SCHOOL DRUG POLICY
Carine Senior High School drug policy states that the following types of drug use by students are not acceptable on our school premises or at a school function.
¨ smoking and/or possession of tobacco products and lighting equipment
¨ consumption and/or possession of alcoholic beverages
¨ deliberate inhalation of solvents and gases
¨ possession and/or use of drug-related equipment such as syringes, bongs and pipes. (Misuse of Drugs Act 1981) except in cases of prescription by a registered medical practitioner (eg. the use of needles by diabetics).
¨ Possession and/or use of illegal drugs in accordance with the Misuse of Drugs Act (1981).
Please note that “on our school premises or at a school function” includes any time a student travels to and from school (within a reasonable distance), any school camp, excursion or any other school-related functions such as a disco, river cruise, dinner dance, formal ball, sporting carnivals and school tours intrastate, interstate or overseas.
REPONDING TO INCIDENTS OF DRUG ABUSE
a) Smoking Offences
Will result in suspension from school and will increase in severity if the student continues to offend. Tobacco products found in the students’ possession will be confiscated. Students who remain in the company of offenders are also committing smoking offences.
b) Alcohol Solvents and Gases
As a result of possession and/or consumption of alcohol and/or possession of solvents or gases, the Deputy Principal will contact the parents and the student will be sent home immediately under suspension. The student will not be allowed to return to school until a parent or guardian and the student has attended an interview.
c) Prohibited Drugs
In the case of a student being found in possession, using and/or selling/supplying prohibited drugs, the Principal will contact the parent and the police. Moreover, during any subsequent interview at the school, the relevant procedures outlined in The Teachers’ Handbook & Administrative Instructions will be followed. Drug related equipment found in a student’s possession will be confiscated and the Deputy will contact the student’s parents and police.
In addition, immediate suspension from school will take place for the offending student(s). In cases of sale/supply, the school will press for prosecution to the full extent of the law.
Furthermore, any student found to be involved with alcohol, solvents, gases and/or prohibited drug-related activities, will be immediately banned from all school-related functions for a 12 month period in the case of students in Years 8, 9 and 10, and in the case of students in Years 11 and 12 from all remaining upper school social functions, including the Year 12 Ball.
Further Action
Where appropriate, counselling will be made available to the student by the student services staff. Outside counselling agencies may be contacted at this stage as intensive drug counselling is not usually the role of school personnel. Students will be referred to relevant agencies after discussion between the student services personnel, the Principal and the parents or guardian.
* Complete copies of the drug policy are printed from time to time
in the newsletter or can be obtained from the school.