LEVELII EXCURSION INFORMATION FORM
Excursion Name
Transportation Details (Dates and Times)
Columbia Model United Nations Conference and Exposition (CMUNCE) in NewYork City
Depart: We will meet at 2:30pm in theYork School Cafeteria and then travel to Billy BishopAirport byTTC, Wednesday, January 11thfor flight PD 141 departingToronto @ 5:10 pm arriving Newark @ 6:40 pm
Return: via PD 140 departing Newark on Sunday, January 15th @ 6:20 pm, arriving at Billy Bishop @ 8:05 pm Please pick up your child at Billy BishopAirport
Group Involved (Include approximate number)
Model United NationsTeam (approximately 12 students)
Group Leader Staff Involved David Paris Megan Gardner Ross
DestinationAddresses
Hotel: Midtown Hilton 1335 6thAve, NewYork, NY10019, United States +1 212 586 7000
Conference Sessions: Columbia University 2920 Broadway, NewYork, NY10027, United States
Educational Rationale
Students will participate in discussions and debates with other high school students from around the world Students will have an opportunity to draw on their knowledge of global issues to discuss current problems facing the United Nations today Students will have an opportunity to build on their critical thinking skills, communication skills, and their ability to discuss in a respectful and diplomatic manner.The focus of the trip will be on how to contribute in a positive and constructive manner to solve global problems.This is a wonderful opportunity for senior students to grow as risk takers, communicators and critical thinkers.
Service Provider(s)
Emergency Contact Information
Approximate Cost
Please note that once you have provided consent to have your child participate on the excursion you will be charged for the
Columbia University
Barb Prevedello (inToronto) 416 926 1325 ext 1439, (Cell) 416 209 9905
David Paris (Cell) 416 710 6976
The approximate cost of the trip will range from $1300 $1500. Adeposit of $1000 due October 20, 2022 Remaining $500 due November 30, 2022
This includes transportation, flights, conference registration,
expenses incurred on your child's behalf for this excursion Where, after you have provided your consent, notice is given that your child cannot attend the excursion, efforts will be taken to avoid incurring expenses on your child's behalf for the excursion, and you will be only charged those expenses that could not be recouped.
Return Level II VO Form via YorkNet by
What to Bring
entertainment and accommodation
Students will be expected to bring spending money for meals, $50 USD per day should be sufficient
Students may additionally bring money for souvenirs
Thursday October 20, 2022
● Western business attire, required for 3 days
● Comfortable dress shoes we will be walking and taking the subway to sessions
● Casual clothing for 2 days
● Laptop students will be responsible for the security of their own devices
Activities to be undertaken by students:
Students will fly to (Newark) NewYork City and return; travel from airport to hotel by shuttle van or bus; travel to and from MUN location and hotel by foot and subway.
Participation in the Model United Nations Conference Discussions will be led and moderated by Columbia University Students The group will tour the United Nations HeadQuarters Students will also engage in some sightseeing around Midtown Manhattan and the Upper west side, including museum visits Students will be accompanied by teachers except for planned time for students to explore a prescribed part of the city in small groups or with a buddy
Student preparation for excursion: Students will research their assigned position or country with members of the Model UN team We will practice UN debating and speaking procedures We will also hold mock discussions in order to prepare for the conference Students will write position papers outlining their country’s perspective on the topics for discussion
Follow-up: Students will debrief, reflect and share their experiences. Students have leadership opportunities if they choose, mentoring inexperienced students for subsequent Model UN trips
RiskAssessment
Specific Risks Identified:
Students may be exposed to a number of physical injuries including: cuts, scrapes, broken bones, bruising, sprains, head injury, concussions, and slips, trips, and falls from heights. Students are at risk of temperature related injuries from physical activity outdoors While on this excursion, students are at risk of getting lost or separated from the group, as well as damage or loss of property While on this excursion with other students and staff, students are also at risk of exposure to COVID 19 There is also the risk of a traffic accident when en route
1 Risks associated with travel by airline; travel by foot; travel by taxi; travel by public transportation
2 Exposure to food allergens
Precautions to be taken to reduce or eliminate risks:
Walking in open public areas, familiarizing oneself with area using maps, questions, frequent rests and opportunities to stop and eat/hydrate Check ins with students to monitor energy levels and adjust accordingly Students will be paired with a buddy and must not venture out alone During independent time, students will be provided with a map of the area and geographic limits will be identified for students When partially supervised, students must be with their buddies, and when given the opportunity to venture away from the group, they must remain within specific geographic limits and will check in periodically with a teacher at a specific place and time. Students will have cell phone contact numbers for both teachers and the hotel. Students will be made aware of the risks and will discuss the importance of being aware and vigilant Independent time protocols will be followed and will only take place in safe areas of the city Transportation will be with professional services such as a reputable airline, chartered bus or registered taxi, and public transit Teachers will travel with first aid kit and student personal information forms
Everyone will exercise precautions to avoid sun burns and heat related issues by applying sunscreen, wearing a hat and/or sunglasses, and monitoring time spent in direct sunlight
Precautions to reduce exposure to COVID 19:
In terms of covid precautions, we will follow the school’s policy at the time of the excursion Further information will be shared prior to the excursion
Contingency plan for bad weather/trip interruption: The trip will not run if there is a significant delay due to inclement weather If en route, we will take the next available form of transportation If there is inclement weather when at the destination, alternative travel arrangements or itinerary changes will be made as needed Trip Coordinator and Mr Paris will track weather and local reports and communicate any changes to parents via email
Location of nearest Emergency Medical Service: Mount Sinai West: Emergency Room, 1000 10thAve, NewYork, NY10019, USA
Arrangements to be made to transport person/group to EMS (including route to be taken):
In the event of a student with an injury, an adult would stay with the injured students and apply any necessary first aid Asecond adult would ensure the rest of the group is safe and stable However, if there is a major accident requiring EMS, aYork School staff would accompany any student who would need to be taken to hospital.Teachers will keep in contact withTheYork School and parents will be kept updated on the incident
Additional Information:
Travel Insurance, Passport, and US Visa information:
Please consider if your child requires a US Visa to enter the United States It is your family's responsibility to ensure you have all the required paperwork to travel to the USAif you do not hold a Canadian passport (whether it be a Visa or to be registered through ESTA) Visit https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international visitors for more details. It is recommended that parents keep a copy of any identification that accompanies the child.Any travel medical insurance is strongly advised and is the responsibility of the family.
Itinerary
Below is the schedule for CMUNCE 2023 Please note that the schedule may change in the event of inclement weather etc.
Wednesday January 11
2:30pm Meet in the Caf atTheYork School
2:45pm DepartTheYork School
5:10-6:40pm PD141 Flight to Newark, NJ Shuttle to the hotel
8:00pm Dinner
Thursday January 12
Morning Museum options: Museum of Natural History orThe Metropolitan Museum ofArt Lunch & walk to Central Park
3:00 4:15pm Hotel:Time to prepare for Opening ceremonies and the first committee session
4:45 pm Dinner
6:00 pm 7:15 pm: Opening Ceremonies
7:45 pm 9:45 pm: Committee Session I
10:00 pm: Return to hotel
Friday January 13
8:30 am 12:15 pm:Tour of the United Nations HQ
12:15 pm 1:30 pm: Lunch
1:30 pm 3:30 pm: Committee Session 2
3:30 pm 4:00 pm: Break
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Committee Session 3
6:00 pm 7:30 pm: Dinner
7:30 pm 9:30 pm: Committee Session 4
10:00 pm: Return to hotel
Saturday January 14
Sleep in and Breakfast
10:15am: Leave hotel for Columbia
11:00 am 1:00 pm: Committee Session 5
1:00 pm 2:00 pm: Lunch
2:00 pm 3:30 pm:Admissions Presentation [Barnard & Columbia]
3:30 pm 6:00 pm: Committee Session 6
6:00 pm 7:00 pm: Dinner
7:00 pm 9:00 pm: Committee Session 7
9:15 pm -10:30 pm: Delegate Dance or Option to attend a Broadway show
10:30 pm: Return to Hotel
Sunday January 15
9:15am: Depart Hotel for Columbia
10:00 am 12:00 pm: Committee Session 8
12:00 pm 1:00 pm: Lunch Break
1:30 3:00 pm: Closing Ceremonies
3:00pm 4:00pm:Travel to NewarkAirport
6:20pm 8:05pm: Porter flight PD 140 from Newark toToronto (Billy BishopAirport)
Pick up your child at Billy BishopAirport (or provide permission for Child to take a cab/uber home)
SPECIFIC EXCURSION RULES
Dress: Students must wear western business attire during the conference sessions. Students should also pack appropriate casual clothing for excursions around NYC
Curfew: Students are required to be in their room by 10:00 pm, or when directed by staff
Personal Electronic Equipment: Students are permitted to bring personal electronic equipment such as laptops; however, students are solely responsible for such items and should be aware of the risk of theft in hotel rooms or at the conference Students are encouraged to bring cell phones as they are a valuable form of communication with teachers while on the trip
Rooms: Room arrangements will be assigned by supervising teachers Students will be in rooms of 4 students with 2 Queen or 2 Double beds.Two students to a bed. Students are not to enter any room other than the one that they have been assigned to.
Participation: Student participation in activities is mandatory and they must be on time
Punctuality: Students will be given a copy of the final itinerary and are expected to meet all set times.
Dining: Depending on the conference schedule and when committees are provided break times, students will often eat lunch with committee members We will reconvene for group dinners to debrief the day
Areas that are off-limits: Hotel gym, pool and surrounding pool enclosure
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT, CONSENT,AND RELEASE
The following sets out statements to which, you, the parent(s), must agree by signing electronically below in order for your child to be permitted to participate in the intended trip. Should you have questions regarding any of the statements below, you may contact the Divisional Principal or Experiential Educator, Barb Prevedello, at bprevedello@yorkschool com (416 926 1325 Ext 1439) I/We understand, as the parent or guardian of the student named above, that students onYork School trips are expected to participate fully in all activities undertaken during and in preparation for the trip, and that they must conduct themselves in a manner befitting of their role as ambassadors for the school community I/We further understand that all students will be bound byTheYork School Code of Conduct and any additional rules and regulations listed in this information package and/or discussed and implemented while on the trip, and that any infraction of these rules may, at the discretion of the trip leader, result in the immediate return of the student toToronto Responsibility and payment for these arrangements will be borne by the parent/guardian Any infraction of these rules may, at the discretion of the Division Head, result in appropriate disciplinary action including suspension from subsequent trips
I/We have reviewed the contents of this information package and Code of Conduct expectations, rules and consequences with our child I/We, the undersigned, consent to the participation of our child (as noted above) inTheYork School trip toColumbia Model United Nations Conference and Exposition (CMUNCE) in NewYork City on Thursday, January 12 Sunday, January 15, 2023.
Details concerning this event, including activities, travel, supervision, location and safety precautions have been communicated to us and are understood In particular, we are aware that students will be engaged in the following activities:
Participation in the Model United Nations Conference Discussions led and moderated by Columbia University Students. Sightseeing in Midtown Manhattan and the Upper west side, including museum visits.
Our emergency contact information is up to date. I/We agree to update the information with the trip leader if changes occur prior to the trip start date.
I/We have reviewed theTrip Plan and are aware that this excursion may expose my/our child to the following risks:
- exposed to a number of physical injuries including: cuts, scrapes, broken bones, bruising, sprains, head injury, concussions, and slips, trips, and falls from heights. risk of temperature related injuries from physical activity outdoors. risk of getting lost or separated from the group, damage or loss of property exposure to COVID 19 - traffic accident when en route Risks associated with travel by airline; travel by foot; travel by taxi; travel by public transportation Exposure to food allergens
I/We, the undersigned, grant the trip supervisors appointed byTheYork School permission to act on my/our behalf and to consent, to any medical, dental or surgical treatment, including pain relief and admission to hospital which may be required for my/our child, in the opinion of a qualified medical practitioner if, after reasonable attempts have been made to contact me/us at the phone numbers provided to the school, I/we cannot be reached I/We do hereby releaseTheYork School, its directors, employees and its agents, from every manner of suit, claim or legal action which may arise as a result of an injury to, or the death of, my/our child sustained by reason of my/our child’s participation in this excursion As parent(s) of the child above, I/we 1 acknowledge that I/we understand the statements made regarding the intended excursion with respect to expected behavior, consequences for misbehavior, and the details of the trip, including activities and risks, 2. consent to my/our child’s full participation in the trip, and to the school taking the measures set out above in response to any
medical emergency that may arise, and 3. release the school from legal action arising from injury or death according to the terms set out above.
CODE OF CONDUCT
I understand, as the parent or guardian of the student named above, that students onYork School trips are expected to participate fully in all activities undertaken during and in preparation for the trip, and that they must conduct themselves in a manner befitting their role as ambassadors for the school community We further understand that all students will be bound byTheYork School Code of Conduct and any additional rules and regulations listed in this information package and/or discussed and implemented while on the trip, and that any infraction of these rules may, at the discretion of the trip leader, result in the immediate return of the student toToronto at the parent/guardian’s expense and that any infraction of these rules may, at the discretion of the Division Head, result in disciplinary action We have reviewed the contents of this information package and Code of Conduct expectations, rules and consequences with our child
Please Note:
This copy of the Venturing Out Package is for reference only Log on to yourYorkNet account at https://yorkschool.myschoolapp.com/app#login to complete your child’s VO Package and give consent for their participation in this excursion.
