Je Me Souviens, QC VO

Dear Parents,

LEVELII VENTURING OUTPACKAGEGRADE 9 CHALLENGE WEEK JE ME SOUVIENS

Re: Je Me Souviens May 1st - May 5th, 2023

February, 2023

As you are aware, your child will be heading to the North Shore of the St Lawrence River in Quebec to participate in the Je Me Souviens Challenge Week excursion. The excursion will take place in Quebec 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 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 Applicable Waivers (to your advisor or Ms Coronel)

2 Aphotocopy of your passport (to your advisor or Ms 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

Je Me Souviens – Grade 9 Challenge Week

AirTravel

Depart: Monday May 1st in the morning

Return: Friday May 5th in the evening

Exact flight information will be provided closer to the trip

Parents are encouraged to check flight time just prior to return. Parents are responsible for getting students to and from the airport

Students will also travel by rental vans driven by teaching staff during the trip

Group Involved (Include approximate number)

Group Leader and any other Staff Involved

DestinationAddress

Aselect group of grade 9 students

Sara Gardner,AndrewTorres, Jess Chau

Monday and Tuesday Nights

Motel des Cascades

907 Monseigneur de Laval Baie-Saint-Paul, QC 418-435-6603

Wednesday and Thursday Nights

HI Malbaie

435 rue Saint-Étienne

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)

Barb Prevedello 416 209-9905 (InToronto)

Via Ferrata: http://aventurex.net/palissadesdecharlevoix/ Velo Coudres: http://velocoudres com/ 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

$2600-$2900

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

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

behalf for the excursion, and you will be only charged those expenses that could not be recouped.

Cost does not include: snacks or food at the airport

Return Level II VO Form via YorkNet by Friday, March 3rd, 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, travelling in a coach bus Students will begin the week in Quebec City and then explore the region of Québec along le Fleuve Saint-Laurent, north of Québec City to engage in Québecois culture They will take part in hikes and other outdoor activities which may include zip-lining, via ferrata, and biking Students will also complete interviews with locals, speak French, learn new expressions unique to northern Quebec and collect research samples.

Student preparation for excursion: Students will have monthly preparatory meetings in January, February, March, and April In the weeks leading up to the trip, students will learn how to operate the technical equipment involved in producing a media piece In addition, students will read, discuss, 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 coach bus): traffic concerns, road closures, construction, traffic accidents, extreme weather conditions

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

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

4 Hiking, snowshoeing, and walking on paths: strains, sprains and bruising, breaks, getting separated from the group, potential animal encounters

5. Allergies: food, insect or plant

6 Biking: falls that could result in possible strains, sprains and bruising, lacerations, breaks, and concussion

7 Zip-lining and via ferrata: Falls from steep slopes and cliffs could result in possible head injuries, broken bones, eye injuries, strains, sprains, lacerations and bruising

Precautions to be taken to reduce or eliminate risks:

Driving only in the day Teachers are experienced drivers with Ontario licence. Will review maps and consult Google maps regarding routes being taken.

Food purchasing and preparation will be done with group allergies taken into account as much as possible. Students will wash hands prior to and post handling food.

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 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.

Biking ability will be assessed before we leave the rental shop in order to ensure that each student is matched with a bicycle suited to their skill level Bike helmets will be worn while riding bikes Student will have the option to ride in a quadricycle to accommodate non-riders The group will travel predominantly in bike-dedicated pathways and lanes A supervising teacher will travel at the front and back of the group to ensure that the group stays together.

While hiking students will walk on a well-maintained trail in a National Park Conditions will be closely monitored before setting out to ensure weather and trail are suitable for the hike Students will have a buddy who will help monitor everyone’s comfort level with the pace and rhythm of the walk Supervising treachers will be at the front and back of the group to ensure that the group stay together and on the trail

The ziplining and via ferrata activity will be facilitated by highly qualified professionals who practice ongoing emergency protocols Students will be instructed in climbing skills and safety equipment to be worn (eg helmet, harness) A complete safety briefing will be conducted prior to each activity and students can opt out at that time http://aventurex net/palissadesdecharlevoix/

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 nature of the interruption the route and itinerary will be altered If necessary, alternative flights will be taken 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: In Quebec City:

Centre HospitalierAffilié Universitaire de Québec (CHA), 1401 18e Rue Quebec City (418) 649-0252

Location of nearest Emergency Medical Service: In Baie St Paul:

74 RueAmbroise Fafard, Baie-Saint-Paul, QC G3Z 2J6

cssscharlevoix qc ca

(418) 435-5150

Location of nearest Emergency Medical Service: In La Malbaie

La Malbaie Hospital

303 Rue St Étienne, La Malbaie, QC G5A1T1

(418) 665-1700

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

For minor injuries requiring more than First Aid kit – drive to local hospital in taxi, or an ambulance for more significant injuries EMS will be activated by dialing 911 One teacher will accompany the injured person to EMS while the remainder of the group stays together with the other staff A communication plan with teachers will be put in place prior to departure to Hospital Route taken will be based on which medical facility the person is being brought to

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

- Tentative Itinerary and confirmed providers will be shared no more than 2 weeks prior to the trip

TENTATIVE ITINERARY

Day Overview of TentativeActivities Accommodations

Monday Baie St Paul Flight to Quebec City Ashort visit to Quebec City Dinner in Baie St Paul

Tuesday Biking on Île des Coudres

Visit with a local producer on the “Flavour Trail”

Wednesday Hiking in the National Parc des Grands Jardins

Visit with a 2nd local producer on the “Flavour Trail”

Motel des Cascades

907 Monseigneur de Laval

Baie-Saint-Paul, QC 418-435-6603

Motel des Cascades

907 Monseigneur de Laval

Baie-Saint-Paul, QC 418-435-6603

HI Malbaie

435 rue Saint-Étienne

Thursday Palissades Charlevoix Via FerrataAventureX HI Malbaie

Friday Visit to Montmorency Falls on route to the airport

Flight toToronto

Home

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

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 are required to keep their personal belongings neat and tidy Students may not enter another student’s room without permission

Independent/Field Research 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: 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

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 Carry-on luggage rather than checked is recommended To accommodate the smaller packing space, supervisors will collect hiking/winter boots in duffel bags at the airport It can be cool in Quebec 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 close-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 boots (sorrels or hiking boots)

One heavy pair of long underwear

Four t-shirts and long sleeved t-shirts

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

1 rain suit, pants and jacket ideally

Three pairs of pants (one good for hiking)

1 hat for sun, 1 hat for warmth (tuque)

Toiletries

Two pairs of shorts

Light gloves

Water bottle

Journal and pen

Jacket sunglasses

Comfortable clothing for the plane

Camera

Sunscreen (wishful thinking!)

Personal day bag

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 Quebec City and the North Shore of St Lawrence River in Quebec on Monday, May 1st 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, travelling in a coach bus Students will begin the week in Quebec City and then explore the region of Québec along le Fleuve Saint-Laurent, north of Québec City to engage in Québecois culture They will take part in hikes, snowshoes, and other outdoor activities which may include zip-lining, via ferrata, and biking. Students will also complete interviews with locals, speak French, learn new expressions unique to northern Quebec and collect research samples

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 (coach travel): 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 Hiking, snowshoeing, and walking on paths: strains, sprains and bruising, breaks, getting separated from the group, potential animal encounters

Allergies: food, insect or plant

Biking: falls that could result in possible strains, sprains and bruising, lacerations, breaks, and concussion

Zip-lining and via ferrata: Falls from steep slopes and cliffs could result in possible head injuries, broken bones, eye injuries, strains, sprains, lacerations and bruising

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.