Aug - Tues 3 Sep: EXEAT weekend

Mon 7 - Sun 8 Sep: Winter sport tournament week

Mon 9 - Fri 13 Sep: Senior benchmark examinations

For other key events, view the calendar.