Principal: Pádraig Ó hArtaigh Vice-Principal: Ms. Louise Enright Ms. Mary O’Shea Ms. Áine Walsh/Ms.Maria Moore Ms. Fiona O’Brien Ms. Emma Murray Ms. Mary Beresford Ms. Kim Daly S.N.A.s Ms. Anita Duggan Ms. Nicola Fitzgerald Mr. Deaglán Ó hArtaigh Mr. Tomás de Faoite Ms. Lorraine Coughlan Uimhir Rolla 18488J Tel: 05842177 e-mail: [email protected]
Introduction A drug can be defined as a chemical, which causes changes in the way the human body functions mentally, physically or emotionally. For the purpose of this policy we are concerned with drugs which have the power to change a previous mood and the way a person thinks about things and drugs or which the taker may become physically or more often psychologically dependent. Relationship to Characteristic Spirit of our school. This school sees itself as having a significant role to play, (in consultation with parents/guardians), in the process of enabling pupils to increase control over and improve their health. The school must also provide a secure and safe environment for pupils and staff, free of the negative and dangerous influences of substance abuse. Aims: We endeavour to promote the well being of pupils/staff by:
Providing a safe and healthy environment.
Promoting positive health behaviours.
Increasing knowledge about health.
Promoting the self-esteem and self-awareness of pupils.
Working in partnership with the parents/pupils and staff.
Rationale: In response to the significant increase in the misuse of substances in our society we feel the need to implement a comprehensive policy to address the problem of substance misuse. The Policy will focus on:-
Strategies for prevention of substance misuse problems i.e. Walk Tall, Alive-O, S.P.H.E., Circle Time.
Procedures for dealing with illicit substances in the school.
Guidelines and information for teachers to improve their response to the problem of substance misuse.
This document should read in conjunction with the Code of Behaviour/Discipline/S.P.H.E. policy of the school. Implementation of the Policy This policy is available for perusal on request. This policy will be regularly evaluated and updated and reviewed again in 2018. This school wishes to make clear that the primary role in substance misuse prevention rests with the parents/guardians. Prevention Education: It is accepted amongst educationlists that education about alcohol, tobacco and drugs is best carried out by teachers through the inclusion of S.P.H.E. in the curriculum. This S.P.H.E. Programme would also draw on the expertise available from the community i.e. Parents, Gardaí, Health Board and specialists in specific areas. Smoking
The school is a restricted smoking area.
Pupils are not permitted to smoke or possess cigarettes at any time on the school premises or in any other place.
Staff and management agree that there will be no designated Smoking Area in the school owing to the nature of the daily work and the influences on children.
Visitors and parents will comply with the restricted smoking policy.
Pupils found smoking on school premises will be reported to the Principal and parents will be informed.
Tobacco will not be permitted as a prize for school raffles.
Alcohol
The school is an alcohol free area.
For the purpose of this policy, staff shall be defined as all staff working within the school community or accessing the school regularly on a voluntary basis.
Pupils will not be allowed to bring alcohol into the school or to consume alcohol in school under any circumstances.
If a teacher/staff member is of the opinion that a student or another member of the school staff is under influence of alcohol, s/he will immediately inform the Principal and consult on what action should be take. The Child Protection Policy (in the case of a pupil) will be immediately consulted and considered. In the case of an adult, all matters must be considered in a sensitive and respectful way in keeping with the schools Pastoral Care Policy. If the staff member suspected to be under the influence is in fact the Principal, the Chairperson of the Board of Management must be informed.
If a staff member continues to cause concern re alcohol abuse, the matter must be addressed by the B.O.M. under the guidelines as presented in the Management Handbook. At no time should the issue of alcohol misuse be allowed to endanger any member of the school community.
Where a pupil comes to school under the influence of alcohol, their parents/guardians will be contacted immediately and the Child Protection Policy will be consulted.
If staff suspect that a parent or a visitor to the school is under the influence of alcohol while on the school premises, the Principal must be informed immediately. Should the situation necessitate it, the Gardai may be called to deal with the situation. At no time should a member of staff endanger themselves or another by confronting a person under the influence who constitutes a risk.
Illicit Drugs and Solvents
Pupils are not permitted to be in possession of or using illicit drugs or solvents on the school premises. Similarly, prescription and over the counter medication is not permitted to be held by pupils. (See Administration of Medicines Policy)
Illicit drugs found on school premises should be locked away and the Gardai contacted to dispose of them. Teachers are advised not to transport illicit substances at any time.
The S.P.H.E. Programme will allow for engagement with :