Drug Testing Policy

1. Our Motivation for a Drug-Free School
Our children are vulnerable and are exposed to the same temptations as those pupils from any other school in our country and are not exempt from being targeted as potential drug users by powerful drug syndicates.  Although it is impossible to control the supply of drugs, we are committed to helping the students in our school to make informed decisions in order to resist the temptation of drug-taking.
Drug usage severely hinders a person's opportunity to learn as all drugs damage the cognitive capability of the user.
2.
Our Stand
Our aim is not punitive, but is aimed at helping any pupil who indulges in drug-taking to "kick the habit", before it affects his/her life permanently.  In addition, drug testing can pick up early drug use or experimentation, before problems and addiction start. It is a known fact that the chances of a successful recovery from a drug problem are improved at this stage.
It is the desire of the staff of Grace College to develop an atmosphere of trust between the staff and the pupils and to create a social ethos where drug-taking is unacceptable.
We acknowledge a parent's responsibility to instil values into his/her child and Grace College's responsibility to create a social dynamic in keeping with our standards, values and ethos.
In order to test pupils, the school requires the written consent of the parents, which will be given by signing the attached form and returning it to the school.  Both the parent/guardian and the child will be required to sign.  The school does have a duty to do everything reasonably possible to assist our pupils to uphold the law, since drug usage is a criminal offence. The school has the constitutional right to create its own boundaries within its established ethos.
This policy will be supported by factual alcohol and drug information made available to both pupils and staff.
3.
Testing
3.1 Specific Testing: On occasions where it is considered, as a result of unusual behaviour, low work ethic or other recognisable signs, that it would be in the best interests of the pupil to be tested, this will be carried out. In such circumstances, the pupil's parents will be notified.  This test will be done to identify, confirm or eliminate the possibility of drug use in a specific pupil.
3.2 If there is suspicion that a pupil is in possession of any illegal substance, or is in possession of anything in contravention of the school rules, they will be subject to:
3.2.1 A bodily search by a suitable (same sex) member of staff.
3.2.2 A search of their possessions
3.2.3 A breathalyser test
3.3 Testing will only be undertaken by qualified medical staff.
4.
Procedures to be adopted
4.1 If any pupil is specifically identified for testing due to abnormal behaviour, the school will immediately contact a parent/guardian to discuss the matter and recommend a test.
4.2 If a pupil tests positive, the Headmaster will notify the parents and the pupil's parents will be liable for the costs of the test.  Likewise, if a parent requests a test for his/her child, they will be liable for the costs, regardless of the outcome.
4.3 In the case of a pupil testing positive, the parents will be required to arrange counselling for their child.  Advice in this regard will be offered by the school.  SANCA counselling will be recommended as the first measure.  The pupil is automatically required to submit to re-testing three weeks later.
4.4 Records of all results will be kept by the Headmaster, who will not make any public disclosure of findings.
4.5 If the pupil tests positive on the second test, he/she will be suspended from school during which time intensive rehabilitation must be sought and paid for by the parents.
4.6 A third positive test will result in expulsion from Grace College.
4.7 Any pupil found dealing in drugs will face immediate expulsion.
Conclusion
It is imperative that the pupils see the drug testing as a constructive, positive measure, which has been implemented in order to help them say no to drugs and to help rehabilitate any pupil who is involved with drugs.  Our intention is to provide the children entrusted into our care with a safe environment in which they can learn and develop optimally, according to their God-given gifts and abilities.