16 November 2006, Belleville, Ontario—Students at Madoc Public School and Centre Hastings Secondary School are making a connection—and preparing for an out of this world experience!

For 10 minutes on Monday, November 20 they’ll talk with the crew of Expedition 14 on the international space station using amateur radio. It’s a follow-up to the visit by Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield in October. The Madoc students are the only ones in North America making this once-in-a-lifetime connection!

Co-organizers Liza Allan, Educational Assistant at Madoc Public School and Rob Allan, Teacher at Centre Hastings Secondary School and students in the Space Club have been preparing for this day for close to a year. The students have been researching Expedition 14 and learning techniques for communicating by amateur radio.

The contact is possible through ARISS—Amateur Radio on the International Space Station. ARISS arranges amateur radio contact between astronauts and school children. These events provide valuable learning opportunities for young people by introducing them to communications technology.

The event is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 20th at Centre Hastings Secondary School, 129 Elgin Street, Madoc.

Madoc Public School (MPS), located in the village of Madoc, serves approximately 470 Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 students. MPS takes pride in its academic achievements, student leadership initiatives, athletic and musical accomplishments, and its participation as a Healthy Active School Community. Students and staff are involved in charitable fundraising and community partnerships which enhance and enrich student learning.

The Centre Hastings Secondary School (CHSS) focus is to provide an excellent education to all students and to prepare them to meet the challenges of a changing world through innovation and creativity. Staff work hard to meet the needs of each student and to create a supportive and positive learning environment for all students. CHSS, a community school, is known for its warm welcome and its ability to support students in achieving their goals.

- 30 -

For more information, contact:
• Kerry Donnell, Communications Officer, 613-966-1170 or 1-800-267-4350, extension 2354