Student Health
Preshil runs education programmes to assist students in the development of a healthy lifestyle.
Illegal drugs
Preshil has a strict “no drugs” policy and will not tolerate drugs or alcohol on any of its campuses, including camps. For some time now researchers have been finding links between marijuana use and psychosis. Psychosis is the manifestation of a severe, painful, mental illness. Anyone who has suffered from such mental illness, or had a family member who has suffered, knows how frightening and debilitating psychosis can be. Professor Wayne Hall of Queensland University has estimated that a person’s chance of developing psychosis doubles with long term marijuana use. Drug-induced psychosis is a real risk for those with a pre-disposition to psychotic illness. In addition, some researchers are now saying that heavy drug use may result in psychotic illness in those who appear to have no pre-disposition.
Even if drug-induced psychosis only occurs in those who are pre-disposed, no marijuana user can feel safe as it is difficult to know who has, or who doesn’t have, a pre-disposition.
Apart from the risk of psychosis there is some evidence that smoking marijuana can damage the teenage brain. Smoking marijuana at an early age not only increases the smoker’s chance of developing a severe mental illness, it is also associated with developmental delay and short-term memory loss. Heavy users often find concentration on school work difficult and drop out of school. Depression, which is also associated with marijuana use, may result in suicide if left untreated. Teachers who have taught marijuana affected students have many corroborative anecdotes which support the research findings.
Because of these risks to health, Preshil will not tolerate marijuana, or any other such drugs, on its campuses, school camps, excursions or any other school activities. We also strongly advise students to avoid recreational use outside school.
Smoking Policy
Preshil has a no smoking policy. There is to be no smoking on any Preshil campus. This includes school camps held at locations outside Preshil.
If a student is seen smoking on campus they must put the cigarette out immediately, their name will be recorded in the book held in the Blackhall Kalimna Office. If a student refuses to put the cigarette out he/she will be reported to the Head and will have to meet directly with the Head.
If a student is seen smoking a second time their name is recorded in the book together with the report from the teacher/witness. The Year Co-ordinator or Tracker will meet with the student and:
ascertain level of smoking – regular or occasional etc.
alert student to the process from this point
seek commitment and offer assistance
If a student is seen smoking a third time their name is again recorded in the book together with the report from the teacher/witness and the Year Co-ordinator or Tracker will ring the parents and arrange a meeting with the Head, Co-ordinator, Tracker as appropriate, the parents and the student
inform parents about smoking
remind parents of the no smoking rule
At that meeting the student will be asked to undertake a QUIT programme with the support of the parents and the school
If smoking continues the Head will meet with the student and parents to discuss the student’s relationship with the school.
Years 7/8 and 9/10 are not allowed off campus during the school day.
Dress Policy
Preshil does not have an enforceable school uniform that must be worn by all students. At various times in Preshil history, students at the school have requested to wear tops or windcheaters in the Preshil green and gold bearing the Preshil eagle and Preshil has responded to these requests. Such student initiated projects are entirely optional and there is not compulsion for any individual to wear these garments.
Preshil believes that children should have some choice in what they wear. However, it is also part of the Preshil educational process to dialogue with the children on what is and what is not appropriate apparel. Choice in dress allows for diversity, expression of individuality and responsible personal choice.
Preshil students are asked to come to school in neat casual clothes of their choice. However, there are some rules that must be strictly adhered to for reasons of health and safety.
Hats
All students are requested to wear hats when outside the classroom. The office at Arlington has a stock of hats at a reasonable price. Children playing outside at Arlington must wear hats.
Shoes
Shoes must be worn at all times when at school. Thongs are not accepted as “shoes”. Sports shoes must be worn for games and sport. A shoe which covers the top of the foot needs to be worn in the laboratories.
The enforcement of a strict uniform policy can undermine the relationship between the child and the teacher. The teacher who has responsibility for checking that the child is wearing the correct coloured socks, skirt length within the allowable rules, designated jumper, correct shoes, etc., can be seen as a “policeman” by the child, who resents the teacher placing so much emphasis on matters that the child may regard as educationally unimportant.
At Preshil the relationship between the teacher and the child is the crux of the learning process and nurtures the development of the child. Preshil believes that the enforcement of a strict uniform policy would be counter productive to this relationship.
Hot Weather Policy
If the temperature reaches 40 degrees, classes will continue but parents may collect their children if they wish to do so.
Student Health
Preshil runs education programmes to assist students in the development of a healthy lifestyle.
Illegal drugs
Preshil has a strict “no drugs” policy and will not tolerate drugs or alcohol on any of its campuses, including camps. For some time now researchers have been finding links between marijuana use and psychosis. Psychosis is the manifestation of a severe, painful, mental illness. Anyone who has suffered from such mental illness, or had a family member who has suffered, knows how frightening and debilitating psychosis can be. Professor Wayne Hall of Queensland University has estimated that a person’s chance of developing psychosis doubles with long term marijuana use. Drug-induced psychosis is a real risk for those with a pre-disposition to psychotic illness. In addition, some researchers are now saying that heavy drug use may result in psychotic illness in those who appear to have no pre-disposition.
Even if drug-induced psychosis only occurs in those who are pre-disposed, no marijuana user can feel safe as it is difficult to know who has, or who doesn’t have, a pre-disposition.
Apart from the risk of psychosis there is some evidence that smoking marijuana can damage the teenage brain. Smoking marijuana at an early age not only increases the smoker’s chance of developing a severe mental illness, it is also associated with developmental delay and short-term memory loss. Heavy users often find concentration on school work difficult and drop out of school. Depression, which is also associated with marijuana use, may result in suicide if left untreated. Teachers who have taught marijuana affected students have many corroborative anecdotes which support the research findings.
Because of these risks to health, Preshil will not tolerate marijuana, or any other such drugs, on its campuses, school camps, excursions or any other school activities. We also strongly advise students to avoid recreational use outside school.
Smoking Policy
Preshil has a no smoking policy. There is to be no smoking on any Preshil campus. This includes school camps held at locations outside Preshil.
If a student is seen smoking on campus they must put the cigarette out immediately, their name will be recorded in the book held in the Blackhall Kalimna Office. If a student refuses to put the cigarette out he/she will be reported to the Head and will have to meet directly with the Head.
If a student is seen smoking a second time their name is recorded in the book together with the report from the teacher/witness. The Year Co-ordinator or Tracker will meet with the student and:
ascertain level of smoking – regular or occasional etc.
alert student to the process from this point
seek commitment and offer assistance
If a student is seen smoking a third time their name is again recorded in the book together with the report from the teacher/witness and the Year Co-ordinator or Tracker will ring the parents and arrange a meeting with the Head, Co-ordinator, Tracker as appropriate, the parents and the student
inform parents about smoking
remind parents of the no smoking rule
At that meeting the student will be asked to undertake a QUIT programme with the support of the parents and the school
If smoking continues the Head will meet with the student and parents to discuss the student’s relationship with the school.
Years 7/8 and 9/10 are not allowed off campus during the school day.
Dress Policy
Preshil does not have an enforceable school uniform that must be worn by all students. At various times in Preshil history, students at the school have requested to wear tops or windcheaters in the Preshil green and gold bearing the Preshil eagle and Preshil has responded to these requests. Such student initiated projects are entirely optional and there is not compulsion for any individual to wear these garments.
Preshil believes that children should have some choice in what they wear. However, it is also part of the Preshil educational process to dialogue with the children on what is and what is not appropriate apparel. Choice in dress allows for diversity, expression of individuality and responsible personal choice.
Preshil students are asked to come to school in neat casual clothes of their choice. However, there are some rules that must be strictly adhered to for reasons of health and safety.
Hats
All students are requested to wear hats when outside the classroom. The office at Arlington has a stock of hats at a reasonable price. Children playing outside at Arlington must wear hats.
Shoes
Shoes must be worn at all times when at school. Thongs are not accepted as “shoes”. Sports shoes must be worn for games and sport. A shoe which covers the top of the foot needs to be worn in the laboratories.
The enforcement of a strict uniform policy can undermine the relationship between the child and the teacher. The teacher who has responsibility for checking that the child is wearing the correct coloured socks, skirt length within the allowable rules, designated jumper, correct shoes, etc., can be seen as a “policeman” by the child, who resents the teacher placing so much emphasis on matters that the child may regard as educationally unimportant.
At Preshil the relationship between the teacher and the child is the crux of the learning process and nurtures the development of the child. Preshil believes that the enforcement of a strict uniform policy would be counter productive to this relationship.
Hot Weather Policy
If the temperature reaches 40 degrees, classes will continue but parents may collect their children if they wish to do so.
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