STUDENT DRUG TESTS WIN MORE PRAISE

Leading figures in the independent school sector came out in support of
random drug testing of students yesterday.

After a report that a growing number of private schools in Sydney had
introduced the tests, the head of the Association of Independent
Schools, Mr Terry Chapman, said anyone trying to find a solution to the
complex problem should be applauded.

"Theoretically, if the student is caught with drugs, by law they have
to go to court," Mr Chapman said.

"If the school is willing to try and find a better alternative, then we
have to say good on them ... the goal of protecting young people and
their education should be applauded."

He said it was strange people should get "twitchy" about school
students being tested.

It was "much more compassionate and positive, an attempt to
rehabilitate not punish".

"How can anyone have a problem with that?" Mr Chapman said.

Mr Duncan McInnes, the executive officer of the NSW Parents Council,
said: "If it brings young people out of illicit drugs, or any deeper
mire they have got into, it just might save their lives."