Tobacco, Vapes & Cannabis Use Policy

Heritage Christian Online School (HCOS) endeavors to see one’s physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being be as healthy as possible. Therefore, students, staff (both paid and volunteer) are not permitted the use of any form of tobacco and tobacco-like products (e-cigs, vapes, etc.), including cannabis products, at any HCOS-sponsored event.

HCOS recognizes that the use of tobacco, vapour and cannabis products are a detrimental lifestyle choice for students, employees, and visitors. The school acknowledges its legal obligations to act in accordance with Section 2.2 of the Tobacco and Vapour Products Control Act, as well as regulations forbidding the use of cannabis on school property in British Columbia. Lastly, HCOS will accept the responsibility inherent in education of providing positive role models and best practices and will promote a healthy learning and working environment.

Tobacco & Cannabis Use Prohibition

1. No person is permitted to smoke, use, or hold any tobacco or vapour product, including cannabis related products, at any school related function, in or on any building or land, owned, leased or rented by the school.
2. No school student is permitted to smoke, use, or hold any tobacco or vapour product, including cannabis related products, at any school sponsored or school related events.
3. All persons who are not school students will be requested not to smoke, or use any tobacco or vapour products, including cannabis related products, in the presence of school students at school sponsored or school related events.

Enforcement

1. Students engaging in the prohibited behavior will be subject to the stipulations of the student discipline policy.
2. School employees engaging in the prohibited behavior will be subject to the stipulations of the employment agreement regarding employee code of conduct violations.
3. All other persons will be asked to cease their use of a tobacco or cannabis product or to leave the school event.

Education

1. HCOS will include education about the harmful effects of tobacco, vapour and cannabis use at appropriate grade levels in its educational program.
2. HCOS will communicate that it is a tobacco, vapour and cannabis free institution through its usual communication modes to students, parents, employees, and visitors.