School drugs and weapons search rules on agenda

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Teachers will know by the end of this term what rights they have to search students who they suspect are carrying drugs or weapons at school.

Education Minister Anne Tolley has written to principals confirming they will receive clarification on search and seizure rules by mid-July.

She has also confirmed her intention to table an amendment to the Education Act which will ensure schools do have the right to search students if need be.

Secondary Principals Association president Patrick Walsh said there had been a lot of confusion over teachers' rights to search students suspected of carrying drugs or weapons at school.