City schools ramp up pot vigilance, education
Vowing improved education and vigilance around the potential increase in cannabis use among young people, Calgary schools are updating student and employee codes of conduct as legalization takes effect this week.
And as the province continues to redevelop curriculum for all grades, the Calgary Board of Education says it will also ramp up education and awareness efforts on cannabis use and its potential hazards.
“The expectations we’ve had for many, many years are the same today as they will be on the 17th — and that is that students arrive and remain fit and ready to learn, and that employees arrive and remain fit and ready to perform their work,” said CBE superintendent David Stevenson, adding that he does not expect any major increase to cannabis-related issues after legalization is official on Wednesday.
“We’ve had cannabis in our society for as long as I’ve been around, and probably long before that. Illicit drugs are something our school systems are aware of and have been dealing with for a long time. But we will maintain a vigilant watch.”
Stevenson explained three sections of administrative regulations have been updated to reflect the legalization of cannabis including the student code of conduct, employee code of conduct and smokefree environments.
Under the regulations, cannabis use will not be tolerated during school hours or anywhere near school property. Students who are found to be using, or under the influence, will face a series of disciplinary measures.
In the same way alcohol use and cigarette smoking or vaping is not permitted, neither is cannabis use, possession, distribution or collection of money, no matter the age of the student.
Students who have permission from a doctor to use marijuana for medicinal purposes will be provided with an action plan to administer the cannabis, including the use of a private space at their school site if it is required to be taken during school hours.
Efforts to educate students on cannabis use and its possible risks or side-effects will also continue to evolve, officials say.
Alberta Education officials said they continue to collaborate with Alberta Health Services to develop resources to help support educators in navigating cannabis legalization.
Meanwhile, the current health and wellness curriculum will continue to focus on teaching students from kindergarten to Grade 12 about personal responsibility, wellness and safety in order to help them make positive choices.
From elementary to junior high, students learn about positive health habits, substance and abuse awareness, the importance of decisionmaking and refusal skills when offered inappropriate substances.
Drug prevention, substance abuse and addictions are addressed more specifically in junior high health classes and the mandatory Career and Life Management (CALM) course in Grade 10.
“Our government is proud to work with school boards to ensure that students are learning in safe, caring, and respectful learning environments,” said Education Minister David Eggen. “This includes ensuring that students have access to age appropriate, evidence-based information about serious health risks such as addiction and substance abuse.”
Meanwhile, officials with the Calgary Catholic School District confirmed cannabis use has already been mandated in student and employee codes of conduct and remains impermissible during school hours at all school sites, much like the CBE’s policy.
“Calgary Catholic schools and work sites are, and will continue to be, smoke-free environments,” said Gary Strother, CCSD superintendent.