Nairn rector highlights drugs awareness message
The Rector of Nairn Academy, Jean Godden, has advised pupils and their parents/guardians that she is working with Northern Constabulary to reinforce the message that drugs have no place in school. She has told them that a police dog handler with a dog trained to ‘sniff’ the presence of drugs will be invited into the school soon.
She stresses this is not a response to an incident but rather the result of a year long consultation with all parties interested in the health and welfare of young people.
She said: “By doing this, we are sending out a clear message that drugs have no place in any school.”
In a letter to parents/guardians, she wrote: “Within the school, all staff work hard to highlight the dangers of young people becoming involved with drugs. Guidance staff have worked alongside the Police, Health Service professionals and other outside agencies to provide pupils and parents with up-to-date, relevant information. They enable our pupils to be well informed of the risks to their health and safety as well as to the effects that drug involvement can have on choices they may wish to make in the future.
“When appointed to this post, I was pleased that this concern was shared by the School Board who agreed that it is important to recognise that young people are increasingly exposed to drugs and that it is vital that parents feel confident that their sons and daughters are safe when they are in school. Over the last few months I have been discussing with the Police, the School Board and the PTA how best this can be achieved. In school, we are exploring extending the opportunity for parents to attend evening information sessions run by the Drug and Alcohol Forum but I also want to take up one option which is to bring into school a dog trained to ‘sniff’ the presence of drugs.
“A demonstration was given by police colleagues to the School Board and PTA last week and it was felt that this would be a supportive step: if no drugs are found, parents and staff are reassured that pupils are not exposed to that risk during their time in school. However, if someone is found in possession of a banned substance, parents are equally reassured that the situation has been exposed and dealt with by the School and Police.
“I thought that you should be aware that, following discussions with the Education Authority, I have invited the Police to arrive unannounced with the dog who will be guided through the school building. Pupils will be given details of what is planned at assemblies held later this month. Police and school staff will, of course, ensure that the exercise is carried out in a sensitive and professional manner.
“I hope that you will support me in taking this step as I know that we share the same goal: the safety and well being of our young people. Please, however, do not hesitate to contact me if you wish to discuss the matter more fully and in particular if your son/daughter is allergic to or distressed by dogs.”