We welcomed Maya Basdeo and her assistant co-op student, Megan, to Keelesdale Jr. PS this morning.  Maya did two presentations for us.  They were both top-notch.  Her approach and manner with the students was lively, "punny" - lots of bird puns - and very informative.  I had forgotten to prep her about one of our special needs (autistic) students, but she very quickly recognized his needs and gave him the opportunities he needed to speak up.  I was very impressed.  The content of the talk matched the science curriculum guidelines for grades four and six.  We also were permitted to let our small grade five class sit in, and Maya was able to link the symbolism of the falcon in Egyptian iconography.  Very impressive.  Maya was interested to know about the Choices into Action document, whereby the MOET encourages that any career info related to the subject content be highlighted for students.

I am so please that we were called and invited to participate in this special presentation.  I am pleased to see that my contributions to Friends of the Environment are being put to such worthwhile ventures.  My students would never have had this opportunity otherwise.

Helen Gill