Gr 10 Savourez Montreal Challenge Week VO 2023

Dear Parents,

LEVELII VENTURING OUTPACKAGEGRADE 10 CHALLENGE WEEK SAVOUREZ MONTREAL

February, 2023

Re: Savourez Montreal Challenge Week Grade 10 – May 1st - May 5th, 2023

A group of grade 10 students will be heading to the city of Montreal to explore the rich history and culture with a special emphasis on using the French language and learning how to cook in French They will be departing Union Station in the morning on Monday May 1st and return Friday May 5th to Union Station in the evening

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 Therefore there will be no alternative programming during that week, as the entire Senior School Faculty are involved 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 complete the online Venturing Out Form and applicable waivers by Friday, March 3, 2023 including Parent Acknowledgement, Consent, Release Form and Code of Conduct

As well as completing the online form above, please submit the following by Friday, March 3, 2023:

1 Aphotocopy of your passport (to yourAdvisor or Ms Jean Coronel) or proof of Canadian Citizenship or Permanent Residence status

2 Deposit of $1000 (by electronic funds transfer toTheYork School)

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,

Barb Prevedello Experiential Educator

bprevedello@yorkschool

com Ext 1439

EXCURSION INFORMATION FORM

Excursion Name

Transportation Details

Date(s) and Times

Grade 10 – Savourez Montréal

Depart: Monday May 1, 2023 at 8:35AM Students are to meet under the clock in the Grand Hall of Union Station

Return: Friday May 5th 2023 in the evening Students will be released from the arrivals area of Union Station

Parents are responsible for dropping off and picking up children at the train station *parents are encouraged to check train times upon return Students may also travel by Métro or taxi in Montréal.l

Group Involved (Include approximate number)

Group Leader and any other Staff Involved

DestinationAddress

Activity Description and Educational Rationale

Approx 19 Grade 10 students

Mary Wood, Emily Cunningham,Aga Maksimowska

M Montreal Hotel

1245, rue Saint-André, 514-845-9803

Montreal QC

H2L3T1

The Savourez Montréal trip will explore the rich Québécois history and culture Montréal has to offer, most notably through food! The trip will focus on francophone and international cuisine Students attend cooking school (lessons taught en français) and explore Montréal restaurants.They will also take part in hands-on improvisation and circus workshops en français. Students are expected to speak le français as much as possible, with the support of their teachers Students will also interact with other elements of Montréal culture through city exploration (architectural tour, hiking up Mount Royal etc)

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

TheYork School and the Guilde Culinaire

Barb Prevedello (inToronto) 416.209.9905

$1950-$2150

Anon refundable deposit by EFTof $1000 is required on March 3rd

The remainder of the cost will be levied to the student’s account at the end of the excursion

Cost includes: all transportation, accommodation, programme fees, specialized staff and meals

Cost does not include: some dinners or any snacks

expenses that could not be recouped.

purchased to and from Montreal on the train We suggest students bring $100-150 for spending money More information will be shared as the programme is solidified

Return Level II VO Form via YorkNet by Friday, March 3, 2023

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 in the document.

Activities to be undertaken by students: Moderate walking in urban areas, cooking lessons (includes the use of knives, gas stoves and ovens), restaurants and attractions (eg. Cirque du Soleil, Griffintown Tour, École de Cirque circus workshop, improvisation workshop, Ultimate Frisbee game on le Mont Royal) Travel by foot, rail, taxi, and public transportation 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 students can expect to connect their explorations to their classes and reflect on the activities, locations and people visited. This excursion will count towards the students summative evaluation in French They will describe their experiences in their final written exam and will also speak about it during the final individual oral During their final individual French oral In June, students will be asked a series of questions en français related to their experiences in Montreal This is worth 15% of the student’s final grade.

RiskAssessment

Specific Risks Identified:

1. Weather: Cold, rain, storms, lightning, snow, sunburn, dehydration

2 Highway safety (eg taxis): traffic concerns, road closures, construction, traffic accidents, extreme weather conditions

3 Transportation safety (eg rail and metro): traffic concerns while on the train and metro including getting separated and lost from the group

4 Walking in urban areas: traffic concerns, getting separated from the group

5. Walking and biking on local paths: tripping, falling, fatigue, sprains, strains, getting separated from group

6 Cuts from kitchen utensils and/or knives

7 Burns from heat sources in the kitchen

8 Allergic reactions: food, environmental, animal

9 Interacting with local people

Precautions to be taken to reduce or eliminate risks: Group will use public transit whenever possible When walking and biking 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 Students will take frequent rests and have opportunities to stop and eat/hydrate Teachers will travel with cell phones, a first aid kit and student medical information Risks will

be assessed on an ongoing basis

Students will be monitored while in urban areas and during independent time, 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

Students will be oriented to the kitchen facilities, learn proper knife skills and safety procedures for the kitchen Allergies will be reviewed with students prior to handling food Students will wash hands prior to and post handling food.

Plan to deal with foreseeable Risks: Minor injuries will be treated by teachers and leaders with First Aid kits If a major injury occurs, EMS will be activated The group is in an urban environment with access to advanced care

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: This trip is weather dependent and may be called off due to serious rain, high winds, or cold 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

Location of nearest Emergency Medical Service: The Montreal General Hospital, 1650 Cedar Avenue, Montreal QC. H3G 1A4 (3 km from Hostel). (514)-934-1934

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, if there is a major accident requiring EMS, a York School staff would accompany any student who would need to be taken to hospital Teachers will keep in contact with The York School and parents will be kept updated on the incident

Itinerary: Students can expect to spend their mornings at the cooking school (Tue - Thur) They will prepare food for some of their lunches Afternoon and evening programmes may include: walks in and around the neighbourhood, watching a francophone improvisation show, Cirque du Soleil, board game café excursion, École du cirque workshop, francophone improv class, tour of the Notre-Dame Basilica and visiting local attractions in the evening

Group leaders will be in touch with a firm itinerary prior to trip departure

Additional Information:

- Students will need to travel with government issued ID as well as 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 TheYork School

- It is expected the students will take a role in the planning of this trip.Their input and ideas are instrumental in structuring the week.

SPECIFIC EXCURSION RULES

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 and never let their undergarments or midriffs show 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 Students may not enter another student’s room without permission 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, guides and chefs at the Culinary School 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 to be courteous and polite when dealing with the community.

2022 | 2023

PACKING LIST

MONTREAL PACKING LIST

Note:The excursion is 4 nights and five days and there will not be an opportunity to launder any items. It may still be quite cool in Montreal in May so pack appropriately

5 pairs of socks

2 pairs of shoes (one comfortable pair good for walking, one indoor pair for hostel)

3 pairs of pants (one pair of shorts), skirts or dress

3 t-shirts

Water bottle

Pajamas

5-7 changes of underwear

Toiletries (toothbrush, floss, toothpaste, soap)

3 long sleeve t-shirts Book

2 sweaters or sweatshirts Journal

1 athletic outfit for circus workshop (sweatpants, t-shirt, athletic socks etc)

Things to do on the train: deck of cards, , games, uno etc. Rain coat, windbreaker

Clothes to comfortably cook in!

Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen Hat (baseball hat, or other to protect from the elements)

Consider the size of suitcase and necessity to check baggage. It is your responsibility to cover any costs associated with additional luggage.

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 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 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) inTheYork School trip to Montreal on Monday, May 1 - Friday, May 5, 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:

Moderate walking in urban areas, cooking lessons (includes the use of knives, gas stoves and ovens), restaurants and attractions (eg. Voiles en Voiles, Cirque du Soleil, Griffintown Tour, Ultimate Frisbee game on le Mont Royal).Travel by foot, rail, taxi, and public transportation..

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. taxis): traffic concerns, road closures, construction, traffic accidents, extreme weather conditions

Transportation safety (eg. rail and metro): traffic concerns while on the train and metro including getting separated and lost from the group.

Walking in urban areas: traffic concerns, getting separated from the group

Walking and biking on local paths: tripping, falling, fatigue, sprains, strains, getting separated from group Cuts from kitchen utensils and/or knives

Burns from heat sources in the kitchen

Allergic reactions: food, environmental, animal

Interacting with local people

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.

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.