AP 760: Substance Restrictions
Health & Safety
Background
The Superintendent demonstrates a commitment to the promotion of health and well-being for students, staff and the community. To this end, Principals maintain a duty of care owed both to students and staff, respond to community standards and expectations, and ensure the reputation of the school remains strong.
This Administrative Procedure regulates the use and prevention of substances.
Definitions
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a) Alcohol: shall refer to the intoxicating agent in beverage form (alcohol, ethyl alcohol or ethanol).
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b) Cannabis: shall refer to those products derived from the leaves, flowers and resins of Cannabis plants, synthetic cannabinoids, and/or medical cannabis, as consumed in a variety of ways, including but not limited to smoking, vaporizing, eating, drinking or using any paraphernalia to this end.
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c) Illicit substances: shall refer to those substances not otherwise listed in this administrative procedure as defined in the Canadian Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
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d) Tobacco and Tobacco products: shall refer to those products composed in whole, or in part of tobacco, including the leaves and any extract of tobacco leaves, as consumed in a variety of ways, including but not limited to smoking cigarettes, vaporizing, or chewing tobacco.
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e) Tobacco-like products: shall include any product that mimics or is consumed in a manner similar to a tobacco product, such as smoking, using electronic cigarettes, vaporizing, or using any paraphernalia to this end. For the purpose of this procedure, tobacco-like products do not include regulated nicotine replacement therapy products.
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f) Vaping (vaping product): shall refer to the use of any product or device that contains a power source and heating element intended for vaporizing a substance for inhalation.
Procedures
Consumption of Alcohol:
1. Notwithstanding sections 2 and 3 of this Administrative Procedure, Alcoholic beverages shall not be served, sold or consumed on school property.
2. The Superintendent may approve the consumption of alcohol within the Division Office, or at an appropriate offsite venue, for staff functions.
2.1. Appropriate licensing and permit requirements shall be established prior to the distribution, sale or consumption of alcohol.
3. Alcohol may be distributed at specific locations as per the Joint Use Agreement;
3.1. Parkland School Division shall not be responsible for alcohol distributed or consumed as per the Joint Use Agreement.
4. Administrative Procedure 766 – Substance Abuse, Prevention and Reporting exists to provide procedures with respect to inappropriate use.
Consumption of tobacco and tobacco-like products:
5. As per s. 3(c) of the Tobacco, Smoking and Vaping Reduction Act, the use of tobacco and tobacco-like products and/or vaping is prohibited on any Division school or property, including the buildings, grounds, vehicles and parking areas used in relation to the Division school or property.
5.1. Notwithstanding the use of tobacco for Indigenous ceremonial events, all Division property, including vehicles, shall be smoke-free for twenty-four (24) hours per day.
5.2. Traditional use of tobacco for Indigenous ceremonial purposes shall be permitted as per Administrative Procedure 268 – Indigenous Ceremonial Activities.
With respect to Cannabis:
6. The possession, consumption and/or distribution of cannabis is prohibited within the Division, at Division functions, on Division property or within Division vehicles.
6.1. Notwithstanding section 6 of this procedure, the possession and/or consumption of cannabis may be permitted for medical accommodations only when prior approval has been obtained as per Division-established processes.
With respect to illicit (illegal) substances:
7. Illicit substances violate the safety of schools and are dangerous to the well-being of students, families and staff; as such, the Superintendent expects that Division staff will work with law enforcement and other agency partners to ensure all Division sites are free from illicit substances.
7.1. In maintaining the safety of our students, and in alignment with the Board’s responsibility under the Education Act (section 33), a strong consideration for expulsion shall be determined for any student who engages in trafficking illicit substances to students, whether or not this occurs within the school building or during the school day.
Approved:
