Photo /BRIETTA KERR WESTSIDE SECONDARY students were evacuated because of substance that was sprayed in a stairwell last Thursday, just as the last class was finishing. Many students had to leave the building without jacket when temperatures were about - 16º C and about - 24º C with the wind chill. A prank that led to charges for a 17-year-old last Thursday had some students at Westside Secondary School making panicked telephone calls to parents, saying they were outside, freezing without their jackets, because of an evacuation and they weren't being allowed back inside.

The fire alarm was activated at the end of the school day by Principal Darryl Kirkland, who had smelled an odour in the halls and felt the school needed to be evacuated quickly.

"I didn't know what it was," Mr. Kirkland said. "But I was concerned for everyone's safety."

The principal said students were instructed to leave the premises immediately and acknowledged some left without returning to their lockers to retrieve their coats.

"It was the end of the last class and some students didn't have a chance to return to their locker."

Mr. Kirkland said the evacuation was orderly and students who left without the proper winter clothing were told to go to the Alder Street arena across the street or into a portable.

Some students either ignored the instruction or didn't receive the advice, because an undetermined number were standing outside trying to secure a ride by using their cell phones.

Parents' efforts to retrieve their children were hindered by a police barricade in both directions on Alder and at the intersection at Mont- gomery Blvd. Emergency services, police, fire and ambulance responded to the incident.

During the investigation police detected dog repellent (a substance similar to pepper spray) and some students and staff experienced vision and respiratory irritation.

Six students went to the hospital and the principal, in a letter sent to homes on Friday encouraged parents to monitor their children's health and go to the hospital if necessary.

The school remained evacuated for about 90 minutes while it was aired out by the fire department. Because of the time of day, students left school without books or belongings and that prompted the school to reschedule exams that were to begin on Friday morning.

"We treated Friday like a no-bus day," said Mr. Kirkland.

"The school was open for students to collect their things on Friday and exams will begin on Monday."

School video security system aided police in identifying a suspect and a 17-yearold Orangeville youth, whose identity is protected by the Youth Criminal Justice Act is scheduled to appear in court on Feb.19 to answer charges of administering a noxious substance and mischief.