Faced with rising violence, secondary school principals have made a plea to Cabinet for action.

In response, Government is examining steps which include testing of students suspected of using or supplying drugs.

The Royal Gazette has obtained a copy of a presentation principals made to Cabinet on December 6, in which they warned: "The potential for disaster is frightening.'' "Since this academic year began, there is a disturbing increase in the levels of violence displayed by students,'' the principals said. "These violent students exhibit a completely amoral lack of sensitivity.

"There is no remorse for their actions; no sense that such behaviours are unacceptable; no recognition that they should abide by established codes of discipline; and, no willingness to attempt to change behaviours that are found to be unacceptable.'' Police Insp. Roseanda Jones confirmed that "we have had more reports from the schools this year than we have in years past -- definitely''.

Drugs are the "underlying cause'' of many of the problems, said the principals.

"An urgent need is a clear and precise policy against drugs in schools.

Students suspected of using or supplying drugs should be made to submit to drug tests and there should be available and accessible rehabilitation programmes for those who test positive.

"Such students should not be suspended for a week and then allowed back into the mainstream where they can, and do, continue their activities.'' The principals also called for "an effective residential programme for a small number of students who cannot and will not function in a regular school setting''.

These students "represent a danger to all members of a school community'', and "prevent learning from taking place in a safe and encouraging atmosphere''.

The principals said it is "essential'' to find immediate solutions to problems caused by "dysfunctional students'' doing "incalculable'' damage to schools. The effects "are likely to be far-reaching and detrimental to the fabric of society as a whole''.

Education Minister the Hon. Clarence Terceira yesterday confirmed that a delegation headed by Association of School Principals president Mr. Alan Leigh recently appealed to Cabinet over school drugs and violence.

And he said he has asked the Attorney General whether schools can require students to take drug tests. "I would agree with it if it passes the AG,'' Dr. Terceira said.

Issues the AG was looking at included what would happen if someone refused to be tested and whether they could then be suspended. "There are some legal matters, but it's serious enough that we want to find out to what extent we can go,'' he said.

It appeared that students who needed drug treatment would have to be sent to residential care overseas, Dr. Terceira said.

He was working with the National Drug Commission in that area.

Aside from those who needed drug treatment, removing students with behaviour problems from Bermuda schools to be educated elsewhere on the Island would be "an extreme step'', he said. "It may be a step that we really have to consider. I would want to try every other possibility first.'' A School Code of Discipline that is being prepared, which Dr. Terceira wants renamed a Code of Conduct, will include guidelines for teachers and principals on searches of students, he said. Police have told the Education Ministry that teachers can search lockers and desks and can also search students if they have a good reason.

"I think every principal should have the right to see what students bring into the school property,'' he said.

It appeared the Code of Conduct would also provide for school corporal punishment, though "that is a problem from the point of view of the (United Nations) conventions that we are subject to'', he said.

"I believe the view of people generally is that it should be left in as a deterrent.'' Mr. Leigh declined to comment on the principals' plea to Cabinet.