At Aranmore, one of the very important parts of our Vision Statement is the creation of a learning environment that fosters growth in freedom and responsibility for our students. We all had a part in writing the Vision Statement, and so obviously we believe in its importance.

This policy focuses on how we should treat the important issue of drugs. As students mature, they are faced with decisions about their own health and well-being. We strive to provide an educational environment where student decisions can be made with appropriate knowledge and understanding of the potential consequences to themselves and others.

Rationale
Aranmore aims to promote a positive, healthy and caring school environment embracing family, spiritual and community values within our unique and multicultural community. Aranmore's drug policy promotes zero tolerance and is binding on all members and visitors of the College community.

Definition of a Drug
A drug is any substance which when taken into the body alters its function physically and/or psychologically. It includes prescription drugs such as analgesics; illicit drugs such as cannabis and amphetamines; and 'over the counter' drugs such as alcohol and tobacco.

Prevention
The College recognises the need to provide students with a comprehensive Drug Education Program so they can make informed choices based on factual information. This program is based on the harm minimisation approach suggested in the National Policy for Drug Education and seeks to take action necessary to reduce the risks and harm faced by those using drugs, whilst ensuring that drug use is not encouraged or normalised.

Medication
College staff are prohibited from administering medication without the expressed permission of the parent/guardian and the provision of clear instructions to staff.

If a student is required to carry or self-administer prescribed medicine while at school, parents must still advise the school of all relevant details.

Intervention
Regardless of age, culture or status, when on school premises or at school functions, it is expected that students:

are not in possession of, or smoke tobacco products;
are not in possession of, or consume alcoholic beverages;
do not possess any drug related equipment such as syringes, bongs, pipes, etc, except in the case of lawful medical use;
do not deliberately inhale solvents;
are not in possession of, or consume non-prescribed drugs;
do not arrange for the distribution and/or sale of any drugs or be involved in situations that may put other students at risk;
who knowingly congregate with others using drugs may be dealt with the same way as the drug users;
who have knowledge of drug use by others will act morally and with a duty of care by reporting the matter to a responsible member of the Aranmore Catholic College community.

Consequences
Each instance deemed to be in breech of this policy will be considered individually and independently according to the given set of circumstances at the time. In each instance, the Principal and/or the relevant members of the School Management Team will determine the appropriate sanctions to be made.

Sanctions may include:

suspension (in or out of school);
detention;
loss of recess or lunchtime;
parental contact;
counselling;
suspension from school functions such as camps, excursions and/or social events.

Exclusion of a student, although not considered a solution, must be considered if the student poses a definite risk to himself or any other member of the school community.