WELLINGTON SCHOOLS TEST URINE

Wellington: Some secondary schools in the Wellington region are urine
testing students for cannabis use in a bid to crack down on drug use.

Onslow College, in suburban Johnsonville, two months ago began testing
students caught possessing or supplying the drug.

Principal Peter Smith said the policy reminded students that drugs
would not be tolerated at the school. Parents and students must agree
to the testing after the student has appeared before the school board
of trustees.

"Some schools around the country will take the attitude that if you are
picked up with the stuff in the school you're down the road . . . but
the school has a responsibility to try and help the students and their
families," he said.

Reaction to urine testing had been positive but the school was unlikely
to introduce random tests. It had a range of options, including sending
students back before the board of trustees if the tests showed cannabis
was still being smoked.

Upper Hutt College principal Peter Lee said students suspended for
cannabis use had to test negative for the drug before being allowed
back in class.