The Canadian Peregrine Foundation

In April 2001, we visited Fort Erie's St. Philomena Catholic School with our one-year-old female peregrine falcon "Penny". Below are some comments from the school, followed by letters from a couple of the students:

I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for the visit to St Philomena Catholic School, so that our students would have the opportunity to see a live Peregrine Falcon. The students were engaged throughout the entire presentation, several students staying afterward to ask more questions. Dave's presentations were altered to fit the audience, ensuring that each group gathered the appropriate information for their age group.

Through classroom lessons we an able to identify and discuss the effects of pollution and the impact it has environmentally. Students are often able to identify the harmful impacts of environmental change on wildlife. However, the opportunity to view a species such as the Peregrine which has been effected by this and to discuss first hand how change can take place is a valuable learning experience.

I realize that a program such as this cannot be provided without sponsorship. We are grateful to the corporate sponsors in taking such an interest in our children and our environment I will also be forwarding letters of thanks from our students .

Dear Mr. David Pfeffer,

When you came to our school my class and I learned lots of things. I learned that Peregrine Falcons are very intelligent, could dive at 320 km/h, and that they can lay up to 3 to 4 eggs a year. They can get to be almost the length of an adult in five weeks.

Peny is a very interesting Peregrine to watch with lots of beautiful colours.

I would like to thank you for your time and letting all of us learn something. Thank you to the Canada Trust TD Bank for sponsoring you.

Please wish Penny a happy birthday!

Sincerely,

Brianna (Grade 4)

Dear Mr. David Pfeffer,

Thank you for coming to our school with Penny. In your presentation I learned a lot, such as the peregrine falcon is the fastest animal in the world! You also told us that female peregrines are larger than males and that DDT stops peregrine reproduction!

Penny was a very cool bird! I like the way she showed off her wings and her cool colour! Say happy birthday to her - we have the same birthday!

I'd especially like to thank you and Canada Trust Bank / TD Bank for sponsoring the visit and thank Penny for coming with you! I had so much fun! Peregrines are the coolest!

Sincerely,

Spencer (Grade 4)

Project School Visit:
St. Philomena Catholic School (Fort Erie)

Visit sponsored by: Friends of the Environment Foundation