Enriching Our Senses, BC VO

Dear Parents,

LEVELII VENTURING OUTPACKAGE –GRADE 9 CHALLENGE WEEK Enriching Our Senses

February, 2023

Re: Enriching Our Senses May 1 - May 5th, 2023

As you are aware, your child will be heading to BC to participate in the Enriching Our Senses Challenge Week excursion The excursion is based out of Kamloops and Kelowna in BC from May 1 - May 5th 2023. The group departs from Toronto Pearson Airport in the morning on Monday May 1st and returns in the evening on May 5th

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 and provides us with the authority to incur expenses on your child's behalf (please read details with respect to your responsibility for expenses and conditions relating to cancellations set out in the form)

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 (should there be any) by Friday, March 3, 2023 including ParentAcknowledgement, 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 Applicable Waivers (to your advisor or Ms Jean Coronel)

2 Aphotocopy of your passport (to yourAdvisor or Ms Jean Coronel)

3 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

Enriching Our Senses - Grade 9 Challenge Week

Depart: Monday May 1st in the morning (destination: Kelowna)

Return: Friday May 5th in evening

Exact flight details will be provided in advance of the trip

Parents are encouraged to check flight time upon return Parents are responsible for dropping off and picking up their children from the airport

Students will also travel by buses operated by Indigneo Tourism when in BC.

Group Involved (Include approximate number)

Group Leader and any other Staff Involved

DestinationAddress

Agroup of grade 9 students

CraigAitkenhead, Shannon Barber, IndigenoTrip Guide

Kelowna Comfort Inn & Suites

2656 BC-97, Kelowna, BC V1X 4J4

SouthThompson Inn

3438 Shuswap Road, East, Kamloops, BC V2H 1T2

Loon Lake Cultural Camp

Quaaout Lodge and Spa

1663 Little Shuswap Lake Rd, Chase, BC V0E 1M2

Activity Description and Educational Rationale

The trip carries out the school’s philosophy of having students learning through experience, a philosophy also inherent in both the MYP and Ministry of Education curricula Specifically, this trip enriches the students’ English-History-Geography (ICE) and Healthy Active Living courses. As part of their culminating activity for English, Geography and History, students will conduct research into the interaction between human and natural systems of the area, and eventually produce a piece of media that explores the distinct identity of this unique region of Canada

Service Provider(s) IndigenioTourism

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

Barb Prevedello (inToronto) 416 209 9905

$3100-$3400

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

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

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

Cost does not include: snacks or food at the airport

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

Packing List included below

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.

Activities to be undertaken by students: Air travel, transportation buses between destinations, urban walking, hiking & campfires, visits to local museums Sleeping in hotels and cabins Students will also complete interviews with locals

Student preparation for excursion: Students will have monthly preparatory meetings in January, February, March, andApril In the weeks leading up to the trip, students will determine which type of product they will produce, what materials and equipment is needed, and they will take part in a workshop on how to tell a story with film. In addition, students will read, discuss, write about the literature short stories, poetry, non-fiction of the West Coast Mountain region, just as journalists would do background research to prepare to go on assignment

Follow-up: Towards the end of the academic year, the ICE community will come together to showcase student work which, when brought together, will reflect the distinct ways that Canada’s diverse regions contribute to a rich and complex Canadian identity.The weeks following Challenge Week and preceding the showcase will see students preparing their final products and reflections We look forward to celebrating Canada and our students with you at the end of the year

RiskAssessment

Specific Risks Identified:

1 Weather: Cold rain, storms (hypothermia), lightning, snow, sunburn, dehydration

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

3 Travel by air (eg flights): air accident, extreme weather conditions

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

5 Light hiking and walking on paths: strains, sprains and bruising, breaks, getting separated from the group, potential animal encounters

6. CampActivities (field games, initiative activities, campfires): sprains, strains, bruising, cuts, falls, broken bones, burns, head injury

7 Allergies: food, insect or plant

8 MountainTerrain: Falls from steep slopes and cliffs could result in possible head injuries, broken bones, eye injuries, strains, sprains, lacerations and bruising

9 Animal encounters: On rare occasions, animal attacks (Bear, Cougar) can occur which

could result in lacerations, and in some cases severe trauma or death

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 be taken to reduce risks:

When on water, life-jackets and appropriate clothing is provided and will be worn by all participants Students will receive training and instruction from certified and experienced guides on water patterns and potential risks before partaking in activities on water

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 use the buddy system and have regular check-ins with teachers Students will be oriented to hazards and boundaries at each new site Cell phone numbers will be exchanged Staff will carry a First Aid kit with us at all times. Risks will be assessed on an ongoing basis.

Pre-trip preparation will include briefing on routes, boundaries, safety rules and emergency procedures, including contingency plans in case of separation All trip equipment and gear will be checked by staff before departure Students will be oriented to new sites Boundaries and out-of-bound areas will also be described Teachers will carry a cell phone, medical and contact information for their groups and first aid kits Each teacher is trained in first aid Students will be paired in a buddy system. At minimum, 1:10 staff to student ratio will be maintained.

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: Depending on the nature of the interruption the route and itinerary will be altered If necessary, alternative flights will be taken Any activity taking place on the water will be adjusted and either re-programmed or cancelled if weather impacts the safety. Programme goals would be adjusted according to the situation. Should we 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:

Kamloops

Royal Inland Hospital

311 Columbia Street

Kamloops BC V2C 2T1

Kelowna

Kelowna General Hospital

2268 Pandosy Street

Kelowna BC V1Y1T2

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

For minor injury requiring more than FirstAid kit – drive to local hospital in vehicle, or an ambulance for more significant injuries. One staff member will remain with the group and the other will accompany the injured person(s) to emergency care.

Additional Information:

- Students must travel with their Health card and government issued photo ID. Parents are encouraged to keep a photocopy of any documents at home

- Acquiring additional travel/medical insurance will NOT be arranged by TheYork School

- Departure meeting time and location to be decided by the group leaders This will be shared in advance of the trip

Tentative Itinerary

Day 1 - May 1

Arrive in Kelowna

Transportation will pick up group from the airport.

Overnight at the Comfort Inn & Suites

Late afternoon or early evening Westbank First Nation MuseumTour (depending on flight arrival).

Day 2 - May 2

After breakfast, we will check out of our accommodation, and begin the drive to Kamloops

On the land tour (Westbank First Nation)

Walk the ancestral paths of the Okanagan (Syilx) peoples Learn about the traditional plants and medicines the Syilx people survived on since time immemorial Learn about the animals and their migration paths and the relationship between the first nation people and the animals of this area

OKIB tour (Okanagan Indian Band)

Learn about the trading routes of the Okanagan Indian Band in Vernon and its people

Tour a traditional winter pit home (kekuli house)

Stand inside the traditional wooden structure of an Indigenous communityArbour, where ceremonies take place and dancing and celebrating

Overnight South Thompson Inn

Day 3 - May 3

Kamloops Indian Residential School

Visit the grounds and buildings of the Kamloops Indian Residential school. Hear stories from survivors of that school.

Loon Lake Cultural Camp

Visit the traditional grounds of the Bonaparte First Nations cultural camp, see the inside structure of a traditional sweat lodge Hear stories from the local elders on the significance of the area (The land, the animals, the people) Sit around a fire and listen to stories under the stars Sleep in cabins on the land 4 per cabin (Bedding will be provided, mattresses and sleeping bags)

Day 4 - May 4

Coyote Rock tour: Take a guided walk in the land of the Shuswap peoples This is a traditional landmark that is located on the shores of Kamloops Lake The Indigenous knowledge keeper will share how the Coyote was transformed into what you will see when you arrive at the site The tour will finish with the guests participating in a song and a traditional offering.

QUAAOUT LODGE

At Quaaout Lodge & Spa atTalking Rock Golf Resort, our cultural interpreters will be happy to take you on a tour of the grounds or answer any questions you may have about the area. There are several exciting cultural experiences in our area to enjoy.

SMUDGE |. Secwepemc tradition to cleanse the body. Asmudging ceremony is carried out for the purpose of clearing negative energy and inviting peace and harmony into one’s life.

Complimentary

WALK THE LANDS | 75 min –Your cultural interpretive guide will begin by welcoming you with a smudge, then lead you around Secwepemc territory while sharing teachings about our Shuswap traditional landmarks and Secwepemc history

KEKULI STORYTELLING | 75 min – Imagine what it would feel like to live in a “Kekuli” or pit-house, the traditional winter home of the Secwepemc people. Listen to stories around a fire of how our people lived before Europeans arrived up to the modern day.Your cultural interpretive guide will begin this experience with a smudge.

Day 5 - May 5

After breakfast, we will say our ‘goodbyes’check out of our accommodation and be transferred to the airport for departures.

PACKING LIST

MUSTHAVES FOR MAKINGYOUR CHILD’S STAYCOMFORTABLE

● Rain Jacket - students do activities rain or shine so having a good rain jacket that they can wear is a must! Cotton hoodies and soft shell jackets do not count

● Clothing that can get dirty - Do not send anything that you are not willing to risk getting stained and/or losing.

● Variety of clothing - layers so that they can keep warm in event of inclement weather.

● Running Shoes - Good running shoes that they would use in gym class are needed for all activities Shoes with limited tread are not accepted footwear

** It is highly recommended that your child bring clothing appropriate for outdoor activities, however, it is not necessary to buy expensive high-tech gear at outdoor shops

CLOTHING/EQUIPMENTCheck

1 Pair of Hiking Boots OR a pair of sturdy, well fitted, lace up running shoes - preferably over the ankle so they provide good support – they should be comfortable and suitable for high energy activities such as hiking.

1 Pair of Running Shoes

1 Waterproof Rain Coat, one that your child can wear all day and stay dry, we run all activities in the rain

3T-Shirts

2 Long Sleeve tops - at least one should be a polyester blend material if possible

1 Pair of Quick Dry Pants - track pants, lulu lemon style stretch pants or something similar are fine – something with a polyester blend is best as it dries quickly and is better for wet weather

2 Long Pants - sweatpants etc cotton is not recommended

1 Polar Fleece Jacket or Sweater – this should be a warm layer for cooler weather and nights

1 Casual Sweaters or Sweatshirts

1-2 Shorts - at lease one ‘quick dry’pair incase they get wet

1 Pair of Pajamas

5 Pairs of Socks - at least one or two pairs of wool or synthetic socks are recommended as they dry much faster

5 Pairs of Underwear - 1 per day

1 Sun Hat / Ball Cap

1 1 Liter Water Bottle

1 School Size backpack for day excursions at camp being able to fit water bottle, sweater and rain jacket

1Toiletry Kit - toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap etc

1 Bottle of Sunscreen – must be waterproof and SPF 30 at a minimum

NUT POLICY: We ask that parents do not send any personal food items with their children that contain nuts in any form Any food containing nuts, nut products, or which may contain traces of nuts will be confiscated and not returned

To prevent loss, make sure that EVERYarticle is clearly marked with your child’s name using a name tag or laundry pen Have your child assist with packing so they will be familiar with items

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 You are representing The York School and casual wear rules will be in effect: clothing must be neat, clean and should not display objectionable words, phrases, pictures or symbols Students must dress respectably Students must wear shoes or boots that are suitable for extended periods of walking

Curfew: Students are required to be in their rooms by 10pm or when directed by staff

Personal Electronic Equipment: Students are permitted to bring personal electronic equipment for the plane (no laptops) as long as it is used in an appropriate way. A no cell phone policy will be in effect while students are participating in programming.

Rooms: Room arrangements will be assigned by supervising teachers, with input from the student choices Students are required to keep their personal belongings neat and tidy Students may not enter another student’s room without permission

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

Buddy System: Each person will be partnered for safety In trips of odd numbers, there will be one group of three students Students will be responsible for the whereabouts of their buddy and for informing teacher leaders if the buddy is late or ill etc.

General: Students must wear shoes and proper clothing at all time 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

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) in The York School trip to Kelowna and Kamloops BC on Monday, May 1Friday May 5th, 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:

Air travel, coach buses, urban walking, hiking & campfires, visits to local museums Sleeping in hotels and cabins Students will also complete interviews with locals

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 (hypothermia), lightning, snow, sunburn, dehydration

Highway safety (eg Camp Summit Vehicle): traffic concerns, road closures, construction, traffic accidents, extreme weather conditions

Travel by air (eg flights): air accident, extreme weather conditions

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

Light hiking and walking on paths: strains, sprains and bruising, breaks, getting separated from the group, potential animal encounters sprains, strains, bruising, cuts, falls, broken bones, burns, head injury

Activities on water (if present): Over-use, strains, sprains and bruising, drowning, hypothermia

Allergies: food, insect or plant

Mountain Terrain: Falls from steep slopes and cliffs could result in possible head injuries, broken bones, eye injuries, strains, sprains, lacerations and bruising

Animal encounters: On rare occasions, animal attacks (Bear, Cougar) can occur which could result in lacerations, and in some cases severe trauma or death

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 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.