LEVEL II VENTURING OUT PACKAGE Senior School CIS Drama Festival April 24-26 Stratford, Ontario January 2024 Dear Parents, Conference of Independent Schools’ Drama Festival April 24-26th Stratford, Ontario Senior School Drama students and the cast of our one act play, Lockdown, will be heading to Stratford, Ontario to attend the Conference of Independent Schools’ Drama Festival. Drama students will have the opportunity to meet students from 12 other CAIS schools, attend two Stratford Festival productions (the broadway hit musical, Something Rotten, and Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night), take part in several workshops led by Stratford professionals and have the opportunity to perform on a Stratford Festival Stage. They will be departing from the York School on Wednesday April 24th via coach and returning Friday April 26th to the York School in the evening via coach. Enclosed with this letter you will find an Excursion Information Form that outlines the educational rationale for the trip, our activities, risks associated with the trip, important contact information, and financial information. Please read the information carefully as it forms the basis of your consent for your child’s participation. This excursion plays an important part in the overall educational plan for your child, is curriculum focused and supports our mission. Please read through this package to ensure that you, the parent or guardian, feel comfortable with the activities and potential risks associated with this trip. Once you have satisfied yourself as to the suitability of this trip for your child, please fill out the following forms and return them by Friday, February 2nd, 2024. Finally, please ensure that your child’s medical information and emergency contact information is up to date for this excursion. To confirm these details, log on to YorkNet.
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EXCURSION INFORMATION FORM Excursion Name
CIS Drama Festival Stratford Trip
Transportation Details Date(s) and Times
Depart: Wednesday April 24, 2024 8:30am Students are to meet on Woodlawn for the coach bus Return: Friday April 26, 2024 in the evening at 8:30 pm Students will be dropped off on Woodlawn by coach bus
Group Involved Group Leader and any other Staff Involved Destination Address
Activity Description and Educational Rationale
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 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. 2023 | 2024
Parents are responsible for dropping off and picking up children at the York School. Approx 10-20 Grade 9-12 students Ms. Barber & Ms. Wood
Best Western Plus The Arden Park Hotel 552 Ontario St, Stratford, Ontario N5A 3J3 The Conference of Independent Schools of Ontario Drama Festival (CISDF) is an engaging and enriching curricular event. Working in partnership with Stratford Festival located in Stratford, Ontario, Canada, CISDF is a one-of-a-kind inter-school theatre field trip experience for CIS Ontario students. As North America’s largest classical repertory theatre company, the Stratford venue offers a unique opportunity for our students to engage in workshops with professional actors and technicians, and to see high quality productions as well as perform their own piece on a Stratford Festival Stage. Stratford Festival Premier Coach Bus Company Teacher cell phone to be shared Andrea Lossing (in Toronto) 416 526 6595 $650 - $750 Please make payments to the TYS student account Cost includes: - all transportation - accommodation for two nights, All meals and snacks while in Stratford - 3 lunches, 2 dinners, 2 breakfasts & snacks 6 student workshops and large group sessions with Stratford professionals Private tech time in the Studio Theatre Two evenings of 20 minute student performances on stage at the Studio Theatre Two matinee performances and Q & A sessions 2
with Stratford professionals Inter-school programming and opportunities to connect and collaborate with other CIS Ontario drama students - Cost does not include: Wednesday lunch (bring a packed lunch for the bus) or spending money for souvenirs, additional snacks and dinner on Friday evening). We suggest students bring $50-$100 spending money. Friday, February 2nd 2024 -
Return Level II VO Form via YorkNet by What to Bring
Packing List included below in the document.
Activities to be undertaken by students: There will be moderate walking in urban areas, and travel by coach bus. Students will take part in acting workshops, attendance of two plays, performance in a play. Students will eat at local restaurants and eateries. Student preparation for excursion: Students will participate in pre-trip meetings with their teacher chaperones. Roles and expectations will be outlined and pertinent information as it relates to the excursion will be presented. Follow-up: Post-excursion drama students can expect to connect their explorations to their drama classes. This excursion will count towards the students’ summative evaluation for their performance of the show. Risk Assessment Specific Risks Identified: 1. Weather: Cold, rain, storms, lightning, snow, sunburn, dehydration 2. Highway safety (eg. coach bus): traffic concerns, road closures, construction, traffic accidents, extreme weather conditions 3. Walking in urban areas: traffic concerns, getting separated from the group 4. Walking and local paths: tripping, falling, fatigue, sprains, strains, getting separated from group 5. Allergic reactions: food, environmental, animal 6. Interacting with students from other schools. Precautions to be taken to reduce or eliminate risks: Group will always walk together, or be on the hotel shuttle. When walking in open public areas, students will be familiarized with the area using maps. At each new location, rules and expectations will be reviewed. Students will be made aware of safety protocols for any specific activity. Teachers will travel with cell phones, a first aid kit and student medical information. Risks will be assessed on an ongoing basis. The Independent Time Protocol will be followed. During independent time, students will be provided with a map of the area and geographic limits will be identified for students. Students will be using the buddy system and have regular check-ins with teachers. Cell phone numbers will be exchanged. Students will have knowledge of the accommodation address and staff phone number. Contingency plan for bad weather/trip interruption: This trip is weather dependent and may be called off due to serious rain, high winds. If there is a need to adapt plans while on the excursion, parents would be contacted for updates and further action plans. Programme goals would be adjusted according to the situation. Depending on the nature of the interruption the route and itinerary will be altered. Should we 2023 | 2024
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encounter hazardous road conditions on route, we will pull off at a restaurant or public convenience until conditions improve. Location of nearest Emergency Medical Service: 46 General Hospital Dr, Stratford, ON N5A 2Y6 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. A second adult would ensure the rest of the group is safe and stable. However, ifthereisamajoraccident requiring EMS,aYorkSchoolstaffwouldaccompanyany student who would need tobetakentohospital. Teachers will keep in contact with The York School and parents will be kept updated on the incident. Itinerary: Workshops, students performances and plays. Group leaders will be in touch with a firm itinerary prior to trip departure. Additional Information: - Students will need to travel with their health card. We encourage families to have a photocopy of these documents. - Exact meeting time and location for departure will be communicated by the group leaders. - Acquiring additional travel/medical insurance will NOT be arranged by The York School.
SPECIFIC EXCURSION RULES 2023 | 2024
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In addition to the expectations set out in the Code of Conduct, the following rules will apply during this trip: Dress: Students must wear appropriate clothing for the activity, location and weather and be aware that they are representing The York School at all times. Modest dress is to be worn at all times. Please use The York School casual wear rules: clothing must be neat, clean and should not display objectionable words, phrases, pictures or symbols. Students must dress respectably. Guidelines for clothing at the cooking school will be outlined (eg. hair in a supplied hairnet, no loose clothing). Curfew: Students are required to be in their own rooms by 10:00pm or when directed by staff. Personal Electronic Equipment: Students are permitted to bring personal electronic equipment such as laptops, cameras & cellphones. A no cell phone policy will be in effect while students are in programme, unless they have permission to take photos or notes. Any electronics are the responsibility of the student. Cell Phone Policy: Students will have access to their phones during daytime programming when deemed appropriate and necessary by teachers. Rooms: Room arrangements will be assigned by supervising teachers. Students are required to keep their personal belongings neat and tidy. At no time are students to visit rooms of other students. Independent/Free Time: 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 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 areas deemed safe in advance. Participation: Student participation in activities is mandatory and they must be on time and prepared. There is an expectation that students take part in the organization of this excursion. General: It is imperative students listen and comply with the expectations set out by the supervising teachers. In order to maximize the potential of the excursion everyone needs to be working together to ensure the group is safe and cared for. Students are expected to use standard theatre etiquette when watching shows and be supportive of their peers when participating in workshops.
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Stratford PACKING LIST Note: The excursion is two nights and three days and there will not be an opportunity to launder any items. It may still be quite cool in Stratford in April, so pack appropriately. Costume pieces and props 3 pairs of socks 2 pairs of shoes (one comfortable pair good for walking, one indoor pair for hotel) 3 pairs of pants (one pair of shorts), skirts or dress 3 t-shirts 3 long sleeve t-shirts 2 sweaters or sweatshirts 1 athletic outfit (sweatpants, t-shirt, athletic socks etc) Hat (baseball hat, or other to protect from the elements)
Water bottle Pajamas 3-4 changes of underwear Toiletries (toothbrush, floss, toothpaste, soap) Book Journal Things to do on the bus or hotel: deck of cards, , games, uno etc. Rain coat, windbreaker Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen
Consider the size of suitcase and necessity to check baggage. It is your responsibility to cover any costs associated with additional luggage.
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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, Andrea Lossing, at alossing@yorkschool.com (416-926-1325 Ext. 1221). I/We understand, as the parent or guardian of the student named above, that students on The York 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 by The York 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 to Toronto. 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) in The York School CISDF trip to Stratford, Ontario on Wednesday April 24 - Friday, April 126, 2024. 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: There will be moderate walking in urban areas, and travel by coach bus. Students will take part in acting workshops, attendance of two plays, performance in a play. Students will eat at local restaurants and eateries. 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 the Trip Plan and are aware that this excursion may expose my/our child to the following risks: Weather: Cold, rain, storms, lightning, snow, sunburn, dehydration Highway safety (eg. coach bus): traffic concerns, road closures, construction, traffic accidents, extreme weather conditions Transportation safety (eg. bus and walking): traffic concerns while on the bus Walking in urban areas: traffic concerns, getting separated from the group Walking on local paths: tripping, falling, fatigue, sprains, strains, getting separated from group Allergic reactions: food, environmental, animal I/We, the undersigned, grant the trip supervisors appointed by The York 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 release The York 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.
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CODE OF CONDUCT I understand, as the parent or guardian of the student named above, that students on York 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 by The York 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 to Toronto 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 your YorkNet account at https://yorkschool.myschoolapp.com/app#login to complete your child’s VO Package and give consent for their participation in this excursion.
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