March 29, 2004, Students learn safe prom tips

NEWMARKET – York Region Health Services hosts its fifth annual Party in the Right Spirit interactive workshop to help high school students and their staff advisors plan a safer prom or graduation night. There are 18 schools participating in this year's event.

WHAT: Party in the Right Spirit equips prom committees to raise awareness at their own schools about common prom-related concerns such as impairment, liability, violence and relationship issues, and strategies to avoid or manage potential problems.

WHEN: Wednesday, March 31st

9:00 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.

WHERE: Bayview Hill Community Centre

114 Spadina Road, Richmond Hill

Photo opportunities include:

· Feature display How will you get home from your prom?

9:15 to 9:30 a.m.

Students will see first-hand the inside of a limousine, police cruiser, ambulance and hearse.

· 12:00 to 12:30 p.m.

Students will have an opportunity to visit prom and graduation-related displays

· 12:45 to 1:15 p.m.

Students will experience three activity stations (R.I.D.E. van, Fatal Vision goggles and Wheels of Misfortune video) to provide ideas for initiatives they can implement in their own schools.

Remaining time is spent in interactive workshops and presentations.

WHO:

York Region Health Services - Injury and Substance Abuse Prevention Program

- Healthy Sexuality Program

- Chronic Disease Prevention Program

- Solicitor

York Region Emergency Medical Services

York Regional Police

York Central Hospital

Women’s Support Network of York Region

Most proms are school-sponsored, supervised events where the serving and possession of alcohol are strictly prohibited. It is recognized, however, that there are also many pre- and post-prom parties organized by individuals or groups of students, where alcohol and other substances may be available. The Party in the Right Spirit workshop is being offered to equip high school prom/graduation planning committees with techniques to raise awareness at their own schools about making responsible decisions at these parties.

For more information about safer graduation planning or any other health-related topic

contact York Region Health Services Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653 (toll free)

or visit www.region.york.on.ca.

Contact: Wendy Lewis, York Region Corporate Communications Services 905-830-4444 Ext. 1238 wendy.lewis@region.york.on.ca

Party in the Right Spirit List of Participating Schools

Brother Andre Catholic High School, Markham

Cardinal Carter Catholic High School, Aurora

Country Day School, King

Dr. G.W. Williams Secondary School, Aurora

Holy Cross Catholic Academy

Huron Heights Secondary School, Newmarket

Keswick High School, Georgina

Langstaff Secondary School, Richmond Hill

Markham District High School, Markham

Markville Secondary School, Markham

Our Lady of the Lake CCS

Richmond Hill High School, Richmond Hill

St Elizabeth Catholic High School, Vaughan

Stouffville District Secondary School, Whitchurch-Stouffville

Sutton District High School, Georgina

Thornlea Secondary School, Markham

Toronto District Christian High School, Vaughan

Vaughan Secondary School, Vaughan