10 October 2006, Belleville, Ontario—More than 200 students from across Hastings and Prince Edward Counties will come together on October 19th to listen to speakers that will challenge them to make their schools and communities safer. This event marks the 10th annual CAVEAT Day.

Participants include Grade 8 to 12 students and school staff who are ready and willing to make a positive difference in their schools and communities. Cyber Safety is the topic of the keynote address. Participants will also be involved in an interactive play called “10% Reality” performed by the Mixed Company Theatre. This play will address issues of tolerance, acceptance and homophobia.

Workshop topics include:

• Talking about Mental Illness
• Random Acts of Kindness
• Addictions
• Human Rights
• Student Crimestoppers

At the end of the day, students will work in groups to brainstorm and plan how to effect change at their home schools.

According to Sarah Hopper, Child & Youth Counsellor, “There are excellent speakers lined up for this year’s event, and students will hear many thought-provoking messages.”

CAVEAT Day was introduced by the HPEDSB Child and Youth Counsellor team in 1996 as a response to the tragic murders of three Belleville teens: Mark Fyke, Shawn Keegan and Rebecca Middleton. CAVEAT Day is a forum for students and staff to come together to learn and grow. The information they gather will help them to continue the work of CAVEAT within their schools to help make a positive difference.

CAVEAT (Canadians Against Violence Everywhere Advocating Its Termination) is a non-profit charitable organization founded in 1992 by Priscilla de Villiers of Burlington, Ontario after the murder of her daughter Nina.

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO ATTEND

Date: Thursday, October 19

Where: St. Matthews United Church, 25 Holloway Street, Belleville

Time: Registration is 8:30 to 9:00 a.m.; keynote address at 9:10 a.m.; workshops at 10:45 a.m.

The Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board serves approximately 18,000 students each day at 46 elementary and 8 secondary schools. Supporting student achievement is the goal of 1,800 teaching and support staff who, in addition to the contributions of caring volunteers and community partners, share their passion for teaching and learning. The district covers a wide geographical area of 7,221 square kilometres bordered by Maynooth to the north, Deseronto to the east, Prince Edward County to the south and Quinte West to the west.

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For more information, contact:

• Sarah Hopper, Clinical Resource – Child & Youth Counsellor Team, 613-966-1170 or 1 800 267-4350, ext. 2451