Smoking Pit Converted to Volleyball, Stage Area
For Release #05-242
Thursday, Sep 22, 2005
WHITEHORSE -- Staff and students at F.H. Collins will host a barbeque today to mark the formal opening of a volleyball court and stage that replaces the former "smoking pit".
Health and Social Services Minister Peter Jenkins and Education Minister John Edzerza both expressed pleasure at the reclamation of the space, formerly "owned by smokers".
"F.H. Collins has been working for some time to reduce the grades allowed to smoke on school grounds, with the eventual goal of declaring the school and its grounds smoke free," Edzerza said. "I am very happy that they were able to do this, by working with the school community, the parents and the students."
Jenkins said he has long supported tobacco reduction programs for youth. "I'd be happier if they never started, but if they have, then I support anything that helps them reduce and eventually give up the tobacco habit."
"Converting the F.H. Collins' smoke pit to an outdoor stage and volleyball court will bring kids into the school community rather than driving them out," Edzerza added.
Health and Social Services' health promotion coordinators were invited to meet with F.H. Collins students and find out what they wanted instead of the smoking pit. Initial requests included everything from mini-golf to a horse stable, and a beach volleyball or park area. The entire student body was surveyed at the end of last year and analysis work, funded by the Department of Education, was undertaken during the summer and earlier this fall.
Students will also benefit from smoking reduction groups being offered at the school. Student mentors are also being trained to work with their peers. Training will be provided by the Health Promotions Unit, in the Department of Health and Social Services.
"We think this is an amazing thing that has happened here," Jenkins said. "This initiative has been driven by parents, School Council, the school and by the students themselves. Together they worked hard to make it happen."
"This is something the whole school community can take pride in," Edzerza said.
-30-