Fair Notice- washroom use/banned substances

Dear Families, 

As part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe, healthy, and positive school environment, we continue to proactively monitor and respond to occasional concerns involving inappropriate use of washroom spaces, vaping, or possession of prohibited substances on school property. 

Our response to this concern is in alignment with: 

● The Alberta Education Act 

● Medicine Hat Public School Division Policy relating to banned substances in the school setting 

● Medicine Hat Police Services 

This letter serves as a reminder to all of our stakeholders that: 

Students are not permitted to be in washroom stalls together for any reason. Washroom stalls are not intended to be used beyond individual use due to health and safety concerns. If students require support, they should report to the main office or Student Services to receive support from our student advisors or administrative staff. If students are found to be in washroom stalls together, they will be searched and may be suspended for failure to follow school rules. 

Students caught vaping or in possession of banned substances on campus will be suspended from school. Vapes, banned substances, and associated paraphernalia will be confiscated. These items will not be returned and will be disposed of. Addiction counselling and random or routine backpack checks may be mandated. Where there is a reasonable suspicion that vaping took place, these same consequences will be applied. Police may issue additional consequences at their discretion. 

Often numerous violations take place in the context of vape use. It is not uncommon for multiple students to occupy a bathroom stall while vaping takes place. When this occurs, all students involved will be considered to have vaped. It is the student’s responsibility to avoid placing themselves in situations of this nature. It is not reasonable or possible for school staff to determine who was vaping and who was not. 

Vaping and/or the use of, or possession of, other banned substances does not promote a positive, safe and caring learning environment and will not be tolerated.

We encourage you to discuss this notice with your student.

Thank you for your support. 

-CHHS Administration