18 October 2006, Belleville, Ontario—Next week, students from Centre Hastings Secondary School and Madoc Public School will be treated to an address by Canadian Space Agency astronaut Chris Hadfield. This special event is part of the students’ preparation for contact with the International Space Station via amateur radio in November. On Thursday, October 26, Chris Hadfield will share with students some of his experiences in space.

Next week’s presentation with Canada’s Chris Hadfield will provide students with valuable insights into the nature of work on the International Space Station and the impact that these missions have on the astronauts themselves. Then, in November, students will ask questions of the Expedition 14 crew through radio contact.

Chris Hadfield served as Mission Specialist on STS-74 (1995) and was the first Canadian to operate the Canadarm in orbit, as well as the only Canadian to ever board the Russian space station, Mir. In 2001 as Mission Specialist on STS-100 he performed two spacewalks while installing the Canadarm2. At present he is Chief of International Space Station Operations for NASA's Astronaut Office. The students of Madoc will have the opportunity to learn so much about traveling and working in space from Chris Hadfield’s personal experiences and enthusiasm.

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO THE CHRIS HADFIELD EVENT

Date: Thursday, October 26, 2006

Time: 1:00 p.m.

Location: Centre Hastings Secondary School

The Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board serves approximately 18,000 students each day at 46 elementary and 8 secondary schools. Supporting student achievement is the goal of 1,800 teaching and support staff who, in addition to the contributions of caring volunteers and community partners, share their passion for teaching and learning. The district covers a wide geographical area of 7,221 square kilometres bordered by Maynooth to the north, Deseronto to the east, Prince Edward County to the south and Quinte West to the west.

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For more information, contact:

• Kerry Donnell, Communications Officer, 613-966-1170 or 1-800-267-4350, extension 2354