Drug Education:
Rationale
Personal Development and Welfare programs in the School focus on raising self- esteem and on encouraging students to make informed decisions in their present and later lives. These programs are consistent with the School’s aim of educating the child to become a positively contributing member of society.
To make informed decisions about drug issues, students need the opportunity to develop relevant knowledge, skills and attitudes. The West Ryde Public School Drug Education Policy, as part of the Personal Development, Health and Physical Education Syllabus is designed to provide this opportunity.
Parents and Community play a major role in the development of appropriate attitudes and practices in the use of drugs. An important part of our policy is to encourage parents to discuss drug related issues with their children at home.
Outcomes
West Ryde School’s Drug Education Policy will
- Raise awareness of drug issues by providing accurate and relevant information
- Provide opportunities for students to participate in learning activities which will assist them in making informed, responsible decisions when confronted with drug related situations
- Provide opportunities for students to acquire skills in forming and maintaining positive relationships with family and friends
- Provide information about alternatives to drug use where appropriate
- Establish and maintain a procedure in accordance with the School’s Student Welfare Policy that will allow drug related incidents to be dealt with in a positive and supportive manner in the best interest of the student, staff and other parties concerned
- To ensure appropriate action is taken by staff in accordance with the Department of Education Drug Policy.