Drug & Alcohol Policy

Policy No. C-4.1

WESTERN QUEBEC SCHOOL BOARD POLICY STATEMENT

IN THE MATTER OF MAINTAINING A DRUG AND ALCOHOL FREE ATMOSPHERE IN OUR SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL RELATED ACTIVITIES:

WHEREAS this Board does not condone the use of alcohol and /or illegal drugs among all students enrolled in its programs;

WHEREAS Section 242 of the Education Act gives the Board the power to expel students for "just and sufficient cause";

IT WAS MOVED BY Commissioner MacWhirter that any student, youth or adult using or in possession of alcohol and/or illegal drugs on school property or while participating in a school activity can expect the following action:

YOUTH SECTOR STUDENTS

  1. The school administration will confiscate the alcohol and /or illegal drugs.
  2. The student's parents will be informed.
  3. Where appropriate, the police will be notified, the student will be identified to them and the police will be given the confiscated goods.
    1. Any youth sector, in possession of, or under the influence of alcohol and/or illegal drugs on school property or during school organized activities shall be suspended immediately for a period of ten (10) school days. At the discretion of the school Principal the suspension period may be reduced to no less than five (5) school days.
    2. The School administration will recommend that parents enroll the student in a rehabilitation program and will make available to the parents and the student a drug information package.
    3. Students repeating the offence shall be liable to expulsion from school after a hearing by the Discipline Committee of the School Board.
    4. Traffickers of alcohol and/or illegal drugs will be suspended immediately for a minimum of ten school days and will be liable to expulsion from school. In this case as well the police will be informed and the rehabilitation information will be the same as B).
  5. Elementary school administrators are to use their discretion when dealing with associated problems and their consequences.
  6. Individual School Communities may organize graduation dinners and dances to reflect local traditions and in a manner consistent with provincial laws and regulations.

ADULT SECTOR STUDENTS

  1. Any student registered in Adult Education found trafficking, under the influence of or in possession of alcohol and/or illegal drugs will be immediately expelled from school.
  2. The school administration will confiscate the alcohol and/or illegal drugs.
  3. Where appropriate, the police will be notified, the student will be identified to them and the police will be given the confiscated goods.

Notwithstanding the above, this Board makes every effort to cooperate with and enlist the support of the Health & Social Service rehabilitation programs and other related community-based organizations designed specifically to address the needs of students who have a recognized drug and alcohol problem and through curriculum based projects educate its students on the responsibility to self and society.

Furthermore, the Principals of the schools shall continue to take whatever measures they deem appropriate to keep our schools alcohol and drug free, and they shall publicize this statement of the Board's intentions.

Approval Date: December 8, 1996
Res. No. C-95-/96-25