Visit sponsored by: The Friends of the Environment Foundation - Barrie

I am writing this letter on behalf of the staff and students of Allandale Heights Public School who were fortunate enough to take part in The Canadian Peregrine Foundation School Visit Program. This interactive workshop was a hit with students and teachers alike.

The students were completely engaged in Michael Fazackerley's presentation on the peregrine falcon as an endangered bird of prey in Canada, its biology, and the surrounding environmental issues that have affected them. The highlight however was undoubtedly meeting Qetesh, a real live peregrine falcon. They loved it! Proof positive of their engagement and enthusiasm was the fact that their questions spilled over into recess and they didn't even notice!

As an educator, I was impressed by the interactive nature of the presentation as well as the links to the Life Systems strand of the Science curriculum (particularly to Grade 4 "Habitats and Communities" and Grade 6 "Diversity of Living Things.") Of particular importance in the Life Systems strand is the investigation of interactions between living things and their environment and this presentation certainly highlighted this connection.

In closing, I would like to thank The TD Canada Trust—Friends of the Environment for making The Canadian Peregrine Foundation's school visit possible. It was a valuable learning experience for the students and it is my hope that, with your continued support, other students will benefit from the opportunity.