Blessed Trinity RC College, Burnley, Lancashire.

Welcome to our website

HPPrefects

Letter from the Headteacher

30 March 2023

Dear Parent/Carer

Subject: E-Cigarettes and ‘vaping’ in school

It is important to alert you concerning a worrying trend we are seeing among some pupils in school.

This letter is to:

• inform you of the issue

• give you access to information and resources

• alert you to the repercussions if your child brings an e-cigarette into school or engages in vaping whilst in school

We take this issue very seriously due to the negative health effects vaping can have on our pupils.

What is vaping?
Vaping is the act of inhaling a vapor produced by an electronic vaporizer or e-cigarette. The vapor can contain nicotine and other concerning substances. The liquids that are vaporized come in different flavours and might even smell fruity. There are also some juices that contain cannabis oils, and other harmful substances.

Health concerns
The aerosol from e-cigarettes can be damaging to your health. It can contain harmful and potentially harmful chemicals, including nicotine; ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs; flavouring such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to a serious lung disease; volatile organic compounds such as benzene, which is found in car exhausts. E-cigarettes come in all different shapes. Some common styles look like a thick pen, a stylus for an iPad, a flash drive, or a small flask with a round chimney coming off the top. The devices are very small and can easily be hidden on a person or in their bag.

Our first and foremost concern is pupil health and safety. Pupils who are using these devices are inhaling nicotine and other harmful chemicals thinking it is safe. As you know, nicotine is highly addictive and some of these unregulated products that pupils are purchasing at vape shops or online, contain higher levels of nicotine than cigarettes. They are highly addictive and some pupils are struggling to manage this addiction.

Additionally, if you are aware of any local shops selling these products to underage pupils, please can you let us know so that we can report them to the Police- This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

We have updated our behaviour policy to reflect our zero tolerance regarding vaping.
http://www.btrcc.lancs.sch.uk/index.php/main-parents-menu/college-policies/84-behaviour

Vaping is causing addictive behaviours in young people that we have never experienced before. I urge you as parents/carers to be vigilant with your child. If they have such item in their possession remove it immediately. Smoking is against the law for young people under the age of 18 and we are yet to fully understand the dangers related to vaping. Let’s work together to support our young people to make better choices.

Please find some information related to the health risks of vaping below. We kindly ask that you take a moment and look through these resources and have a conversation with your child:

Is it ok to vape underage?
• Childline – Is it Ok to vape?

Key vaping information
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dZS_Rniak0

The effects vaping has on the brain
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aasK

Times Radio report – How Social Media is getting your kids addicted to vaping
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZgTN7as7b0

Dangers of vapes – How to talk to your kids about them
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JCAyb3lDTo

Smoking – Time’s Up
• Smoking Prevention WPCN – YouTube

If you would like any support with the matters concerned in this letter please in the first instance refer to your child’s head of year:

Year 7 - Ms R Wiseman:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Year 8 - Mrs L Mirfield:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Year 9 - Mr A Isherwood:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Year 10 - Mr J Kelly:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Year 11 - Mr M Holding:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

All matters will be dealt with sensitivity and confidentiality.
We thank you for your ongoing support,

Yours faithfully

Mrs D Williams
Headteacher

Welcome from the Headteacher

Student heads

Blessed Trinity is a fantastic place - we believe that we are part of God’s creative process, fulfilling the potential of each individual in order to make the world a better place.

We are a vibrant community, inspiring young hearts and minds and enabling all of our youngsters to flourish.

Mrs Williams

Headteacher

TEACHINGANDLEARNING BANNERTOP