Canadian Academy reserves the right to require a drug test if there are any reasonable grounds to believe that a student may be involved in the use of illegal drugs or the abuse of prescription drugs. The test will be in the form of a hair sample obtained by the school nurse in the presence of an administrator or counselor. Parents will be informed when a student is to be tested and are welcome to be present when the hair sample is obtained.
While the school reserves the discretionary right to require a drug test, it will most likely do so only if a combination of unusual circumstance occur to warrant suspicion. Examples of such circumstances might include:
Faculty observations of general lethargy or listlessness, sudden changes in mood, behavior or habits, bizarre behavior, or an unhealthy preoccupation with drug talk and culture.
Corroborative student interviews.
Excessive tardiness and/or absences.
Unexplained erratic academic performance or a general drop in grades and effort.
Recommendations from the Health Office.
A student who is recommended for testing will receive a confidential notice from the Principal that has to be signed by a parent and presented to the nurse’s office on the day designated for the test. The school nurse will obtain a hair sample in the presence of the school counselor or an administrator. Students who refuse to be tested will be immediately suspended and will have three days to return to school for the test. Students who fail to do so will be required to withdraw from school.
Student and parents will be notified of the test results as soon as they are available. If a student tests positive, the student will be immediately retested to confirm the results. On positive confirmation of the retest the student will be suspended from school for up to five days pending a reinstatement meeting of parents, student and administration. If the student is reinstated, the student will be required to undergo counseling and be subject to quarterly hair sample testing at parent expense to ensure non-drug use. In addition, regular urine tests may be conducted for up to three months after reinstatement at parent expense. A second positive drug test indicating subsequent drug use at anytime during the student’s further enrollment at CA will result in the student having to permanently withdraw from CA.
A student who voluntarily admits to drug use prior to being tested will have parents notified and a meeting of parents, student and administration will be called. The school will require counseling as a condition for continuance at CA and the student will be subject to quarterly hair sample testing at parent expense to ensure non-drug use. In addition, regular urine tests may be conducted for up to three months after voluntary admission. If the student tests positive after voluntary admission the student will be suspended for up to five days pending a reinstatement meeting. If the student is reinstated, the student will be required to undergo further drug counseling at parent expense and continue to be subject to quarterly hair sample testing at parent expense to ensure non-drug use. In addition, regular urine tests may be conducted for up to three months after reinstatement at parent expense. A second positive drug test anytime during the student’s enrolment at CA will result in the student having to permanently withdraw from CA.
Any student found within the school or at school functions to be in possession of, or buying or selling, giving or receiving illegal drugs should expect immediate expulsion. Parents and students should also be aware that it is an obligation of the school under the Penal Code of Japan to report to the police any actual drugs found on the premises.