On Tuesday 12th of June 2018, the Year 10, Year 11 and Year 12 students hosted a visit from Paul Dillon from DARTA (Drug and Alcohol Research Training Australia). Paul Dillon is an Australian expert presenter who discusses the trials and tribulations that teenagers face during high school when faced with drinking and drug use. He travels to schools around Australia to speak with students aged between 15-18 years old to inform them on how to stay safe during this precarious period in life.
Paul Dillon has been visiting the Senior School students of Peter Moyes ACS every year since 2015 with insightful, yet enjoyable and at times confronting discussions regarding the risks, dangers and effects that alcohol and drugs have on teenagers. Along with informing the students of the possible dangers associated with drugs and alcohol, he also thoroughly explains how to stay safe, prevent unsafe situations from occurring and how to deal with the effects of intoxication.
His focus is for the student to stay safe, and teach all students on how to be the person to keep their mates safe.
Paul Dillon’s presentations vary when speaking to a particular year group. When speaking to the Year 10’s, he discusses the idea of drinking amongst teenagers, and how to ensure the safety of yourself and those around you. He expands on this knowledge with the Year 11’s and integrates the use of illegal drug taking into his presentation. He highlights what the student can do in the case of an emergency. With the Year 12’s, the talk remains forever enjoyable but with a touch more seriousness. Paul Dillon discusses the dangers of drunk driving and DUIs with the Year 12’s. He urged us to stay safe on the road.
With all the serious, important and confronting details he presents, Paul Dillon never fails to make us laugh. His candour and sense of humour are just one of the many reasons students look forward to his presentations each year.
I am sad to say that this year would be my last iconic presentation from Paul Dillon. Having sat through three of his talks, I can say without a doubt that the students could not have asked for a better learning than the ones presented by Paul Dillon himself.
On behalf of the Senior School students, I would like to offer a huge thank you to Paul Dillon and hope that he returns for many years to come and continues to entertain and inform the Senior School students.
Written by Aaryan Kapila, Year 12 Hollows House Captain