Substance Abuse Policy

All schools are required by law to have in place a Substance Abuse Policy.  It is also right that we clearly state where we stand in regards to this important societal matter.

UNDERLYING PREMISES:

We believe that the use of illegal substances is wrong. We believe that the misuse and abuse of alcohol is wrong i.e. drinking at too earlier an age or drinking too much. We believe that smoking cigarettes is wrong.  

There is a difference between legal and illegal drugs.

We have a responsibility for, and a control over, what happens in school or during school related activities.

We have a concern for our students that stretches beyond the hours they spend in school.  However, it is unacceptable to the College that what a student does in his leisure time impacts negatively on his school work.

EDUCATION:

We seek to educate our pupils in regards to the reality of drugs and their dangerous and harmful effects. Through both the formal curriculum and the co-curricular programme of the College, we seek to enable our pupils to develop a healthy and positive lifestyle.

SCHOOL CODE OF BEHAVIOUR:

The possession or consumption of illegal substances in school or during school related activities will not be tolerated and therefore will incur expulsion. While the use of illegal substance may be increasingly widespread in society, we do not accept this as any justification for the possession or consumption of illegal substance in school. Our strict stance in regards to school and school related activities is motivated by a concern for the individual(s) involved and also by a concern for the welfare of the other pupils.

The possession or consumption of alcohol in school or during school related activities may also incur expulsion.

Smoking in school or during school related activities will incur serious sanction.

COUNSELLING/ PASTORAL CARE:

We will provide such counselling or support that we are able to any of our pupils who use illegal substances or who misuse/ abuse legal substances and who seek help. Our aim will be to assist them to stop their use or abuse of these substances. However, this support of our pupils operates within the context of school’s Code of Behaviour.