Scoil Chrost R, Ennis

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Policy on Substance Mis-Use

Scoil Chrost R
Policy on Substance Mis-Use
Scope
This policy applies to staff, students, parents and users of the school building. It covers all
substances: alcohol, tobacco, solvents, etc and prescribed medicines and illegal drugs. It is
applicable to all school related activities and all activities taking place on school premises,
grounds and on school trips.
Relationship to School Ethos
The substance use policy reflects the school ethos as it:
promotes respect for selves, others and the environment
encourages children to develop a healthy lifestyle and respect for the schools Christian
ethos.
Rationale
Exposure to alcohol, tobacco and drugs is part of the world we live in and presents young people
with many challenges which affect their health and well being. The Education Act 1998 provides
that schools should promote the social and personal development of students and provide health
education for them. Government policy now requires schools to have a Substance Mis-Use
Policy in place.
Aim
To aid the school community in coping with challenges of modern day living which pertain to
substance use/misuse.
Content of substance use Policy for Scoil Chrost R
Education concerning substance use in Scoil Chrost R will be provided within the broad context
of S.P.H.E. through resources such as the Walk Tall Programme.
Substances on School Premises
Substances will be stored and used in accordance with the terms of the School Health and Safety
Policy.
Medicines on school premises
Only medicines approved by the Board of Management may be stored on the premises. These
medicines are stored in a secure press where only designated personnel have access.
Management of incidents relating to drugs, alcohol and tobacco

Persons deemed to be under the influence of either drugs/alcohol are not permitted on the
school premises.
No smoking is permitted in or around the school building in compliance with the current
regulations.

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Policy on Substance Mis-Use

Pupils who are involved in using drugs or alcohol or found in possession of either on the
school premises or during a school related activity will be referred by the class teacher to
the Principal in the first instance. Parents/Guardians will be contacted. Having assessed
the situation the Principal may then refer the matter to the Discipline Committee.
If necessary such incidents may be brought to the attention of the Board of Management.
The BoM may facilitate links with support agencies where appropriate. In dealing with
the situation due care will be taken to maintain balance between a pastoral and a
disciplinary response. The needs of pupils involved and the welfare of all other pupils in
the school will be considered when dealing with such incidents.
Pupils who are considered to be under the influence of drugs/ alcohol will be cared for.
Parents/guardian/appropriate services will be contacted immediately.
Unauthorised substances found on the premises will be confiscated immediately.
Gardai will be notified should illegal drugs and/or associated paraphernalia be discovered
on the school premises.
The Chairperson of the schools Board of Management shall be responsible for dealing
with media regarding any incident, which may arise.

Provision for training and staff development

There is a shared understanding among the staff regarding the contribution that an SPHE
programme can make to the prevention of substance misuse. Staff members are aware of
the contribution they can make to the prevention of substance misuse within their own
class by developing a supportive class environment and the school SPHE programme.
The DES/BOM are responsible for the provision of in-service training. Staff members
are to be made aware of and sensitive to the signs and symptoms of substance misuse and
the laws relating to alcohol, tobacco and drug use and how they relate to themselves, to
the school and the students by in-service training. Staff members who are aware that
signs and symptoms associated with solvent misuse can spring from other causes or
medical conditions.
New staff, in particular, will be briefed on the substance use policy of the school by the
teacher with responsibility for the coordination of SPHE in the school.
Parent education on SPHE and issues relating to substance misuse will be promoted in
the school community by the Parent Association with the support of the Board of
Management and teaching staff.
Success Criteria
The policy will be judged to have been successful if there is a high level of awareness of the
dangers and symptoms of substance misuse as it affects our school community and there is
constant reinforcement of the core issues.
The success of the policy will also be gauged by the effectiveness of the policy in addressing
incidents which may arise.

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Scoil Chrost R, Ennis

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Policy on Substance Mis-Use

Monitoring Procedures
The Board of Management will seek feedback from the teaching staff on an annual basis on the
implementation of the policy.
Timeframe and Review
The policy will be reviewed as necessary.
Communication
A copy of this policy has been given to each teacher and is available for parents to view in the
school.
Policy Ratification
This policy was ratified by the Board of Management at its meeting held on: ____________
Signed:_______________________________________
(Chairperson, Board of Management)

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