paper and toss it away instead of fighting with a classmate.

In an effort to decrease the amount of violence in schools, West End school counsellor Mrs. Marilynn Smith held a special assembly for years four to six students showing them ways to vent their anger through physical fitness.

Guest speaker was fitness trainer Mr. Eddie Lin, from the Total Fitness Centre, who conducted various drills with the children.

One exercise the students did required them to close their eyes, picture the person they were mad at and give them a funny face or a funny voice.

Mr. Lin also told the children that "until you can communicate with yourself you can't communicate with others.

"You have nothing to prove, therefore, you do not need to go out and slug it out with someone else. There is nothing wrong with walking away from a fight,'' he said.

He added: "When you physically or verbally go after each other, someone will get hurt.'' Mr. Lin also said children need to use their physical and mental disciplines to channel energy into something productive.

"They have to diminish problems they have in their personnel life and turn it into positive outlooks in life.'' The children listened eagerly and asked several questions regarding Mr. Lin's status in karate and how he dealt with problems he faced.

He told them the most important thing for them to remember was to "have the understanding that we all should respect each other.'' Mrs. Smith told the students the fighting they watched on television or at the movies was not what they should be focusing on.

"It is when you see the people walk away from the fight that is important.'' Mrs. Smith said attitudes and behaviour of young students had gotten out of control.

"The media influence and societal influence can impact on the children's behaviour in school. They tend to get very aggressive and they don't know how to channel their energy, so it comes out in violence.

"I want these students to be the best they can be mentally and physically.

Being able to walk away from a fight has to be taught just like anything else.''