TOP SCHOOL TO TEST STUDENTS FOR DRUGS

St Andrew's Cathedral School is likely to become the first NSW school
to introduce random drug testing of students.

The head of the Anglican Education Commission, Dr Lindsay Stoddart,
has backed the idea, said there was a growing drug problem which
should be dealt with compassionately.

Dr Stoddart, who is also chair of the council of St Andrew's school,
said it was important to be realistic about the widespread use of
drugs, in particular marijuana. He said it was "extremely likely" that
drug testing would be introduced for students who had been caught with
drugs, admitted to a problem and had parental support to stay at the
school.

Although he said there was no drug problem at St Andrew's, Dr Stoddart
considered reviewing the issue after students at Moriah College were
expelled after being caught with marijuana last year, and parents
threatened legal action.

"I am an ex-lawyer, there is a growing drug problem, and I would be
surprised if boys and girls in Anglican schools are not faced with the
problem," he said.

The principal of St Andrew's, Mr Phillip Heath, said on ABC radio
yesterday that while some details needed to be sorted out, he
supported the scheme, due to reservations about expelling students.

The move by St Andrew's follows plans by two Victorian private schools
to introduce compulsory drug tests for students suspected of illegal
drug use.

The principal of Melbourne Grammar, Mr Paul Sheahan, said this week
that his school would join Geelong Grammar in adopting drug testing.

Under the plan, students caught using drugs who asked for a second
chance would be required to take regular urine tests. The tests would
be paid for by parents and repeat offences would lead to expulsion.

Counselling and rehabilitation would be part of the program, which Mr
Sheahan said represented a middle road between expulsion and tolerance.