Independent Schools Victoria Compliance Framework

Information dealing with issues such as duty of care, student wellbeing, excursions and work experience.

Alcohol

Please scroll to the bottom of the page for contacts and links

Do you need to comply?

Schools should have clearly defined policies and procedures relating to student consumption of alcohol during school hours and/or during school camps or excursions.

Conditions of compliance

In the case of incidents involving student alcohol consumption, initial actions and responses should focus on the safety and welfare of those directly and indirectly involved. Sanctions or consequences may then follow according to the school's code of conduct.

Staff should be made aware of the school's policies and procedures in relation to student alcohol consumption. Where school personnel become aware that alcohol consumption by students is occurring or is likely to take place, there is a clear 'duty of care' to pass on this information via the defined school channels

If you have to comply, what do you have to do?

The action to be taken when students are known to have been consuming alcohol during school hours, or to have brought alcohol onto school premises, is to be determined by the principal in accordance with the school's student code of conduct. However, such incidents should be regarded as serious and the use of suspension seen as an appropriate action.

In the case of underage students if the source of supply can be identified, the police should be notified where appropriate.

The consumption of alcohol at school camps or excursions by students (whether under or over the age of eighteen) is prohibited. Parents/guardians and students should be informed of this before departure and warned that offenders will be severely disciplined and, where appropriate, returned immediately to school or home.

It is an offence for a person to supply alcohol to a minor (a person under the age of 18 years) in a private home without parental consent.

What are the consequences if you don't comply?

You may be in breach of your duty of care responsibilities.

Who will help you?

Independent Schools Victoria contact:

Peter Roberts
Director, School Services
Ph. 03 9825 7211
peter.roberts@independentschools.vic.edu.au

Other links:

DEECD: School Policy and Advisory Guide - Student Safety: Alcohol

DEECD: Drug Education

DEECD: Student Wellbeing Policy

DEECD: Engaging Parents

Department of Justice: Alcohol and your Kids - A Guide for Parents and Carers

Department of Justice: Liquor Licensing Fact Sheet - Supplying Alcohol to Minors in a Private Home (PDF)

Submitted 6/7/2007, edited 11/11/2011