FALL RIVER: After hearing concerns from parents regarding vaping inside and outside of Lockview High School, the Fall River-based school’s administration team has sent home a letter to parents outlying the punishment going forward, beginning Sept. 23.
In the letter, the LHS admin team says that the “health and safety of our students is always a number one priority for staff at Lockview High School.”
“Last year, Lockview administration had many meetings with our School Advisory Council, our school community officer, numerous health officials, parents, staff and students about the ongoing and increase in tobacco and e-cigarette use by students,” the letter reads. “In response to our collective concerns, the message to our students, parents, and community is that Lockview High is a smoke free property. This is in alignment with the Nova Scotia Smoke-Free Places Act and the Provincial Code of Conduct for Schools which states that use of tobacco and/or e-cigarettes is considered unacceptable on school property.”
It continued on saying that in the interest of supporting students and school safety, they will issue a suspension to students if they choose to smoke or vape inside the school, and may, in certain circumstances include outside the building.
“Beginning September 23, students who smoke or vape inside school face an out of school suspension for illegal activity,” the letter reads. “With the support of our RCMP school liaison officer, Lisa Hartlen, a fine in the amount of $410.00 plus applicable taxes will be issued as well.”
“As always, we will continue to work closely with students to make good choices with regards to vaping and tobacco use.”
In concluding, the letter asks that parents take a moment to have a conversation with their children about this important matter.
“We thank you for your continued support in keeping Lockview High a smoke free environment,” it ended.
