Alcohol, DRUG & SMOKe Free

Rationale

God has given us the ability to make healthy choices in accordance with His original plan for mankind. Our school recognises that in order to achieve its mission statement we must provide and encourage a healthy, safe and alcohol, drug & smoke free environment. We acknowledge that students and staff who follow healthy, nutritious, alcohol, drug and smokefree practices will create a foundation for future achievement and abundant lifestyle.

Being alcohol, drug and smoke free is essential for students to achieve their full potential, full physical, spiritual and mental growth and lifelong health and wellbeing.

Alcohol on Site

Alcohol is not permitted on school grounds at any time. This includes during school hours and after-hours events held on-site.

Drugs on Site

Non-prescription drugs are not permitted on school grounds at any time. This includes during school hours and after-hours events held on-site.

Smokefree

The legislation

The Smoke-free Environments Amendment Act, 2003, directs that all buildings and grounds are smokefree, 24 hours a day, seven days a week (with no exemptions). The education provisions in the Act aim to:

• prevent the exposure of children and young people to second-hand smoke

• prevent children and young people being influenced by seeing others smoke

• send a positive message about a smokefree lifestyle as the norm.

The Act applies to anyone on the school grounds including students, staff, visiting parents, contractors, and people hiring or using the school facilities outside school hours. 

Complying with Legislation

To comply with the legislation, our school will ensure that everyone coming on to the school site is aware that the entire grounds are smokefree at all times. This means:

• displaying Smokefree signs at every entrance to the school grounds and the outer entrance of every building

• advising contractors and other people working at school of our Smokefree Policy

• communicating the Policy to parents through the newsletter and other means

• ensuring that people hiring or using the school facilities are aware of the policy and accept that there are no exemptions and that it applies 24 hours a day, seven days a week

• having a Policy for breaches of the policy.

Breaches of the smokefree policy

Students found smoking in or around school are offered appropriate counselling and education. Parents are contacted and encouraged to deal with the smoking as a health issue rather than a discipline issue.

Adults smoking in or around the school will be reminded that the site is smoke-free by law and asked to stop or leave. Repeat breaches may result in a trespass notice being issued.

Complaints

All complaints involving smoking are referred to the principal, who may pass these to the Board of Trustees for investigation. Investigations take place within 20 working days of the complaint or incident and follow the Policys laid down in the Smokefree Environment Amendment Act, 2003.

e-Cigarettes

e-Cigarettes (or vaping) are also prohibited in all buildings and grounds, 24/7. This applies to students, staff, parents, and visitors.