Pubdate: Sun, 9 Apr 2006
Source: Sydney Morning Herald (Australia)
Copyright: 2006 The Sydney Morning Herald
Contact:  http://www.smh.com.au/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/441
Author: Erin O'Dwyer
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Marijuana)

BOARDERS SUSPENDED FOR SMOKING MARIJUANA

A GROUP of 16 teenagers from a selective boys' boarding school near 
Tamworth have been suspended for smoking marijuana on school grounds.

The Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School students were suspended 
last week for up to 20 days.

An Education Department spokesman confirmed the suspensions and said 
expulsions were possible.

"The principal, in a letter to the parents, has indicated that 
depending on the outcome of further inquiries, expulsions may be 
possible," he said.

No charges have been laid, but the police investigation is continuing 
and officers are yet to speak to four other students who they believe 
were involved.

It is believed the marijuana was taken into the school and not 
cultivated on the premises.

The school community bunkered down as news of the suspensions leaked 
out. Acting principal Jim Levy said he could not comment because the 
situation was still delicate.

Bev Winters, from the Parents and Teachers and Friends Association, 
said she was not authorised to speak.

Tamworth councillor and Farrer old boy Col Murray said the community 
had been disappointed by the news, and the school should see it as a 
"reality check".

"I was a little disturbed about it, but not completely surprised," he said.

The Education Department spokesman said there was nothing to indicate 
that marijuana was a major problem at the school, or that any student 
was involved in dealing in marijuana or other drugs.

He said drugs would not be tolerated at the school, and the 
authorities had acted by disciplining the students and calling in the police. 
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