Substance Use Policy

KILBRIDE NATIONAL SCHOOL

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Substance Use Policy

 

This policy was formulated by the Staff and Board of Management of Kilbride National School. This policy was formulated in order to establish the school’s rules and regulations on substance use.

 

Introduction

 

A drug can be defined as a chemical, which causes changes in the way human body functions mentally, physically or emotionally. This policy is concerned with drugs which have the power  to change a previous mood and the way a person thinks about things or drugs which the taker may become physically or more often psychologically dependent.

 

Kilbride National School sees itself as having a role in the process of enabling pupils to increase control over and improve their health. We endeavour to promote the well being of pupils by:

 

  1. Provide a safe and healthy environment.
  2. Promoting positive health behaviours.
  3. Promoting a healthy eating policy.
  4. Increasing knowledge about health.
  5. Promoting the self-esteem and self-awareness of pupils.
  6. Working in partnership with the parents and pupils.

 

This policy will focus on the following:

 

  1. Strategies for prevention of substance misuse:
  • Walk Tall Programme
  • Grow in Love Programme
  • Circle Time.
  • Stay Safe Programme
  • SPHE Programme.
  • Visits form experts in the area of substance use.
  1. Procedures for dealing with drug incidences in school.
  2. Guidelines and information for teachers to improve their response to the problem of substance misuse.

 

Education

 

It is accepted amongst educationalists that education about alcohol, tobacco and drugs is best carried out by teachers through the inclusion of SPHE in the curriculum.

 

However, the Board of Management of Kilbride National School wishes to make clear that the role of substance misuse prevention education rests with the parents/guardians.

 

Smoking

 

  • The school is a NO smoking area.
  • All reports of smoking must be made to the Principal.
  • Pupils are not permitted to smoke or possess cigarettes on the school premises or in any other place.
  • Staff may not smoke within the school premises.
  • Visitors will have to comply with the No smoking policy.
  • Pupils found smoking on school premises will be reported to the Principal and parents will be informed.

 

Alcohol

 

  • The school is an alcohol free area.
  • All reports of consumption of alcohol in the school must be made to the Principal.
  • Pupils will not be allowed to bring alcohol into the school or to consume alcohol in school or during any school activities.
  • If a teacher feels that a child is under the influence of alcohol, she/he will immediately inform the Principal.
  • If a child arrives to school under the influence of alcohol, the parents/guardians will be contacted and asked to collect the child.
  • If a parent/guardian arrives to school under the influence of alcohol, they will be asked to leave.
  • If alcohol is required for an adult only school function, permission must be sought from the Board of Management.
  • Alcohol is not permitted to be used as raffle prizes at functions where children are present.

 

Illicit Drugs and Solvent

 

  • Pupils are forbidden from being in possession of or using illicit drugs or solvents in the school.
  • All reports of illicit drugs and solvents must be made to the Principal.
  • Illicit drugs found on school premises should be locked away and the Gardaí contacted to dispose of them. Teachers are advised not to transport illicit substances at any time.
  • If a teacher is of the opinion that a pupil is under the influence of illicit drugs or solvents, he/she will immediately inform the Principal.
  • Where the school suspects trafficking of illicit drugs, an investigation will be carried out. Parents of any pupil involved will be informed. The advice and assistance of the Garda Juvenile Officer will be sought.
  • The Board of Management of Kilbride National School will expect parents to inform the Principal or teacher if they suspect their child of drug taking.

 

Implementation

 

This policy will be implemented by the Principal, Staff and Board of Management of Kilbride National School. A copy of this policy will be made available to the Parents and Guardians of pupils.

 

This policy was approved by the Board of Management in the academic year 2017/2018 and will be reviewed in the academic year 2018/2019.

 

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