Drug Policy

Policy on the complex issue of drug use is seen as an integral part of an overall School Health Policy. A group with representation from parents, students, staff and the community developed the School Drug Policy.

Rules and Legalities

In addition to the laws that govern drug use in the wider community, the Department of Education & Training has regulations. These regulations do not permit students to:

• Consume, possess, or be under the influence of alcoholic beverage.
• Smoke tobacco products.
• Possess excessive amounts of legal drugs.

These regulations place the same restrictions on teaching staff, ancillary staff, parents, and visitors when students are present;

• on school premises.
• at school functions.

Smoking is prohibited at ALL times.

The Department of Education & Training has guidelines relating to medicinal drugs. Parents must provide written details of a student’s medication, and students may only carry sufficient personal medication for one school day.

The school nurse is the only staff member permitted to administer analgesics such as Panadol. For further details, please refer to the separate Department of Education and Training Medication Policy.


Responding To Incidents of Drug Use

These procedures, while conforming to legal requirements, are designed to address incidents of drug use in a way which is in the best interests of all the parties concerned. With the Principal’s authorization they may be varied to meet the needs of a particular situation.

Consequences

• Smoking and being in the possession of cigarettes as well as being in the company of smokers are seen as a deliberate and serious offence and will result in parent contact, suspension for a maximum of four days and counselling by appropriate personnel. Repeat offences will attract heavier penalties, including suspension of up to ten days and may require outside counselling.
• Possession and/or consumption of alcohol will result in automatic and significant suspension of a maximum of 4 days, compulsory out-of-school and a parent interview. The same consequence will be applied to the inappropriate use of solvents, aerosols or prescribed medicines. Repeat offences will attract heavier penalties, including suspension of up to ten days and may require outside counselling.
• Where possession or use of illegal drugs (including any items used for the purpose of taking or using any illegal drug) is suspected, the police will automatically be involved. Where possible, parents will be contacted to be present during questioning and searching of students, but where this is not possible, a staff member of the same gender will be present at all times. If possession or use has been established, a suspension of up to ten days will be imposed and the school will work with the family to ensure that appropriate counselling takes place. Repeat offences may result in exclusion proceedings being initiated by the school. Students who are knowingly in the company of others who are using drugs may face the same consequences.
• Where selling and/or supply drugs is suspected, the police will automatically be involved. Where possible, parents will be contacted to be present during questioning and searching of students, but where this is not possible, a staff member of the same gender will be present at all times. If selling or supplying has been established, a suspension period of ten days will be imposed. Subsequent incidents of selling and/or supplying drugs may result in exclusion proceedings being initiated by the school.