Grade 9 High Tides Challenge Week VO 2023

Dear Parents,

LEVELII VENTURING OUTPACKAGE –GRADE 9 CHALLENGE WEEK

HighTides - NB

Re: HIGHTIDES OFACADIAMay 1st - May 5th, 2023

February, 2023

As you are aware, your child will be heading to New Brunswick to participate in the High Tides of Acadia Challenge Week excursion. The excursion will take place in Saint John and St Andrews from Monday May 1st to Friday May 5th, 2023 The group will depart Toronto Pearson Airport in the morning on May 1st and return 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 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 your advisor or Ms Coronel)

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

HighTides ofAcadia - Grade 9 Challenge Week

Depart: Monday May 1st in the morning flying to St John

Return: Friday May 5thin the evening

Exact flight details will be shared prior to 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 taxi, bus, foot, Huntsman motorized boats

Group Involved (Include approximate number)

Group Leader and any other Staff Involved

DestinationAddress

Aselect group of Grade 9 students

Tamsyn Ross,Tim Cooper, JulianaAgostino

Monday, May 1st

Delta Hotel by Marriott, Saint John NB 39 King St, Saint John, NB E2L4W3

Tuesday, May 2 to Friday, May 5:

Huntsman Marine Science Centre and Fundy Discovery Aquarium

1 Lower Campus Rd, SaintAndrews, NB E5B 2L7

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 MYPand Ministry of Education curricula Specifically, this trip enriches the students’ English-History-Geography (ICE) and HealthyActive 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) Huntsman Outdoor Education Centre andAquarium, Optimum Bus Company

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

$1900 - $2200

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

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

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: Air travel, and travel by taxi, foot, or bus Students will also walk through the various areas in and around Saint John and SaintAndrews New Brunswick Students will spend Monday toTuesday in Saint John, and onTuesday travel to St Andrews The group will be travelling by bus with Optimum Bus Company FromTuesday to Friday, students will stay at the Huntsman Marine Science Centre in StAndrews

They will take part in light hikes outside of the city, visit provincial monuments, areas of cultural significance and the aquarium, participate in escape room challenges and go kayaking on the Bay of Fundy The group will take bus rides to surrounding areas to explore local attractions Students will also take part in marine research on the water in Huntsman Marine Science Centre boats Students will also complete interviews with locals Tentative itinerary will be shared closer to the trip.

Student preparation for excursion: Students will have monthly preparatory meetings in January, February, March, andApril In addition, students will read, discuss, and write about the literature short stories, poetry, non-fiction of the 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, lightning, snow, sunburn, dehydration

2 Highway safety (eg taxis): 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

6 Allergies: food, insect, plant

7. Activities on water (eg. travelling on a Huntsman research vessel boat, kayaking): motion sickness, drowning, hypothermia, boat capsizing

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 be taken to reduce risks:

Experienced and local drivers will be responsible for driving with access to maps and directions Students will be monitored around the water and regular check-ins will occur within the group Dietary needs will be shared with Huntsman Science Centre and teachers support students when visiting restaurants.

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 FirstAid kit with us at all times. Risks will be assessed on an ongoing basis.

From Huntsman website: “Huntsman’s primary research vessel is the Fundy Spray: a 50′ converted offshore lobster boat The boat is certified byTransport Canada to carry 20 passengers and 2 crew Its size and certification means that it’s able to transport passengers anywhere in the Bay of Fundy, which makes it ideal as a research vessel It’s able to access areas that are inaccessible to some vessels, meaning researchers can get closer to unique landforms and aquatic environments.” Students will wear lifejackets while travelling on the Huntsman vessel as well as during our guided kayaking activity

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 on trail, near water or on 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: Hospitals will vary depending on the location of the group.

Saint John: Saint John Regional Hospital

400 UniversityAve, Saint John, NB E2L4L4 (506) 648-6000

StAndrews: Charlotte County Hospital

4 Garden St, Saint Stephen, NB E3L2L9 506-465-4444

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:

- 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 Ensure you know when and where that is

PACKING LIST

No specialized clothing is required for this trip; however each student needs to transport their own luggage and be aware of airline restrictions It can be cool on the East Coast at this time of year, so bring a few insulating layers and ensure you have packed a raincoat and water bottle No linens or towels are required Please have a pair of closed-toed shoes you can comfortably hike in

Recommended clothing:

6 pairs of wool or synthetic socks

One pair of walking/light hiking shoes, one pair of sneakers, one pair of rubber boots

2 sweaters or fleece (please avoid cotton as much as possible)

1 rain suit, pants and jacket ideally

Three pairs of pants Toiletries

Water bottle

Light winter Jacket

Camera

One heavy pair of long underwear

Four t-shirts and long sleeved t-shirts

1 hat for sun,

1 hat for warmth (tuque)

Personal day bag

Water bottle

Sunglasses

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 as otherwise directed by the staff

Personal Electronic Equipment: Students are not permitted to bring laptops or personal video gaming equipment Students are permitted to bring their cell phone However a no cell phone policy will be in effect overnight.

Cell Phone Policy: Students will have access to their phones during daytime programming when deemed appropriate and necessary by teachers There will be a no cell phone policy at night in the hotel Cell phones will be collected when groups return to the hotel for overnight hours

Rooms: Room arrangements will be assigned by supervising teachers Students will stay in double rooms in groups of two. Students are required to keep their personal belongings neat and tidy. Students may not enter another student’s room without permission.

Independent Time 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 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: It is imperative students listen and comply with the expectations set out by the supervising teachers and other adult guides 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 New Brunswick on Monday, May 1 to Friday, 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, and travel by taxi, foot, or bus Students will also walk through the various areas in and around Saint John and Saint Andrew New Brunswick Students will spend Monday to Tuesday in Saint John, and on Tuesday travel to St Andrews From Tuesday to Friday, students will stay at the Huntsman Marine Science Centre in StAndrews.

They will take part in light hikes outside of the city, visit national monuments, museums and the science centre, attend some live music shows and visit students at a school The group will take bus rides to surrounding areas to explore local attractions Students will also take part in marine research on the water in Huntsman Marine Science Centre boats 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, lightning, snow, sunburn, dehydration

Highway safety (eg taxis): 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

Cooking and preparing food

Allergies: food, insect, plant

Activities on water (eg research vessel): motion sickness, drowning, hypothermia, boat

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.