HSC - Drug Policy

In accordance with our mission statement, Holy Spirit College strives for a culture that nurtures learners through quality curriculum and supportive pastoral care based on the life and values of Jesus. Students are empowered and encouraged to recognise and develop their gifts so that they become involved as responsible community members.

Holy Spirit College views drug abuse as negating what we are essentially striving for in developing the individual's happiness and potential. Drug usage and dependency can put the individual and our community at risk. The use of illegal drugs and the abuse of drugs of any kind is not condoned by the Holy Spirit College Community.

The aim of these guidelines is to ensure that a balanced and consistent approach to dealing with incidents involving drug use by students is adopted by all members of our College Community.

At all times the College aims to provide care for individual students and protection for all involved in the College Community.

Any substance, with the exception of food and water, which, when taken into the body, alters its function physically and/or psychologically. Drugs can be broadly defined in four categories:

This definition includes all drugs of dependence, such as medications, alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, steroids, amphetamines, as well as solvents which may be inhaled.

Possession, use or trafficking in some of these drugs is a criminal offence under Commonwealth or State laws; such drugs are referred to in these guidelines as illegal drugs. This document acknowledges the distinction between legal and illegal drugs.

The College environment refers to official school activities, school buildings and grounds. Students travelling to and from these venues and/or school activities and whilst in uniform, are expected to observe school policies. This includes retreats, camps and other overnight excursions. College activities do not include any private parties or functions, responsibility for which rests with parents.

Harm minimisation, as adopted by State and Federal governments in Australia , involves a range of approaches to prevent and to reduce drug related harm, including abstinence, prevention, early intervention, specialist treatment, supply, control and safer drug use. The following strategies will be used to assist in harm minimisation at the College:

Drug education for students occurs across different subjects in Year 8 - 12 under the auspices of the Personal Development Education program. The college offers drug education opportunities to parents through such programs as "Drug Proof Your Kids".

Smoking is not permitted within the College environment at any time by students. All school buildings are a smoke-free environment. Refer to our smoking guidelines.

Holy Spirit College requests all staff, parents and visitors to act as role models for our students by refraining from smoking within the College environment.

Students may not be in possession of, under the influence of, consume or supply alcohol to other students within the College environment. Refer to alcohol guidelines.

The consumption of alcohol by any member of the Holy Spirit College Community is permitted within the College environment only in prescribed circumstances. The determination as to whether alcohol may be consumed on a particular occasion or at a function is to be made by the Principal.

The possession of, use of, or dealing in illegal drugs by students is not permitted at any time within the College environment and may result in the external suspension or exclusion of the student.