Drug Policy

Preamble
It is strongly believed that drugs and alcohol are both dangers to the physical and spiritual well- being of the individual. Moreover, abuse of such substances impacts negatively on the values and philosophy of the College as a whole.

A Beaulieu College pupil is prohibited from bringing onto the College property:


 * 1) alcohol
 * 2) illegal and/or harmful substances
 * 3) tobacco

The College reserve the right to search any person and/or vehicle and/or clothing and/or bag and/or property of any person who is reasonably suspected of being in posession of any of the aforementioned substances.

A pupil may neither smoke nor consume alcohol while in College uniform nor arrive at College under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. This rule will also be strictly applied should pupils be away from College on College related activities (e.g. tours, sport games, excursions), or be representing the College in any way.

Definition of a substance abuser:


 * All those found in possession of any such substances (cigarettes etc) or
 * Those who have in their possession the paraphernalia of abuse, or
 * Those found in the company of an abuser.

Drug Testing
In a decision taken by the Board of Governors, the Head and Staff of Beaulieu College, in the interest of engendering a safe and drug free environment for our pupils, it was unanimously agreed that random drug testing would be carried out as part of the preventative programme at the College.

The rationale behind this testing is to protect pupils and provide them with a reason to resist drugs. Testing is by no means viewed as a disciplinary measure. Parents and pupils are encouraged to perceive testing as a constructive measure to ensure a safe educational environment, in which pupils can develop freely and to the best of their ability. Only the parents, the Head and the Deputy Head: Pupil Matters will be made aware of the results of the test.


 * 1) Should a test prove positive it will be compulsory for the pupil to be assessed by the School Counsellor within two weeks of the test.
 * 2) A pupil found to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol at School will be removed from the School and sent to the School’s Counsellor. This will be at the parents’ expense.

Disciplinary Action
A pupil found to be distributing and/or selling drugs or alcohol warrants immediate suspension and/or expulsion. The College will duly refer the case to the South African Police Narcotics Bureau for further investigation. The College will assist the police in their investigation at the College.

Counselling and Rehabilitation
Compassion and support are viewed as being paramount in initiating self-help and rehabilitation. All assistance provided will be consistent with accepted professional ethics and codes of conduct, which honour the dignity and rights of children, which acknowledge the responsibility of parents/guardians, and which best serve the interests of Beaulieu College.

Educational Programmes
In keeping with the core values of the School, the College will organise a range of educational events and programmes dealing with the problems of substance and alcohol abuse and dependency. This programme could take the form of special assemblies at School, and informal programmes for the training of interested staff, parents and pupils in basic counselling skills. The provision of literature and audiovisual resources will also be made readily available to teachers, parents and pupils. Moreover, we envisage a proactive involvement with other professional and community based organizations committed to the struggle against drug abuse and dependency.

See also: Performance Enhancing Substances and Steroids Policy