NEW CODE OF ETHICS FOR SCHOOLS

With schools across the country set to reopen tomorrow, Education
Minister Hazel Manning is assuring students, teachers, principals
and parents that new policies and guidelines will be introduced to
ensure that schools are safe, clean and healthy environments in
which quality learning can take place.

Unveiling the Ministry's newest policy titled Drug Abuse and
Prevention at the Ministry's head office at Loinsworth Building, St
Clair, last week, Manning said special interventions had been made
to coincide with the start of the new academic year.

Starting from tomorrow, the Ministry has mandated that all school
environments will be smoke- and drug-free, and under this policy no
one will be permitted to have on their person or under their
control, any illegal, controlled or restricted drugs either for
personal use, trafficking or any other reason, save and except
for alcohol which may be used in specific instances and only with
prior approval of the Ministry.

"No Smoking" signs will be placed in strategic areas of all schools,
and can only be done beyond the gates of all offices and buildings
of the Ministry of Education. The smoke-free environment policy will
also apply to all vehicles belonging to the Ministry. Included among
the code of ethics in this new policy, it is stated that any student
or member of staff found in possession of a banned substance, either
within or outside the school premises, will be subject to
disciplinary measures.

The Dangerous Drug Act No 38 of 1991 which was amended in 2000,
further provides heavy penalties for anyone found within 100 metres
of a school with a banned substance. Banned substances will include
tobacco, marijuana, cocaine, hemp, and other substances as
classified by the Ministry.