No cannabis use for students

Although recreational cannabis is set to become legal for adults in Canada this week, students in the Chinook’s Edge School Division will not be permitted to use or possess pot at any school-related activity or facilities, says superintendent Kurt Sacher.

Students found to be in violation of the prohibition could face a variety of sanctions, he said.

“From a student point of view it is business as usual,” said Sacher. “All of our expectations will remain the same. It’s not allowed at any school activity. It wasn’t before (Oct. 17) and it won’t be allowed after that time.

“It (possession or use of cannabis) would not be accepted on any school properties. The expectation is clear that we want our students ready to learn and to be kept safe.”

The division’s student substance abuse administrative procedure 3-11 will remain in place and active after Oct. 17, he said.

The procedure’s stated purpose is to “ensure that students understand that the use of alcohol, cannabis, tobacco and non-prescription drugs is detrimental to the learning process and therefore prohibited in schools, on school property or during school related activities.”

The procedure includes the following provisions:

• Principals will annually inform, in writing, the board procedures and guidelines on substance abuse by students to all students, parents and employees.
• Schools shall ensure that educational programs include components designed to increase students' knowledge of the facts relating to controlled substances and alcohol, cannabis and tobacco.
• Students who are suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or cannabis or non-prescription drugs while in attendance at school or a school-sponsored activity shall be immediately reported to the principal. The principal shall segregate the student from the rest of the student body and take additional appropriate actions including suspensions. The principal shall ensure that the health and safety of the student(s) is protected. The incident shall be recorded and the parent advised in writing.
• Students observed in possession of alcohol, cannabis or non-prescription drugs while in attendance at school or a school-sponsored activity shall be suspended by the principal. It may be recommended to the superintendent that the student be expelled. The incident shall be recorded and the parent advised in writing, of the incident and the actions taken and/or recommended.
• A student observed in the act of providing alcohol, cannabis or drugs to another student shall be reported immediately to the principal. The principal shall suspend the student and may recommend to the superintendent that the student be expelled. The incident shall be recorded and the parent and the superintendent shall be advised in writing, of the incident and the actions taken and/or recommended.
• In all situations involving student substance abuse, the staff should be cognizant of the Criminal Code of Canada. The RCMP may be contacted if a criminal offence has been committed or a perceived danger to the well-being of staff or students exists.
• Students whose behaviour during alcohol/drug related incidents becomes abusive or students who are repeat offenders under this procedure are subject to more stringent disciplinary action.
• School officials will cooperate with law enforcement agencies for the surveillance of trafficking or use of controlled substances on school premises.
• Remedial assistance should be sought for the student by the family and the counsellor or appropriate staff member. This may include the help of AADAC, ALATEEN or Alberta Mental Health.

Peter Mal, registrar and director of student services, said, “We’ve just recently made our impairment and the use of alcohol, cannabis, other drugs and substances policy available to our staff. The statement is that Olds College prohibits the consumption of cannabis on Olds College property. All consumption.”

The prohibition includes use in all buildings, including residences.

Sanctions for violation of the policy could include verbal or written warnings, suspensions or expulsions, he said.

Students and staff with medical prescriptions for cannabis may request an accommodation for use, he said.