2023 India Trip

VENTURING OUTPACKAGE

GPS EXCHANGE EXCURSION (GPX)TO INDIA2023

Dear Parents,

October, 2022

Re: GPS Exchange Excursion to India 2023 (March 10th - 25th)

The Global Pathways School Cultural Exchange Excursion will take place from March 10th 25th, 2023 Enclosed with this letter you will find an Excursion Information Plan that outlines the rationale for the trip, our itinerary, activities, risks associated with the trip, important contact information, and contingency plans Please read the information carefully as it forms the basis of your consent for your child’s participation.

Although this excursion has been previously discussed with you and your child, it must be understood that should you, the parent or guardian, not feel comfortable with the risks associated with this trip, you should contact me to discuss special arrangements that might be made to modify the trip for your child if possible This trip is optional

Please read and fill out the following forms carefully.As this is an international excursion and at times the group is in a remote location, the accuracy of the forms is crucial. Be sure to look over the medical form to ensure that all of the information is up to date and communicate any changes in information prior to trip departure

Once you have satisfied yourself as to the suitability of this trip for your child, please complete the following forms online viaYorkNet by Tuesday, November 8, 2022.

ParentAcknowledgement, Consent & Release Form Level III Code of Conduct (A document to be notarized will be handed out later in the fall) 1st Installment $3500 due

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 toYorkNet.

Thank you,

Prevedello

Educator

LEVELIV EXCURSION INFORMATION FORM

Excursion Name

Transportation Details Date(s) and Times

Global Pathways School Cultural Exchange Tamil Nadu, India

Friday, March 10th Saturday, March 25th, 2023 International flight detailsTBD

Students will meet at the airport 3 hours prior to departure time

Other forms of transportation include in country flight, private coach, hotel transfer vehicles, small bus, auto rickshaw, taxi, bus

Group Involved (Include approximate number)

Group Leader and any other Staff Involved

DestinationAddress

Aselect group of grade 11 and 12 students

Barb Prevedello, Robin Johannsen, Lara Jensen, Katie Simco

Global Pathways School (GPS): SF No. 298/1& 298/2

Near Periyar Nagar Kalaingar Nagar Road, Chettipalayam, Coimbatore 641201 Tamil Nadu, India

Guest Houses: Podanur,Tamil Nadu, India Hotel: Kochi, Kerala,TBD

Trident Hotel: 1, 24, Grand SouthernTrunk Rd, Kannan Colony, Pazavanthangal, Chennai,Tamil Nadu 600114, India

Activity Description and Educational Rationale

Time spent volunteering/observing/teaching in classrooms

Exchange cultural experiences with teachers and students Tourism in south India Duke of Edinburgh residency component May serve as a CASActivity (Service Focus)

Appreciation of life in a developing country

Increased level of contact with other grades atYork

Increased global awareness students (peers upon return) Personal growth & leadership skills

Service Provider(s)

TheYork School, Global Pathways School (GPS owned and operated by Village Community Schools)

Emergency Contact Information David Hamilton (atTheYork School) ext 5272, (cell) 416.646.5272

Principal of GPS: Latha cell (at GPS) #011 + 90037 34770

Vice Principal of GPS: Sunbeam Viswanathan's cell (at GPS) #011 +9600485577

Approximate Cost

Please note that once you have provided consent to have your child participate on the excursion

$5300 $5700

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.

Cost includes:

This cost to be paid in 3 installments (cheque or EFT): $500 non-refundable deposit already submitted $3500 November 8, 2022 $1500 December 13, 2022

Cheques are to be made payable toTheYork School

Cost includes travel medical insurance (premium protection plan)

Cost does not include: Spending money while in India

Costs will be levied to student accounts after the excursion

Return Level IV VO Form via YorkNet by Tuesday, November 8, 2022

What to Bring

Sun Protection: Where a trip involves your child being outside between 11:00AM and 4:00 PM, or the UV rating is predicted to be 3 or greater, remind parents to provide children with the following: sunscreen, hat and water bottle. Sunglasses that protect against UV-Aand UV-B rays are also recommended.

Packing List included below

Activities to be undertaken by students:

Volunteer work at Global Pathways School inTamil Nadu, India.This work may include one or more of the following: Work with young children, adolescents, youth, adults; classroom assistance, computer assistant, librarian assistant, arts and crafts leadership, distribution of donated goods, group sports and games, leadership in and around the properties including the local community homes and play areas

Students will travel by plane internationally and other forms of transportation include an in country flight, private coach, hotel transfer vehicles, small bus, auto rickshaw, train, public bus, taxi. Students will take part in general travel and tourism in small south Indian communities; visiting and shopping at local markets, restaurants, shops and attractions Students will have the opportunity to swim in a hotel pool with a maximum depth of 4ft

Student preparation for excursion:

Students are expected to read this package carefully The group will meet on a regular basis and attendance is mandatory Meetings will cover topics such as culture and customs, voluntourism, health and safety, historical context, as well as upcoming events and paperwork. Agroup day retreat will take place on January 14th inToronto. In the new year students will have an evening dinner at an Indian food restaurant inToronto Throughout the winter, students will visit and volunteer in classrooms at the Junior and Middle School to prepare to work with that age level in India Students will also travel as a group to a VisaApplication Centre to submit their visa applications in January Various fundraising initiatives will occur throughout the year Follow-up:

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Students will present at a school assembly and contribute toYork School publications about their experience Feedback will be sought and follow up meetings to share stories and photographs

Students may be expected to meet with next year’s prospective GPX candidates

RiskAssessment

Specific Risks Identified:

• Traffic accidents

• Associated travel risks including physical injuries and getting lost or seperated

• Illness, disease related to travel, food, water and environmental conditions

• Associated airline travel risks

• Different standards of design, safety and maintenance of buildings, public places and conveyances

• Health and safety standards potentially different to those in Canada

• Uncertain communication and transportation facilities at times

• Animal encounters (specifically venomous snakes)

• Terrorism

• Drowning

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

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

Precautions to be taken to reduce risks:

- Students will be registered with the Canadian Embassy prior to departure

TheYork School will work with our travel agency to monitor world events via worldwide alert systems, news services, government travel advisory services, etc.These provide daily and “breaking news” updates regarding things like weather, political situations, labour unrest, health issues, travel advisories

Teachers will travel with a comprehensive binder which includes student health and medical forms, copies of identification and will have a well-stocked travel first aid kit

If allergies and health issues are a concern, students must travel with appropriate medication and have extra medications as well as written instructions on administration

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

Traffic Accidents Land travel arrangements made through Global Pathways School and local hotels who retain safe comfortable vehicles Local drivers will be used and travel at night will be kept to a minimum.

Terrorism Avoidance of high profile potential targets such asTaj Mahal and large northern Indian cities (Mumbai and Delhi) The trip takes place entirely in southern India Trip leaders to monitor India news TheYork School will closely monitor travel advisories and keep in touch with trip leaders regularly

Illness/Disease:

● Food students are advised to avoid street food and fruit juices There is a strictly vegetarian diet during stay at Global Pathways School

● FoodAllergies - Students with anaphylactic allergies (especially to nuts) are not to take part in this excursion This recommendation comes as our safety protocols to mitigate contact with allergens are not applicable on the IndiaTrip. Nuts are served at Global Pathways School and thus we cannot ensure there will not be exposure. Staying in a rural area of India means that the food served and the ingredients purchased could contain nut or nut oil Language difficulties and the remoteness of the trip can also compound this risk

● Water Bottled for water at all times (brushing teeth and drinking)

● Disease - HepA, Hep B,Typhoid, Malaria, etc inoculation prior to travel, and training of students to avoid contracting any illness, washing hands, use of antibacterial lotion

● Travel FirstAid Kit with over the counter medications (eg.Tylenol,Advil, Gravol, Immodium, Pepto Bismol) to be carried at all times

Associated Travel Risks:

Getting Lost Students will be supervised by teachers while in India Students are given and advised to carry an emergency contact sheet while travelling in India. When conducting group activities, including shopping and sightseeing, teachers will establish regular check ins with students and students will travel in groups and be made aware of boundaries and rules in all locations

IndependentTime Protocol will be followed: 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 or a tour pointing out the boundaries will be given 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 the 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

Drowning (boating and pool) -Aswim test will be offered during the school year Students who have demonstrated their ability to swim through a swim test will have an opportunity to swim in hotel pools while on the GPXTrip, supervised by trip leaders.There will be no swimming in the ocean. Students who provide a current certification in Bronze Medallion or above will be exempt from the swim test The following swim test will be led and supervised by a Nationally certified lifeguard (with or without a PFD):

Rolling entry (backwards or forward) into deep water at 2 75m (9’) minimum depth Tread water for 1 minute Swim 50m (164’) continuously any stroke.

Pollution (allergies) Students with asthma, or significant dust or heat related allergies are not recommended to take part in the trip

Note: Crime is not considered to be a significant risk in the areas of India that we will be visiting but is a possible risk

Contingency plan for bad weather/trip interruption:

TheYork School will be in regular contact with the trip leaders throughout the trip If necessary the group will take a later flight and/or adapt their method of travel to suit the situation If students are held over in any location, they will stay in a hotel Where weather or other cause prevents local travel, travel will be delayed to another day The York School will communicate regularly with our travel agency and Global Pathways to monitor multiple Global alert services to get the most up to date information and any excursion changes will be communicated to parents.TheYork

School will work with our travel agency to create an evacuation plan with interior and international flight and/or land travel options

Contingency plan for injuries/illnesses:

In cases of minor injury or illness, teachers will assess student and apply first aid.They will make use of the travel first aid kit equipment.This incident will be tracked via an injury report form. In cases of major injury or illness, students will be taken to the hospital using a Global Pathways arranged vehicle or ambulance along with a trip leader Trip leaders will communicate withTheYork School and parents will be contacted

Location of nearest Emergency Medical Service: There is a pharmacy near by and various health clinics

For Global Pathways:

Kovai Medical Center & Hospital (KMCH) private hospital, about a 30 min drive 99Avanashi Road, Coimbatore 641014, India

Phone : 0422 4323800, 3083800

24 HOURSACCIDENT, EMERGENCY&AMBULANCE SERVICES

Phone :+91 0422 2627999, 4323999, 4323100 Mobile :+91 82201 88844

“Kovai Medical Center & Hospital is a multi disciplinary super specialty 750 bed hospital with modern medical facilities and state of the art medical equipment KMCH has extensive medical expertise, facilities and infrastructure to treat all kinds of trauma patients KMCH is recognized as one of the bestTrauma care centers in the country

TheTrauma care centers are primarily intended to provide first aid to the accident and emergency victims All the trauma care centers have been provided with 24 hour ambulance services with mobile telephone communication facilities The ambulance facility can be utilised from any of the trauma care centers at a very short notice by contacting the emergency control room facility at KMCH KMCH offers free transportation of road accident victims from the accident to any hospital of their choice up to 20 km radius from the accident spot ” https://www.kmchhospitals.com/24x7 emergency trauma care/

For Chennai: Chennai Hospital 269, Pari Rd, Block 4, J J Nagar, Mogappair East, Chennai,Tamil Nadu 600050, India Phone: +91 172 231 2295 Emergency: 1066

“Apollo Hospitals has emerged as the pioneer for Modern Emergency Care in India Apollo Hospitals has set up the 'National Network of Emergency Services' which provides emergency care of uniform quality standards across the country The Emergency department atApollo Hospitals is equipped to handle emergency and trauma cases, both medical and surgical emergencies, including polytrauma Apollo Emergency Care has been conceptualised to function as a scientifically developed protocol driven emergency system.” https://chennai.apollohospitals.com/clinical excellence/emergency

For Kochi, Kerala: MedicalTrust Hospital MG Road, Cochin - 682 016 Kerala, India Tel: Hosp: +91 484 2358001 (11 lines) 2022 | 2023

“MedicalTrust Hospital, a 750 bed multi specialty acute cum critical care referral hospital, is one of the most well equipped and premier hospitals in South India Since inception in 1973, the Hospital has come a long way with the commitment and passion of over 1,000 dedicated healthcare professionals, comprising internationally acclaimed doctors/surgeons and efficient 2017 | 2018 3 support staff, and world class facilities. Providing personalised patient centered treatment and care, 24/7 support and services, we uphold high ethical standards while breaking new grounds in the field of healthcare and medicine The MedicalTrust Hospital facilitates all emergency cases We have 24 hour ambulatory services and an exclusiveTrauma & Emergency Department ” http://wwwmedicaltrusthospital com/

Arrangements to be made to transport person/group to EMS (including route to be taken):

OneYork School teacher will travel with emergency personnel to the most appropriate medical facility in relation to the injury and location Transportation may be in a local vehicle as available or a regulated ambulance

Additional Information:

Student passports must be valid for 6 months beyond the end of March 2023 Overall cost includes travel medical insurance

- The group will go together for visa photos with Ms Prevedello

- Parents are encouraged to keep a photocopy of all identification sent with their child

- Students will be registered with the Embassy prior to departure

- Time difference:Toronto is 10.5 hours behind Coimbatore and Chennai, India time.

- APacking list will follow and be distributed in a student meeting. Local currency is the Indian Rupee, local banks need about 2 weeks notice to exchange dollars USD can be exchanged in country

As of October 2022, the Government of Canada TravelAdvisory stated:

INDIA - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in India due to a continuing threat of terrorist attacks throughout the country at all times

TENTATIVE TRIPITINERARY:

Day 1 departToronto, layover in Frankfurt Day 2 – early arrival in Chennai, stay overnight at airport hotel (Trident Chennai) Day 3 – Depart Chennai early afternoon In country flight and ground transport to arrive in Coimbatore late afternoon/early evening Day 4- 7 & 11-15 - Volunteering and living with the Global Pathways School community

• Discussion/preparation for day

• Morning volunteer duties

• Break for lunch at GPS

• Afternoon volunteer duties

• Late afternoon PlaygroundActivities

• Supper

• Evening event (communication with home, informal time with older kids, group debriefing/discussion)

• Journal writing, relaxing

Well earned sleep

• Some day trips to various temples, local shops, markets and sites will be made during GPS projects days

Day 8-10 - Weekend trip to Kochi Kerala,

• Backwaters tour

Shopping

• Dining

• Spice Market travel by autos

Day 15 – GPS - all day - Depart Chettipalayam in the evening via plane (evening flight - leave Chettipalayam after school by 4:30 Dinner in Chennai and begin the travel home with a late night flight ) Day 16 – Return toToronto

TENTATIVE TIMELINE OF PREPARATORYEVENTS:

Thursdays at lunch (WeekA): Student lunch meetings

TBD An evening group dinner at a South Indian restaurant inToronto

January 14 Day Retreat inToronto TBD

Throughout the winter Students will visit and volunteer in classrooms at the Junior and Middle School to prepare to work with that age level in India

JanuaryTBD - Students will also travel as a group with teachers and Ms Prevedello to a Visa Application Centre to submit their visa applications in January

FebruaryTBD Fundraising in school event and Donation PackingAfternoon (after school at Junior School)

Map of Tamil Nadu province in Southern India

Chennai (arrival & departure city) Global Pathways School, Chettipalayam,Tamil Nadu Coimbatore (closest larger city to GPS, arrival and departure city for in country flight)

Coimbatore,Tamil Nadu Kochi, Kerala, weekend excursion

SPECIFIC EXCURSION RULES

In addition to the expectations set out in the Code of Conduct, the following rules will apply during this trip:

Dress: As representatives ofTheYork School students must wear appropriate clothing for the activity, location and weather Clothing must be modest Students must cover their bodies from the neck to their feet, save except for their arms which may be exposed to within three inches of the shoulder Clothing should be cool and loose fitting and minimal to no jewelry should be worn

Curfew: Students are required to be in their own rooms when directed by staff.

Personal Electronic Equipment:To be brought at own risk and used at appropriate times

Buddy System: In effect at all times

Independent 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

Preparation Meetings: Students are expected to attend the pre-trip meetings

Academics: Students must maintain their strong academic standing and seek support if needed throughout the year to participate in the excursion

PACKING LIST

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 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 to India being held from March 10th 25th

Details concerning this event, including activities, travel, supervision, location and safety precautions have been communicated to me/us and are understood. In particular, I/we am/are aware that students will be engaged in the following activities:

Volunteer work at Global Pathways School inTamil Nadu India This work may include one or more of the following: Work with toddlers, young children, adolescents, youth, adults; classroom assistance, computer assistant, librarian assistant, arts and crafts leadership, distribution of donated goods, group sports and games leadership in and around the properties including the local community homes and play areas.

Students will travel by plane internationally and other forms of transportation include an in country flight, private coach, hotel transfer vehicles, small bus, auto rickshaw, train, public bus, taxi Students will take part in general travel and tourism in small south Indian communities; visiting and shopping at local markets, restaurants, shops and attractions

Students will have the opportunity to swim in a pool with a maximum depth of 4ft

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:

Traffic accidents

Associated travel risks including physical injuries and getting lost or seperated Illness, disease related to travel, food, water and environmental conditions

Associated airline travel risks

Different standards of design, safety and maintenance of buildings, public places and conveyances

Health and safety standards potentially different to those in Canada

Uncertain communication and transportation facilities at times

Animal encounters (specifically venomous snakes)

Terrorism

Drowning

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/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. We further understand that all students will be bound by TheYork 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 the student’s suspension from future field trips We further understand that it will be the responsibility of the parent / guardian to arrange for the return of a delinquent student once contact has been made by the supervising teachers and the reasons have been explained We have reviewed the contents of this information package and Code of Conduct expectations, rules and consequences with our child

PASSPORTINFORMATION

If you have not yet supplied the school with a photocopy of your child’s passport, please include it with this package

FIRSTINSTALLMENTCHEQUE DUE

Please include with the signed forms the first installment $3500 cheque made out toTheYork School

PACKING LIST

Packing list is available on the GPX website and here

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.