Drug Policy

Written: Aug 2005

Reviewed:

The use of alcohol, tobacco, other substances (such as performance enhancing drugs or prescription drugs when not taken in accordance with a medically prescribed regime) and illicit drugs is now widespread amongst adolescents in Australia. Anglican schools under the auspices of the Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn have a responsibility to address the problem of harmful drug use both inside and outside normal school hours.

Independent schools take varying positions on drugs and related substances. For some, the policy on the use, possession or distribution of drugs and related substances is one of zero tolerance. The convention is that students who offend are removed from the school. Other schools have adopted a different approach, while retaining a strong anti-drug message. The aim is to develop a way forward that enables the school to give greater expression to the Christian ethos in the education of young people.

Anglican Schools within the Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn acknowledge their partnership role, especially with parents, relevant welfare service agencies and the community generally, in addressing the social issue of ensuring a safe, drug-free environment.

The Diocesan Schools Council recommends an approach concerning drugs and young people that focuses on prevention and early intervention - designed to discourage students from using drugs and, for those who become involved with drugs in some manner, to provide for a process of repentance, restoration and reconciliation.

The goals of the Policy for Anglican Schools in the Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn are to use best endeavours to :

Encourage a culture of drug avoidance both at school and at home; and
Develop a support structure to help students who are known to have used a drug.

Policy Statement

This drug policy applies to all members of the school community as follows :

Students

Burgmann Anglican School does not permit students while on school premises, at any school function, excursion, camp or while in school uniform to :

smoke and/or possess tobacco products;
deliberately inhale volatile substances (solvents);
possess and/or use and/or be under the influence of pharmaceutical drugs for non-medical purposes;
possess and/or use drug related equipment, such as syringes, bongs or pipes (except in the case of lawful medical use);
possess and/or use and/or provide and/or be under the influence of illicit drugs including performance enhancing drugs;
be under the influence of alcohol;
arrive at school under the influence of drugs; or
consume and/or possess alcohol.

NOTE : possess means that the person has the substance on them, in their bag, in their locker, etc.

Burgmann Anglican School Employees

Burgmann Anglican School requires Burgmann employees while on school premises or attending approved school activities not to engage in any activity 1 to 7 above. Activity 8 would require the prior specific approval by the Principal.

Visitors

Burgmann Anglican School, as a school promoting good health, requires visitors to the school while on school premises or attending school activities not to engage in any activity a to g above. Activity h would require the prior specific approval by the Principal.

Identification OF DRUG RELATED PROBLEMS

The existing Pastoral Care system will be used to assist staff members to identify alcohol, tobacco and other drug related problems and monitor and support students where necessary.

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES

Prevention Education and Support

Health and drug education is taught as part of a comprehensive and compulsory health education program. The outcomes of this include :

The development of the whole person. It assists students to develop positive attitudes towards personal health, safe behaviours and physical activity and seeks to contribute to the individual's emotional, mental, physical and social well-being.
The development of a wide range of personal and interpersonal communication skills and experience that enable students to work effectively as individuals and as team members in all aspects of life.
Helping students make informed decisions about their lifestyle, based on positive choices, which also take into account the values of the family, culture and religion to which they may belong.

The Burgmann pastoral care program provides support and guidance for students seeking or requiring assistance with health and drug related issues. The School Counselor provides a strictly confidential counseling service for students aimed at prevention, education and support in relation to drugs.
Curriculum mapping will be carried out to assess what is being taught across the areas of Physical and Health Education, Science and Religious Education with a view to achieving a more cohesive approach to drug education.
A Tutor resource manual will be developed to complement the established health education program. There will also be an improved cross faculty/pastoral information flow so that Tutors know when key health topics are being covered in curriculum areas. This will allow Tutors to be more involved in the educational process.

Responsive Procedures

These intervention procedures are designed to address alcohol, tobacco and other drug-related problems to ensure the health and well being of all parties concerned are addressed.

Consequences may vary considerably depending on the details of the incident, including the substance involved, the behavioural history of the person identified as having a part in the incident and the immediate and potential impact on others. All cases will be dealt with on a strictly individual basis and hence any doctrine of procedures will not apply.

These consequences could include :

Disciplinary action which may include

Students : warning, interview, detention, suspension, expulsion, legal action

Staff : warnings/interviews, note on file, demotion, dismissal, legal action

Visitors : warning, request to leave the premises, further action at the discretion of the Principal.

Awareness raising and support strategies for those who are provided with a second chance could include :

Compulsory attendance at a specialist drugs counselor

Compulsory sessions with the School Counselor

Use of appropriate outside agencies

Drug testing (at the expense, support, consent and arrangement of the parent)

Where further assistance is necessary the School Counselor, in consultation with the student and parent/caregiver, will determine the most effective therapy or referral to outside agencies where necessary.

The following outline provides a guide to the normal disciplinary pathway. However, all cases will be judged on the complex issues at hand and on an individual basis.

Tobacco
Alcohol
Illicit Drugs - Possession (including performance enhancing drugs)
Providing illicit drugs to other Burgmann students (including performance enhancing drugs)
Misuse of Prescription drugs

RESPONDING TO INCIDENTS OF DRUG USE - STUDENTS

The adult who first becomes aware of the problem should:

Establish and respond to the student's immediate safety.
Organise a certified first aid person to administer first aid when necessary.

Remove the student from the school activity
Inform the Head of School or the next most senior person as soon as practicable
Escort the student to that person.

NOTE : The school reserves the right to search the possessions of a student at the school or at a school function/activity.

The Principal will :

Advise the Head of School that an incident has occurred
Decide who will follow up the matter (Head of School or Principal)
That person will establish and validate the facts by interviewing relevant staff and students
Contact parents and seek an interview to discuss all matters prior to any final decision
Decide on the course of action to be taken in consultation with Principal or Head of School as appropriate
Arrange for agreed course of action to be implemented. This may include compulsory counseling, medical testing and/or certification of treatment.

NOTE : Only the Principal can make the final decision about expulsion, in consultation with the Board Chair and the Bishop

NON-STUDENTS SUBJECT TO THIS POLICY

1. The incident should be reported to the Principal/Head of School or the next most senior person as soon as possible.

2. Principal/Head of School to decide on appropriate course of action and implement it.

APPEALS PROCESS

Students or parents or staff may appeal against the decision. The school will form a committee of three consisting of Board Members (2) and an Anglican School educator independent of Burgmann (1).