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formal guidelinessuggestions for a safe and enjoyable school event

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Contents

1. Acknowledgements 4

2. Introduction 5

3. Why do we need guidelines? 7

4. What does the law say? 11

5. Alcohol and Young People - is it a problem? 15

6. What are the issues? 19

7. Roles and Responsibilities 25

8. Frequently Asked Questions 29

9. Useful links 35

10. Appendices 37

1. WDACT letter to WELB schools 382. WDACT questionnaire to WELB schools 393. Sample School Event Policy 404. Sample Letter to Parents 425. Sample Parental Consent Form 446. Sample Code of Conduct Pledge 45

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank all the WELB Post-Primary schools that responded tothe questionnaire or provided information and suggestions on this issue. Theirfeedback has been highly informative and has greatly assisted in the writing ofthese guidelines.

Special thanks go to Michael Robertson, Graphic Designer at Westcare HealthPromotion Department for the design and production of these guidelines.

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Introduction

Alcohol plays a significant role in Northern Ireland’s culture and society. Its useis socially accepted and often encouraged. Adolescence is the time when moreand more young people are starting to drink. Research detailed within thisdocument shows that young people are more vulnerable than adults to sufferingphysically, emotionally and socially from their own and other people’s use ofalcohol. A number of surveys have examined the nature and extent of alcoholuse amongst young people. There is evidence of a trend towards youngerexperimentation with alcohol, a spiralling binge drinking culture and strong linksbetween high risk drinking and unsafe sexual behaviours, personal safety issues,failure at school and mental health problems. It is therefore imperative that wechallenge young people’s attitudes and behaviours in relation to alcohol as earlyand as effectively as possible.

The Young People’s sub-group of the Western Drug and Alcohol Co-ordinationTeam (WDACT) comprises representation from the Community, Voluntary,Education and Health sectors. In recent years, post-primary schools haveexpressed increasing concerns in relation to the hosting of School Formals andin particular to the problems associated with the consumption of alcohol at suchevents. In response to this, WDACT and WELB Advisory Teachers have engagedin consultation with all WELB post-primary schools, to identify their keyconcerns. This process and its main findings have informed the writing of thisdocument, according to schools’ responses.

It is, of course, vital that young people experience positive and supportiveenvironments at home, at school and in the wider community, to ensure that theirphysical and emotional health and well-being remains a priority. Young people havea right to be heard and consulted (UNCRC). It is important that they are engagedin open, honest and meaningful discussion, focusing on health and social issues.They must be offered opportunities to explore and take ownership of theiractions and opinions.

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The duty of care to safeguard and enhance the health and well-being of our youngpeople should be shared amongst the wider community:

• Parents need to be aware of how their own behaviours and attitudes in relation• to alcohol can influence their children. Supportive and involved parenting has• been associated with later initiation of alcohol use and lower consumption.

• Hoteliers, owners of licensed premises and all those involved in the licensing• trade also have both a legal and social responsibility to work within the law for• the protection of children and young people.

• Enforcement agencies must ensure that existing legislation is fully implemented.

• The school has a key role in providing an informative and protective• environment. It is a challenging task, which requires time and commitment. It is• hoped that this resource will assist schools in working in partnership with pupils,• parents and with the wider community, to formulate effective policies, which• safeguard the school and the young person.

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Why do we need guidelines?

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Why do we need guidelines?

The consultation with WELB post-primary schools highlighted 4 main issues:

1. The particular health and social concerns associated with a prevalentunderage/binge drinking culture amongst young people

2. Schools’ uncertainty regarding the legislation in relation to young peopleand alcohol

3. Inconsistency in schools’ approaches to hosting a school social event

4. Limited opportunities for the sharing of good practice from schools thatsuccessfully host such events

In addition, some schools have expressed concern that it can be difficult toenforce their alcohol and drugs policies at a ‘’Formal’’ event.

They acknowledge that their actual experience of the School ‘’Formal’’ mightdirectly conflict with the school’s ethos, mission statement and approved alcoholand drugs policies.

There appear to be several significant factors which can impinge on the hosting ofa successful, alcohol-free event including:

• An historic precedent

• Pupil/parental expectation

• Mindset or attitude of staff

• Tension between notions of ‘celebration’ and ‘coming of age’

• Societal/family norms

Therefore, there is a need to:

• Focus schools on the reality of their own current situation

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• Underline the potential risks associated with lack of approved policy that the• whole school community have been meaningfully consulted on

• Highlight the benefits of having agreed policies and procedures in place and that• the whole-school community are aware of these

• Establish professional boundaries

• Enhance professional standards

• Clarify and raise awareness of the difference between personal and• professional responsibilities

• Ensure consistency of approach across/between schools

Following the consultation with schools and in line with its overarchingcommitment to supporting education and prevention initiatives that benefit youngpeople, WDACT has developed these guidelines in an attempt to:

• Provide schools with access to a range of practical, health promotion• strategies to challenge and engage young people in relation to their• attitudes and behaviours

• Inform schools about the alcohol legislation that applies specifically to• Northern Ireland

• Encourage standardisation amongst schools

• Promote the sharing of good practice between schools

These guidelines may be adapted to apply to any school event including:

• Annual school ‘’Formal’’

• Staff celebrations (Christmas; retirements; end of term staff meals etc.)

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• Educational visits (full-day away trips; residentials etc.)

• Prize-giving events

• Sporting celebrations hosted in the school’s name

• Other groups that lease school premises to host their own events

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What does the Law say?

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What does the Law Say?

Liquor Licensing and registered clubs in Northern Ireland are governed bythe Licensing (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 and the Registration of Clubs(Northern Ireland) Order 1996. Current legislation contains sanctions designedto protect children and young people under the age of 18 from the potentialdangers of alcohol.

The requirements place restrictions on the presence of under 18s in licensedpremises and registered clubs and prohibit the sale to, or the purchase andconsumption of alcohol by them. Most restrictions apply equally to licensedpremises and registered clubs.

Sale, Supply and Consumption

It is an offence:

• for an under 18 to buy alcohol;

• for a young person to represent themselves as 18 or over so that they can be• present or consume or purchase alcohol in licensed premises;

• It is also an offence for a person over 18 to purchase alcohol for a person• under 18.

For a licensee or his employees to;

• Sell alcohol to an over 18 for consumption by an under 18;

• Sell alcohol to anyone for consumption by an under 18 on or off premises;

• Allow an under 18 to consume alcohol in licensed premises.

In general, during opening hours, a young person under the age of 18 is not allowedin any area of licensed premises or club premises that contains ‘an open drinking bar’or that is used mainly or exclusively for the sale or consumption of alcohol. It is,however, possible for a minor to be present in the above areas under certaincircumstances:

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• if he/she is with an adult who is responsible for him/her, or if he/she is a child of• the licensee;

• if he/she is 16 years old and has a written contract of employment to work• there, is receiving training under an approved scheme, or is on a scheme as part• of a further education course

and if

• the court has granted a Children’s Certificate, which allows a child or young• person accompanied by an adult to be present in a relevant part of the premises• not at the bar counter until 9.00pm1. The certificate has to be displayed in a• prominent place by the licence holder.

Further information on Northern Ireland’s alcohol and drugs legislation may beaccessed at www.nio.gov.uk

1 Ref: Governemnt proposals to Reform Liquor Licensing Law in Northern Ireland, 2007. This issubject to change under the Government proposals to Reform Liquor Licensing Law inNorthern Ireland, 2007.

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Alcohol and Young People - is it a problem?

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Alcohol and Young People - is it a problem?

The European context

A recent landmark report2 released by the European Commissionanalysed the health, social and economic impact of alcohol in European countries.Amongst its findings were that:

• Over 90% of 15-16 year old students have drunk alcohol at some point in their• lives. The average amount drunk on a single occasion by 15-16 year olds is over• 60g of alcohol (equivalent to nearly four pints of beer), while more than 18%• have ‘binged’ three or more times in the last month

• The trend amongst young people has been for binge-drinking to rise, with most• countries showing an increase between 1995 and 2003

• While there is much concern over increased girls’ drinking, boys still continue to• drink more and get drunk more often than girls, with little reduction in the• absolute size of the difference between boys and girls

The report also highlighted the extent of the impact of alcohol on public healthproblems including accidents and injuries, mental and behavioural problems,cancers, heart diseases and stroke. In addition, it underlined the specific concernsassociated with young people, where alcohol can lead to traffic fatalities, violence,unprotected sex, unplanned and/or teenage pregnancy, suicide, educational failure,and other problem behaviours that diminish the prospects of future success.

The Northern Ireland context

“The Secondary Analysis of the Young Person’s Behaviour and Attitudes Survey,2003", (DHSSPS, November 2005) describes and compares the drinking behaviourand attitudes of young people in Northern Ireland between 2000 and 2003. Someof the findings from this report include that:

2 ‘Alcohol in Europe’ a Report on Alcohol Use in Europe contracted to the Institute of Alcohol Studies in London, 2006.

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• In 2003, 60% of all 11-16 year olds had used alcohol, a significant increase from• the findings in 2002

• 78% of all 11-16 year olds indicated that they knew “a lot” or “quite a bit” about• the effects and risks associated with alcohol consumption

• Gender differences are disappearing - traditionally, boys were more likely than• girls to experiment with alcohol and drink more regularly, but by 2003, there was• almost no difference in experimentation, regular drinking habits or experience• of drunkenness

• Some young people are drinking to dangerous levels - reported levels of youth• drunkenness in Northern Ireland are similar to the UK, which has some of the• highest levels in Europe

• 84% of young people who had ever drunk alcohol claimed that it was “to celebrate”

• Schools have a role to play in positively influencing young people’s attitudes and• behaviours in relation to alcohol

The local context

In October 2005, WDACT surveyed post-primary schools in the WELB area toascertain specific concerns around alcohol use/misuse at schools’ social eventsand schools’ practical experiences of and procedures for dealing with alcohol-related issues at such events.

The survey was conducted in response to anecdotal feedback from post-primaryschools in the WELB area in 2004/05. Principals and teachers had expressedconcern about the lack of clarity, consistency and guidance on the hosting ofschool ‘’Formal’’ events, including policy, practice, legal responsibilities etc.

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What are the issues?

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What are the issues?

Challenges for schools

There are many difficult issues that need to be considered when establishingpolicies and practices around School ‘’Formal’’ events.

As far as possible, schools should ensure that staff, pupils and parents areconsulted about and kept informed of the school’s position and its rules inrelation to all of these matters.

They include the following:

• Encouraging whole-school support for alternative ways in which the school• community can celebrate pupils’ time at school

• Make clear the school’s official position in relation to any ‘Formal’ type event

• The level of the school staff ’s involvement in the organisation and planning of• the ‘’Formal’’

• The implications which may arise when pupils are allowed to manage the event• completely by themselves

• Pupils organising unofficial events in the school’s name, which are not sanctioned• by the school

• Under-age pupils on licensed premises

• Rules regarding alcohol/drugs/smoking at the event and on transport

• Arranging and managing transport, especially in rural areas and for large numbers

• The consumption of alcohol/drugs before and after a School ‘’Formal’’ event

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• Sanctions for young people and/or staff who turn up at the event drunk or• become drunk during it

• Managing invited guests who see themselves as exempt from school’s jurisdiction

• Schools’ lack of factual information on their legal obligations

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Tips for successful celebrations

Many schools successfully host a School ‘’Formal’’ event on an annual basis forspecific year groups. Others choose not to host an official School ‘’Formal’’ at all.

Where respondent schools do run such events, they have suggested that they findthe following helpful in managing a successful and enjoyable evening. Whilst thefollowing list is not exhaustive, schools may wish to consider some or all of thesesuggestions for themselves:

• There is an official school policy in place, which has been ratified by the• Board of Governors and which the whole school community is made aware of

• The event is completely alcohol, drug and smoke free

• Schools may wish to consider hosting the event on school premises

• There is joint pupil/staff organisation and management of the event

• It is important to secure staff co-operation for the evening, including• supervision of event

• Parents are actively encouraged to become involved in organising and• supervising the event

• The school’s SMT monitors the organisation process closely

• There is active and meaningful consultation with staff, pupils and parents before• and after each year’s ‘’Formal’’, to identify successes and issues for improvement

• Parents are officially written to each year to remind them of the school’s• ‘’Formal’’ event policies

• The PSNI may be invited to speak to pupils in school before each year’s ‘’Formal’’• to remind them of responsibilties in relation to the law

• Effective working relationships are established with local hoteliers and bar staff

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• School rules are enforced - agreed and appropriate disciplinary sanctions are• imposed when problems arise

• Guests are obliged to sign and adhere to a Behaviour Contract, whether they• are a pupil of the school or not and regardless of age/status

• Parents complete consent forms which must include emergency contact• details etc

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Roles and Responsibilities

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Roles and Responsibilities

WDACT recognises that alcohol and drugs legislation extends to all of society,including licensed premises, off-licences, hotels, taxi and limousine hire firms andbus companies.

It is the responsibility of the PSNI to ensure that legislation in relation to alcoholand young people is enforced and that all of the above companies or organisationsoperate within the constraints of the law.

Schools

Schools have a crucial role to play in formulating and implementing policy andprocedures to safeguard the welfare of their pupils, whilst at the same timefacilitating the enjoyment and celebration of success of those pupils. In terms ofthe curriculum, issues of Personal Health, Self Esteem and Alcohol and DrugsEducation should be addressed through programmes of study across year groups.In addition, schools may consider their responsibilities in these ways:

• Devise and enforce an official policy on school ‘Formals’

• Inform whole school community of school policy and associated rules

• Consult with pupils, staff and parents on policy and procedures

• Deliver a comprehensive Health Education programme with positive Health• Promotion messages around alcohol and drugs

• Encourage staff to lead by example in terms of their own behaviours

• Invite the local PSNI Community Schools Involvement Officer to speak to• students/parents/staff about alcohol and drug legislation

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Pupils

Young people are entitled to enjoyable events to celebrate their achievements atschool and these should be times to remember, for the right reasons. It isimportant for each student to understand the danger of alcohol misuse and thenegative impact that underage drinking can have on their lives. They have a crucialrole to play in the success of their schools’ celebration events. A vital aspect ofthis is that they acknowledge and accept the responsibility they have tothemselves, their parents and their school to contribute usefully and conductthemselves respectfully. They can help in these ways:

• Engage in their school’s consultation process

• Help to organise the event e.g. as part of the management committee

• Be familiar with and comply with school policy and associated rules

• Sign and comply with Code of Conduct pledge

• Encourage friends and guests to behave appropriately

• Do not allow yourself to be negatively influenced by others’ actions

• Take pride in representing your school in an adult/public/community• environment

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Parents/carers

Parents/carers play a vital role in influencing children’s attitudes and behaviours.They serve as a role model on the use of alcohol, control the availability of alcoholin the home, and help to set children’s expectations concerning drinkingbehaviours. Research shows that children whose parents/carers are involved intheir lives, hold regular conversations, attend after-school events, and listen totheir problems are less likely to drink. Parents/carers can:

• Engage in the school consultation process

• Support the school in its implementation of policy

• Be aware of children’s whereabouts and their friends

• Be supportive of children when they ask for advice

• Discuss issues of concern with children

• Provide adult supervision for children visiting your home

• Ensure that minors are not served alcohol in their homes

For further information please refer to Useful links section on page 26.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can the school community celebrate the end of students’time at school?

Schools may wish to consider a range of enjoyable and engaging alternatives to theSchool ‘Formal’ event, which allow students to recognise and celebrate their timeat school, including:

• Outdoor activity weekend e.g. canoeing, mountaineering, abseiling

• Annual School Year Book

• Charity fund-raising event

• Educational visit/trip/holiday. Please adhere to the Board’s Educational Visits and• Exchanges policy

• Interactive project e.g. book of photography, DVD production

• Concert

• Fashion Show

• Exhibition of pupils’ work

• Celebration meal with parents and friends

Are schools obliged to host social events?

There is no obligation on any school to host or to become involved in any way inthe organisation of a social event for its pupils.

Schools may wish to document their official position in a written school policy.In any case, it is important to ensure that pupils and parents are well informedof the school’s policy and of any relevant roles, responsibilities and procedurestherein.

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Where the event is not endorsed by school, any tickets and promotionalmaterials for the event should not bear the official school crest. Pupils mustbe made aware that this is a breach of school rules and that appropriatesanctions will be imposed.

What is the rationale for a school social event?

Where a school has decided to host a ‘Formal’ type celebration event, the entireschool community is encouraged to consider the reason for hosting a schoolsocial event i.e. how is it viewed by pupils, staff and parents?

It may be seen as:

• a celebration of pupils’ achievement at school

• a ‘coming of age’

• an extension of pupils’ socialising habits outside of school

All of those involved are asked to consider the potential risks and consequencesassociated with the misuse of alcohol and drugs, anti-social, criminal and otherrisk-taking behaviour at such events.

Where a school has agreed to organise a ‘Formal’ event, what shouldthey consider?

• Current legislation e.g. Child Protection, Alcohol and Drug Legislation

• Cost e.g. tickets, formal dress or suit hire, transport, photographs

• Time of year e.g. in relation to school exams etc

• Location and venue

• Start and finish time of event

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• Staffing and supervision

• Transport to and from the event

• Alcohol and drug misuse before, during and after the event

• Alcohol and drug policies in relation to staff and guests

• Consultation with pupils

• Communication with all stakeholders including parents, PSNI, licensees,• businesses etc

Who should/can attend the school social event?

Permission to attend any school function should be at the discretion of the schoolitself. Pupils should be encouraged to take responsibility for their own and theirguests’ behaviour at the event. It is a good idea that a general standard ofbehaviour be agreed between staff and pupils.

The organising committee may consider:

• Setting both an upper and lower age limit for pupils and their guests

• Inviting or requiring all guests to sign a Code of Conduct pledge• (this could include a specific ‘no-alcohol’ rule)

• In co-operation with the premises management and staff, ensuring that a strict• admissions policy is in place and adhered to

• Working in partnership with other local Post Primary Schools to disseminate• the relevant policy information to their students who may be attending

• Reinforcing the message that these policies apply equally to staff and pupils

• Involving parents in the organisation and or supervision of the event

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Where should the event take place?

Schools are encouraged to consider alternatives to licensed premises forany school function. They are reminded to refer to the legislation outlined inChapter Three.

What Does The Law Say?

Where the event is hosted on school premises, the following issues may need tobe taken into account in addition to all of the above:

• Are Health and Safety issues taken into account e.g. fire regulations, capacity of• school hall, increased volumes of local traffic and parking issues?

• Will the event involve extra work and assistance from ancillary staff?

• Restricting access to general school premises and/or grounds e.g. ‘out-of-• bounds’ areas are clearly designated, classrooms and offices are locked etc

Where the event is to be hosted on other premises, schools are encouraged to atleast ensure the following:

• There is an agreement with the premises to deal only with designated school• staff and never with pupils themselves

• School approved cheques are the only acceptable method of payment for the• school event

• A commitment has been given by premises management and staff to enforce the• licensing laws at the event

• An effective partnership is established and maintained with the premises to• ensure the enjoyment and safety of all at the event

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Are schools responsible for arranging transport?

Schools should make it clear that all guests are responsible for making theirown way to and from the event.

If transport is organised in the school’s name, the school needs to consider howand where this will be organised and paid for, appropriate supervision of pupils,health and safety regulations e.g. in relation to seatbelts, enforcing the school’salcohol policy etc.

It is important that guests are well informed of start and finish times for theevent to facilitate transport arrangements.

It is a good idea that schools work in partnership also with local taxi andlimousine hire firms and bus companies to secure their co-operation inenforcing relevant no-alcohol policies on the way to and from the event.

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Useful links

Alcohol Concernwww.alcoholconcern.org.uk

Ask Frank (National Drug Helpline)www.talktofrank.com

Department of Social Development NI (Liquor Review Team)www.dsdni.gov.uk

Health Promotion Agencywww.hpani.gov.ukwww.drugsalcohol.infowww.knowyourlimits.infowww.up-2-you.net

Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI)www.hseni.gov.uk

FRLT, Federation of the Retail and Licensed Trade, Northern Ireland.www.ulsterpubs.com

Opportunity Youthwww.opportunity-youth.org

Police Service for Northern Irelandwww.psni.police.uk

Western Drug and Alcohol Co-ordination Team (WDACT)www.westernifh.org/wdact

WELB Drugs Education TeamCurriculum Advisory and Support Service (CASS)www.welb-cass.org

United Nations Convention on the Rigts of the Childwww.unicef.org/crc/

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Appendices

1. WDACT letter to WELB schools

2. WDACT questionnaire to WELB schools

3. Sample School Event policy

4. Sample Letter to parents

5. Sample Parental Consent Form

6. Sample Code of Conduct Pledge

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APPENDIX 1

Dear Principal

SCHOOL FORMAL GUIDELINES

During the course of recent visits to post-primary schools, many teachers haveasked us for advice and support specifically in relation to the hosting of the SchoolFormal, where the consumption of alcohol by staff and/or pupils may be an issue.They have expressed a concern about the lack of clarity and consistency amongstand between schools in terms of both good practice and legal obligations.

In response to this identified need and working in partnership with the WesternDrug and Alcohol Co-ordination Team (WDACT), we are aiming to produceguidelines for post-primary schools that will help them to formulate their ownschool policies in this particular area. We would like to invite all post-primaryschools to contribute to these guidelines and at this point would welcome anyfeedback from your school that you feel may be useful. If you or any member ofyour staff has a particular concern or query in relation to School Formals orindeed if you would like to draw attention to an example of good practice alreadyin place, please complete the reply sheet overleaf.

All responses will remain confidential and we will make every effort to ensure thatall of the issues highlighted by schools are dealt with in the final published guide-lines. We would kindly request that all responses be submitted by Friday 18thNovember. Thank you for your time and assistance with this important matter.

Yours sincerely

Carol McHugh Jacinta Hardy

Advisory Teachers for Drugs Education

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APPENDIX 2

Who takes responsibility for hosting your School Formal? Are there agreedprocedures in place around booking venues etc? (please consider how activelyinvolved the staff/pupils are and where specific responsibilities currently lie)

Which year groups are invited to attend your school’s Formal?

What are the main concerns (if any) in your school in relation to the hosting of aSchool Formal? (please consider both staff and pupil concerns and include specificconcerns in relation to drugs/alcohol as this will us to provide fuller/moretargeted guidelines)

Have there been any specific difficulties with the School Formal in the past thatyou would welcome advice/support with?

What procedures or practices are in place in your school which other schoolsmay find useful when planning/hosting the School Formal event?

School name (optional)

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APPENDIX 3

Sample School • School Event Policy

EthosMission statement in relation to your particular school

RationaleProvide background information including the need for the policy. For example:

NAME school has a responsibility to promote healthy lifestyles and, in pursuit ofthis, teaches pupils about the dangers of alcohol misuse/underage drinking as partof the health education cross-curricular theme. The school wishes to provide anenvironment which complements and does not negate this teaching. It also wishesto protect the health of staff, pupils, users of and visitors to the school. Thereforethe school operates this policy* in relation to school celebration events.

*For the purposes of this policy, rules referring to alcohol consumption will equally apply tosmoking, solvent abuse and the taking of any illegal drugs or substances (as any of thesealso constitute a violation of school rules and are contrary to existing school policies)

Aims/Objectives

Outline what the school hopes to ensure and/or achieve through this policyFor example:

• To demonstrate the school’s commitment to promoting the health of its staff, its• pupils and the community it serves

• To educate pupils and staff about the potential health risks of alcohol misuse

• To safeguard or uphold the school’s good name

• To promote and maintain basic values of courtesy and respect

• Address/meet public expectations and inspire public confidence

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APPENDIX 3 (Continued)

Roles and Responsibilities

Define the roles of e.g. BoG, staff, pupils and parents

Implementation

Describe how the policy and associated rules/procedures will be implementedand managed.

Will there be a specific group or team charged with overseeing provision inthis area?

School responses

Describe both the disciplinary and pastoral responses that the school intends toimplement in the event of an incident.

What emergency procedures are in place?

Who will be informed and how?

Monitoring and Review

The Principal and Board of Governors will monitor this policy annually and it willbe revised as appropriate.

Signed (Chair of the Board of Governors)

Signed (Principal)

Date

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APPENDIX 4

School address

Tel/Fax/Email

Date

Dear Parent/Carer

Year 12 Celebration on DATE

I am pleased to tell you that the Annual Year 12 Celebration event has beenarranged for DATE from START TIME to FINISH TIME, at VENUE.

The event will be a celebration of the hard work and achievement of our Year 12pupils, who have themselves been extensively involved in its organisation. Theschool believes that there is a need for co-operation and goodwill to make surethat the night is an enjoyable experience for all.

Therefore, we have agreed, in consultation with students, a number of keyprinciples to ensure the success of the evening. The event will be strictly alcohol-free and the school expects that all students and their guests behave appropriatelyat all times. The school’s policies on Drugs and Smoking also apply equally tothis event.

Every pupil and their guest, including those who are not students of the school,will be required to:

• provide detailed emergency contact information, in the event that it is necessary• to contact home at any time

• submit a completed parental consent form to evidence parental permission• to attend

• sign up to the school’s Code of Conduct pledge for the evening• (see copy attached)

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APPENDIX 4 (Continued)

The dress code for the evening is ‘smart’ although pupils can wear ‘’Formal’’ attireif they wish.

Students are required to make their own transport arrangements to and from theevent and parents are asked to ensure that their children are safely dropped offand collected.

Please ensure that the enclosed contact and permission slips are completed andreturned to the school by DATE. If you have any further queries, please contactNAME, at the school.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your anticipated support forthe success of this event.

Yours sincerely

Principal

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APPENDIX 5

Sample School Event • Parental Consent Form

Personal information

Name of studentAddressDate of birth Age at present

Medical information

Please give details of any medical condition/allergies that you feel the supervisingstaff should be aware of

Transport

Please state method of your son/daughter’s transport to and from the event

Emergency contact details

I have read and discussed the school’s Event Code of Conduct pledge with myson/daughter* and agree to abide by the school’s rules and procedures(*delete as appropriate)

Signed

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APPENDIX 6

Sample School • Event Code of Conduct Pledge

NAME OF SCHOOL expects all guests, both its own students and their partners,to adhere to the following expectations at the school’s Celebration event. Wewould kindly ask parents to take time to read and discuss this information withyour son/daughter before signing the appropriate parental consent form.

• No alcohol is to be consumed before or during the celebration. If a student is• suspected of being under the influence of alcohol, he/she will not be admitted to• the function and parents/carers will be contacted to collect their son/daughter.

• The school’s no-smoking policy extends to this event.

• Under no circumstances is any guest to have or be under the influence of illegal• drugs, as outlined in the school’s drugs policy. Any breach of this rule will be• dealt with by the appropriate authorities.

• All guests are expected to display good table manners and to be respectful of• the venue staff.

• All guests must show respect for all fellow guests. Those judged to be aggressive• or confrontational will be asked to leave the function and parents/carers• informed as appropriate.

• Students should remain at the venue until the end time of the event. Where• possible, parents are asked to collect their son/daughter from the function or,• alternatively to make other appropriate transport arrangements.

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APPENDIX 6 (Continued)

• The school accepts no liability for mobile phones, cameras and other personal• belongings brought to the event.

• No pre or post-function parties are to be organised. It is the expectation of the• school that students go directly home following the close of the function.

I agree to abide by the school rules as set out above

Signed: Print name:

Student / Guest (please circle as appropriate)

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formal guidelinessuggestions for a safe and enjoyable school event

Design & Illustration: Michael @ Health Promotion, Western Area