STATEMENT OF POLICY
We are committed to a safe and supportive learning environment in which the health and well-being of the students are of paramount importance. Together with parents/caregivers, we have a responsibility to provide students with skills and knowledge to help them make informed decisions about their health and well-being in relation to illicit drugs and prohibited substances.
INTRODUCTION
It is essential to respond to drug and prohibited substance issues in a genuine, concerned, legal and pastoral manner, respecting the rights and dignity of all. Catholic Schools have a zero tolerance for the consumption and distribution of illicit drugs and prohibited substances.
RATIONALE
St Teresa’s College, Abergowrie is guided by Gospel values in addition to operating within legislative requirements. All members of our College community have the right to have their safety and welfare protected. Our College plays significant roles in preparing students for living in society. Catholic schools can contribute to reducing problems relating to the use and possession of illicit and prohibited substances in a number of ways including by educating staff, by making information available to parents and students, by providing positive role models, by promoting health and by responding to the students’ welfare needs.
Parents and caregivers are crucial partners in the overall education process. A key focus of any healthy school environment should be an educational process which empowers parents and equips them with the knowledge and skills necessary to support their children during their formative years, particularly with regard to drugs and prohibited substances.
POLICY DIRECTIVE
St Teresa’s College, Abergowrie strives to create a safe and secure educational environment in which each individual is cherished and respected. Where breaches of this environment occur, policies and procedures are in place which supports the student and his family to face the issues involved.
A drugs education program, covering medical drugs, tobacco and alcohol, as well as illicit drugs is a fundamental starting point for our College. Expectations of students, as well as consequences for breaching these expectations, will be clearly defined. These are outlined in the College Student Handbook.
1) Our College will deliver a Drugs Education program which takes into account the Townsville Catholic Education Personal, social and community Health Education in Townsville Catholic Schools Position Statement and includes drug education for students and staff. Resources and support agencies will be made accessible to parents.
2) Our College will develop a whole of school approach to Drugs Education taking responsibility for an integrated, cross-curricular focus.
3) There will be consequences for students who possess, use and/or distribute illicit drugs or prohibitive substances. Such consequences may include expulsion.
4) Any student who distributes illicit drugs by sale or gift will be expelled. The discovery of any illicit drugs will be reported to Police.
ILLICIT DRUGS AND PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES POLICY
DEFINITIONS AND REFERENCES
Definition of Drugs for purpose of this policy includes:
• ILLICIT SUBSTANCES – This term should be taken to cover any substance or item whose possession is prohibited under the Drugs Misuse Act 1986.
• PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES – This term should be taken to cover any substance whose possession, while not illegal, is in contravention of school rules (e.g. tobacco products; alcohol; aerosols; sniffing of petrol, paint, glue and marker pens and certain medicines).
This policy applies to all students of our College.
Legislation
Drugs Misuse Act 1986
Queensland Government Workplace Health and Safety Act 2011
Townsville Catholic Education documents
School Administrative Handbook
Position Statement – Social and Community Health Education in Townsville Catholic Schools