The School's Drug Policy aims to actively promote our school as a drug free environment, and is consistent with State and Federal laws. As part of our Personal Development Program, students are educated about the dangers associated with the use of drugs and the clear rules for the use of prescription drugs and pharmaceuticals at school, so that they can make informed decisions.

Rules Concerning the Use and Possession of Drugs at School

Yarra Valley Grammar does not permit students, while on school premises and whether or not under School supervision, to:

• Smoke tobacco products
• Consume or be under the influence of alcoholic beverages
• Deliberately inhale solvents
• Possess drug related equipment such as syringes (unless prescribed for medical reasons and with the knowledge of the Yarra Valley Grammar staff) bongs, pipes, etc
• Possess, use, or be under the influence of prohibited drugs
• Be under the influence of drugs, except for medical reasons.

These provisos include all occasions when a student is in School uniform, travelling to and from School, or any School camp, excursions or other organised function, e.g. disco, social or sporting function.

Irrespective of what individuals may think or feel, the law regarding the sale or possession of illegal drugs is clear and penalties are provided for the prosecution of offenders.

Where there are reasonable grounds for suspicion of drug use or possession, the Principal or a Head of School may, in the presence of the student and another teacher, search property such as a bag or search a locker (which is deemed to be the School's property).

Illegal Drugs

The possession and/or supply of illegal drugs is an offence and is against the law. The School will view either offence as a very serious matter.

• Any student found supplying illegal drugs is committing an offence against the law. The police will be notified. At the discretion of the Principal, the student may be expelled.
• Any student found in possession of illegal drugs, in any School environment, will be suspended immediately. His/her parents will be notified in order to begin a consultation process and the police will also be informed. At the discretion of the Principal, the student may be expelled.

Sanctions

The range of sanctions includes:

• Informing and consulting parents
• Being sent home from School camps
• Community service
• Referral to an outside agency
• Notifying police
• Suspension from School
• Expulsion (at the discretion of the Principal).

Use of Medication

• ‘Medication' includes all prescribed drugs and all legal non-prescribed drugs such as paracetamols, ventolin puffers, etc.
• Students who are required to use occasional medication at School must have a written request from their parents/guardians.
• Medication used on a long term basis should be recorded by the parents/guardians on the School Medical Form held by the First Aid Officers.
• School-supplied medication may only be administered to students by appropriately qualified First Aiders.
• Where parents request that students administer their own medication, the note should be directed to the Class Teacher/Tutor or First Aid Officer.
• Ventolin pumps and sprays are readily accessible through the First Aid Room and authorised staff.
• Prescribed medications brought to School for administration during the day must either be locked away in the First Aid area or in the Junior Homeroom Teacher's locked drawer - security is paramount.
• The exchange of medication between students is strictly forbidden.