Substance Use Policy 2005 (under review)

Coláiste Dhúlaigh Mission Statement:

To provide an excellent educational service which is relevant to the needs of all students.  This service should:

  1. Enable staff and students to realise their full potential
  2. Take place in a safe, respectful and stimulating environment
  3. Facilitate community development

We have put this Policy together

  1. To provide a safe and substance misuse free environment of all
  2. To enable students, parents and teachers to be aware of the consequences of substance misuse
  3. To allow teachers, parents and students react to incidents in an informed manner

Sanctions in this Policy apply to second level students on the school premises, on school trips and on the way to and from school.  The behaviour and professional conduct of staff are covered by law and by “A Code of Practice for CDVEC Staff in their Relationships with the Scheme’s Students”.

Department of Education & Science guidelines suggest that our outstanding of “drugs” may be that “a drug is any chemical which alters how the body works, or how the person behaves or feels”.

This Policy has been drafted by a group of students, teachers, parents, a representative from a local primary school and a drug prevention officer (Appendix 5).

The first strand deals with Substance Use Policy (under review).  The second strand deals with managing incidents relating to substance misuse.  The Policy will operate in conjunction with the Code of Behaviour, the School Rules, CDVEC Substance Use Policy, the Education and Welfare Act.   

 Substance Use Policy (under review):

 1. Parents:

According to Article 42 of the Irish Constitution parents are the primary educators of their children.  The school will endeavour to support parents in their role. 

Parents will have access to the Substance Misuse Policy, key points will be sent to every home.

Where possible training will be provided for parents on recognition of illegal substances, the effects of misuse and the signs and symptoms of substance misuse.

This may be provided through the Home School Liaison Co-ordinator.

Parents/parent support will be investigated as a means whereby parents can source support within the community.  A list of useful community supports and counselling groups will be available through the community liaison person.

At enrolment, and as it arises during the year, parents/guardians will be expected to inform the school if their child is taking prescribed medication. Parents will ensure that the Year Head has an up to date emergency contact number.

In the event of the involvement of their own children parents will be informed at all stages.

2.Students:

The awareness of students of drugs will be broadened through the Social Personal and Health Education Programme.  This will include the use of guest speakers and an information campaign such as the use of posters.

Students will be made aware of the School Code of Conduct and the School Rules. 

The possibility of establishing a Student Body like a student council will be examined.

3. Staff:

 This Policy and the School Code of Conduct and the School rules will be brought to the attention of all staff.  Staff will be expected to apply the School Rules.

All staff involved with Social Personal and Health Education will be trained and that training will be ongoing.

In-service training will be provided for staff in relation to recognition of illegal substances, facts about substances and the signs and symptoms of substance misuse.

Staff will be informed re the storage of solvents.

Staff links with the community will be strengthened, e.g. liaison with North East Drugs Task Force.

Substance Misuse – Management of Incidents

All substance misuse incidents will be dealt with according to this Policy and the City of Dublin V.E.C. Substance Use Policy – General Principles on Intervention.  Any incident of substance misuse by students will be seen in the context of the welfare of the individual student and the school community as a whole – this is the primary concern of this policy.

A substance misuse incident will be reported immediately to the Principal or Deputy Principal.  If medical help is required an ambulance will be called and arrangements made for a parent or an appropriate adult to meet the student.  Parents will ensure that the school has an up to date emergency contact number.

The Principal/Deputy Principal/Year Head will deal with incidents in line with School Rules and current legislation.  Each incident will be dealt with individually.

  1. Possession/use of an illegal drug on school premises or on school related activities
  • A student is liable to a lengthy suspension of up to three weeks
  • Parents will be informed
  • The Gardaí will be notified in the case of an illegal substance
  • Counselling will be offered for drug misuse, the student will be expected to attend at least once
  • Information re counselling/support groups will be offered to parents.
  1. In the event of dangerous misuse of solvents or medication
  • A student is liable to a lengthy suspension of up to three weeks
  • Parents will be informed
  • Counselling will be offered, the student will be expected to attend at least once
  • Information re counselling/support groups will be offered to parents
  1. In the case of students suspected to be or known to be under the influence of alcohol or substances
  • The student will be removed from class
  • The matter will be investigated by the Principal/Deputy Principal or Year Head
  • Steps outlined in 1. and 2. above will apply
  1. In the event where a student is found to be dealing/supplying illegal substances
  • The Gardai will be informed
  • Parents of the student will be informed
  • Information re counselling/support groups will be offered to parents
  • The Principal will apply to have the student excluded from school
  1. Smoking
  • School Rules will apply

In the event of a re-occurrence of substance misuse or serious misbehaviour exclusion from school will be sought.

Medication:

The school nurse does not give out medication. At enrolment and as it arises during the year parents/guardians are expected to provide information about any medication prescribed for their children.

Evaluation and monitoring

Members of staff will be designation to oversee the implementation of this Policy as follows:

  1. Parents Home School Liaison Co-ordinator
  2. Students Head of the S.P.H.E. Department
  3. Staff Head of the S.P.H.E. Department

Substance Misuse Management of Incidents – Principal or Deputy Principal