Policies:Drugs Policy (Section 1 of 4)

Coláiste Choilm Drugs Policy

Introduction
This school is committed to addressing the needs of the whole school in relation to drugs. We believe that Teachers, Parents, Board of Management and Students need to work together and that co-operation is essential to the acceptance and implementation of the policy.
It has been agreed that a drug is: ‘Any substance which changes the way the body functions, mentally physically or emotionally’.
This school recognises that drugs - both legal and illegal - are available in the local community and that the school, being part of this community, will have drug incidents which need to be handled in a consistent and sensitive way. This school also acknowledges that it has an important role to play in drugs education, both in terms of prevention and offering support to those who use drugs.
The policy applies to students, parents, all school staff and school management.
School Ethos
This school believes that the Personal and Social Development of each member of the school community is important. Education flourishes in an environment where good relationships are encouraged, where people feel valued and respected and where there is genuine tolerance, fairness and support for those in difficulty.
The use of Drugs in school
This school does not accept the possession, use or supply of drugs, in the school or on school trips/events, by any member of the school community. The only exception is for legitimate medical use and the school has to be informed.
If a student is required to take legitimate medicines during school hours a note from his/her parents to that effect must be placed in the student’s file in the main office (if this information is not already recorded on the student’s registration form).
The class tutor is responsible for accessing information and informing the teachers of the student involved. In the case of a school/event trip, it is the responsibility of the parent/carer of the child involved to inform the organiser of the event of any medication which the child may be taking.

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