on drugs.

And at least two others plan to put their drug policy in writing before the end of the year.

The Royal Gazette has learned that the chairman of Berkeley Institute's Board of Governors, Mr. Calvin White, this week issued a written drug policy to parents, making it clear that drug use at the school will not be tolerated.

With drug use increasing among teens throughout Bermuda, Mr. White said Berkeley felt the need to "clarify and codify'' its position on drugs.

"The objective is to prevent the use of drugs and alcohol on the school premises and to provide assistance to students who need help.'' But he stressed that drug testing students will only be done if there is "reasonable cause''.

The cause may include various signs and behaviours both parents and teachers have been warned to look out for, including sleeping in class, sudden decline in grades, frequent absences, and obvious physical signs.

But Mr. White pointed out that the factors on the list, handed out at a PTA meeting held on Tuesday night, was not exclusive to drug use.

He also noted that if Berkeley students are suspected of using drugs the following procedure will take place: They will be urged by the principal or deputy principal to consult with the guidance counsellor.

The principal will decide if the student is to be tested.

The student's parent/guardian will be called in, irrespective of whether the student is tested.

If the student refuses to be tested he or she will be suspended from school.

If the student tests positive, he or she will be allowed to remain in school only if the student agrees to remain in a treatment programme.

If the student, after testing positive, refuses treatment, he or she will be suspended.

While Mr. White stressed that confidentiality will be maintained throughout this process, he noted: "A student found in possession of illegal drugs on school property will be handed over to Police. Furthermore, dealing in illegal drugs on school property will be grounds for expulsion.'' Students at Saltus, one of the Island's private schools which introduced its drug policy almost ten years ago, are immediately dismissed if they refuse to be tested for drugs.

But principal Mr. Keith McPhee stressed that the policy is "not punitive''.

"We believe that prevention is the sum of education and early intervention, so we try to educate students that this is not the route to take.

"But inevitably in this day and age, we're going to get kids falling by the wayside. It is unrealistic to expect any school not to have at least one student with a drug problem. We don't want to punish them, we want to help.'' Mr. McPhee said Saltus' drug programme was introduced in April, 1985 "not because there was a problem'', but to prevent problems.

If any student is suspected of using drugs -- listing similar signs set out in the Berkeley drug policy -- the parents are contacted immediately.

Parents are then informed that the student will have to take a drug test.

"It is strictly confidential,'' he stressed. "Nothing goes on their (school) record. If the test comes back negative, we profusely apologise. If the test is positive, the student can either remain in school if they agree to be Schools look at drugs tests and/or at Addiction Services (where a counsellor has been hired to deal specifically with adolescents). But if the student refuses to receive help, they are expelled.

"We're going to help the students as long as we're allowed to do so,'' he said. "It is time for people to stop talking about human rights and to start doing something.

"The most important right that young people have is that those who are older, and hopefully wiser, will guide them through all the pitfalls and greed that is out there.'' Warwick Academy principal Mr. Bernard Beacroft said a drug policy was "imminent'' for the school.

The policy, which will include testing for alcohol use, will apply to all students from five to 16-year-olds.