ALCOHOL AND DRUGS POLICY CODE: J 5.3

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1 POLICY CODE: J 5.3 The London District Catholic School Board believes in the sacredness of human life and the dignity of the human person. The purpose of Catholic education is to promote the formation of the whole person so that each may achieve full potential in spiritual, intellectual, academic, vocational, social and civic development. Catholic education also promotes the common good of society. The misuse of alcohol and drugs counters these purposes. Therefore the Board directs that all persons charged with the education, instruction and supervision of students take all steps possible to develop in students the knowledge, attitudes and values which will give them the confidence to make right decisions about the use of alcohol and drugs. The Board delegates to the Director of Education responsibility for addressing student use of alcohol and other drugs and the attendant problems by means of: 1. A curriculum designed to enhance understanding of the dignity of the human person and reduce the incidence of alcohol and drug related problems. 2. Identification of problems and appropriate support for students for whom preventive efforts have been unsuccessful. 3. Fair and equitable disciplinary action regarding alcohol or drug-related infractions. Adopted: 98/07/13

2 REGULATIONS 1.0 A preventive curriculum and associated activities are to be included in Religion, Family Life, Guidance and Health programs. Their goal is the elimination of alcohol and drugrelated problems among students and the promotion of a healthy life style. The emphasis is on the sacredness of human life and the dignity of human person coupled with a commitment of students, parents and staff to a shared set of values and life style animated by the teachings of the Catholic Church and its recognition of community and social responsibility. 2.0 Appropriate counselling must be provided for student athletes to guard against the use of performance enhancing drugs. 3.0 Early intervention initiatives involving parents, teachers and students are to be encouraged and promoted whereby alcohol and other drug use can be identified early and related problems discerned. Where referral to professional assessment and counselling services is necessary the support and understanding of the school community is a vital component of the rehabilitation process. 4.0 Disciplinary action will be designed to protect the health and safety of all students by deterring individuals from possessing or using alcohol and other drugs in any circumstance, and especially on board property or at board or school sponsored events. 5.0 The Board prohibits student consumption of alcohol or the use of illegal drugs on board property and at events sponsored by the Board or its schools. Exceptions allowing for the provision of alcoholic beverages at special/social events held exclusively for adults on Board property may be applied for through the office of the Director.

3 PROCEDURES 1.0 General Procedures for Schools 1.1 In recognition of the fact that all students in elementary and secondary schools are affected by the use of drugs, schools are encouraged to promote the development of partnerships among students, staff, parents and community resources. Examples of partnership development follow: a) Student Involvement Make students aware of ways in which they can actively help peers lead drug-free healthy lives by supporting activities such as addiction awareness weeks and special events or assemblies and by utilizing peer counselling or education as appropriate. b) Parent Involvement Advise parents of school or system initiatives, involve them as appropriate and provide basic information on drugs and relevant community resources. Encourage parents to talk to their children about alcohol or drug misuse and to provide the support young people need to resist peer pressure. Encourage parents to avoid the use of alcohol at events planned for under age children or youths. c) Staff Involvement Provide opportunities for all school staff to develop the competence and confidence to educate students about drugs and to recognize signs that suggest a student may be taking drugs. Encourage staff to help students understand that drug use adversely affects relationships with families and friends and limits prospects for future education and work. d) Community Involvement Utilize the variety of services provided by law-enforcement and other social service agencies to provide the opportunities suggested for students, staff and parents. Physicians and pharmacists may also share expertise. 1.2 An appropriate response to the problem of drug use will occur only when everyone works together to deliver a firm consistent message with regard to expectations and consequences, to those who would use or sell drugs. 2.0 Students Suspected of Alcohol or Other Drug Use or Under Their Influence 2.1 Where a student's appearance or behaviour indicates use of alcohol or other drugs, all school personnel are expected to convey the care and concern of the Catholic school community and to provide whatever individual support they can to help the student and family deal with the problem. 1 of 3

4 PROCEDURES (continued) 2.2 If a student appears to be under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, the school shall contact the parent/guardian to arrange for immediate and safe transportation home or to a hospital if deemed necessary. 2.3 A student under the influence of alcohol or other drugs at school or at a school/board function may be suspended. 2.4 Where a school/board function is occurring off school property, and a student appears to be under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, school staff shall still take whatever action is deemed appropriate for the safety of the individual and all students. The parent/guardian shall be advised as soon as possible. 2.5 Where a student is involved with alcohol or other drug use, all school personnel shall support the student and family in a manner appropriate for a Catholic school community. Selected staff shall take whatever action they can to promote the involvement of the student and family with professionals in the community who may help establish a more productive lifestyle. 3.0 Students in Possession of Alcohol/Drugs or Suspected of Distributing Alcohol/Drugs 3.1 The position of the Board is that the possession and/or selling of alcohol or other drugs is illegal and that all persons in the school are expected to act as citizens who uphold the law. 3.2 If there is any reasonable anticipation of a subsequent police investigation and the possibility of criminal charges being laid, the police should be involved at the earliest possible time. 3.3 Where it is necessary for reasons of student safety to act immediately, the principal or teacher shall deal with the situation as common sense dictates and in accordance with his/her duties and rights under the Education Act to maintain proper order and discipline in the school and to protect the students. 3.4 If/when a teacher or principal is questioning a student suspected of illegal activities and it is decided that the police will become involved: a) the parent/guardian shall be so notified by the school. b) the investigation by the school personnel will cease. c) the police will be contacted by the principal or vice-principal to ensure the investigation and the obtaining of evidence proceeds in the proper way and is admissible in court. 2 of 3

5 PROCEDURES (continued) 4.0 Policy Implementation 4.1 Principals are responsible for implementation of this policy and its regulations. 4.2 In each school a staff member must be identified who is responsible for initiation of preventative activities involving staff, students, parents and community agencies, and for the provision of a support network for individual students in need. 4.3 Further, all school and system staff are expected to do whatever they can to prevent the misuse of alcohol and drugs. School and system initiatives dealing with the use of alcohol and drugs must be ongoing and complementary. 3 of 3