Paparoa Street School
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Paparoa Street School maintains a learning environment free of alcohol, 
drugs, and other harmful substances to provide a physically and emotionally safe place for ākonga, kaimahi, and the kura community (Health and Safety at Work Act 2015; Education and Training Act 2020). We comply with all relevant New Zealand legislation and take a whole-kura wellbeing approach to alcohol, drugs, and other harmful substances.
If an ākonga or kaimahi is potentially impaired by alcohol, drugs, or other harmful substances while at kura, work, or attending a kura-related event, the kura has an obligation to manage the risk to ensure the safety of everyone.
Kaimahi are made aware of this policy as part of their kaimahi induction and as required. This policy also applies to anyone supervising ākonga in any activity organised by, or on behalf of, the kura (e.g. EOTC events).
Smoking and vaping are managed separately due to the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act 1990. For legislation and kura policy around smoking and vaping, see Smokefree and Vapefree.
Wellbeing approach to alcohol and drugs
In keeping with our whole-kura approach to ākonga and kaimahi wellbeing, Paparoa Street School takes reasonable actions to protect our kura community from the effects of alcohol, drugs, and other harmful substances. We are guided by a harm minimisation approach (as recommended by the New Zealand National Drugs Policy 2015–2020 and international evidence), which is strengths-based and focuses on prevention, early intervention, health promotion, and education.
We offer proactive support by:
We follow our Privacy Policy at all times.
All kaimahi should be aware of signs of impairment in order to encourage a positive, safe, and healthy kura environment that focuses on the prevention of alcohol and substance misuse.
Our Behaviour Management policy also outlines our intention to promote positive ākonga behaviour and de-escalate challenging behaviour.
Policy requirements
At Paparoa Street School, no-one should:
There may be exceptions for alcohol where it has been approved at a kura or social event outside kura hours.
We do not offer alcohol as a prize for fundraising activities, such as raffles, as this is prohibited under the Gambling (Prohibited Property) Regulations 2005. See Prohibited property for gambling 
Ākonga
Ākonga must follow the policy requirements while on kura grounds or taking part in kura activities, and while wearing kura uniform.
We have a separate policy to ensure ākonga medication (prescription and non-prescription) is kept securely and taken appropriately. See Medicines.
Ākonga are encouraged to ask for help if they think they may have a problem with alcohol, drugs, or other harmful substances. Ākonga approaching the kura at their own initiative and asking for help is not treated as a breach of the policy and will be dealt with under our Responding to Ākonga Wellbeing Concerns policy.
Kaimahi
Kaimahi must follow the policy requirements and maintain proper standards of integrity and conduct while on kura grounds, carrying out their role, taking part in kura-related activities, or while representing the kura.
Kaimahi must only use prescription and over-the-counter medication as directed and must:
Any disclosures about risks of impairment in relation to medicine use are managed according to our Personal Information and Privacy Policy.
If a kaimahi thinks they may have an alcohol and/or drug problem that may affect their work, they are encouraged to ask for help as soon as possible. If a disclosure is made at the initiative of a kaimahi, this is generally treated differently from a breach of the policy requirements, but the poari matua must still ensure that kaimahi are fit to perform their role. Kaimahi are made aware of the Voluntary Impairment Assessment available from the Teaching Council. We follow relevant legislation (Education and Training Act 2020 and Teaching Council Amendment Rules 2023) and our privacy guidelines at all times.
Breaches
If an ākonga or kaimahi breaches this policy, we follow the relevant procedures:
A breach of this policy by any other person involved with the kura (e.g. volunteers or members of the kura community) is considered on a case-by-case basis by the poari matua. Possible and known breaches are processed through the concerns and complaints process, and we are guided in our responses by the ākonga and kaimahi breaches policies and our community conduct expectations policy. See Concerns and Complaints Policy and Kura Community Conduct Expectations.
Hei mihi | Acknowledgement SchoolDocs appreciates the input of Rebecca Laney, associate at Anderson Lloyd Dunedin, in the legal review of this policy. |
Release history: Term 4 2023, Term 3 2023, Term 2 2019
