Grade 9 Prairies to Mountains Challenge Week VO 2023

Dear Parents,

LEVELII VENTURING OUTPACKAGE –GRADE 9 CHALLENGE WEEK

Prairies to MountainsAB

Re: Prairies to MountainsApril 30 - May 5th, 2023

February, 2023

As you are aware, your child will be heading toAlberta to participate in the Prairies to Mountains Challenge Week excursion.The excursion will take place in Drumheller, Canmore and Banff,AB from SundayApril 30 to Friday May 5th, 2023 The group departsToronto PearsonAirport in the morning on Sunday,April 30th and returns in the evening on Friday 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 (Canmore CaveTours) 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 Aphotocopy of your passport (to yourAdvisor or Ms Jean 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

Prairies to Mountains - Grade 9 Challenge Week

AirTravel

Toronto - Calgary (Return Flights)

Depart: SundayApril 30th in morning

Return: Friday May 5th in evening

Exact Flight details will be shared 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 travel by coach bus Group Involved (Include approximate number) Agroup of grade 9 students

Group Leader and any other Staff Involved

DestinationAddress

Ryan Gaio, Brian Eaton, Liz Muir

Sunday toTuesday: DrumhellerTravelodge, 101 Grove Place, Grove Place and Hwy 9 Drumheller,ABT0J 0Y0 (403) 823-5302

Tuesday to Friday: Banff Lodging Co.Tunnell Mtn Lodge 502Tunnel Mountain Rd, Banff,AB,T1L1H8 (403) 762-4515

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)

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

Canmore Cave tours

TheYork School

Barb Prevedello (inToronto) 416.209.9905

$2600-$2900

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: snacks or food at the airport

expenses that could not be recouped.

Return Level II VO Form via YorkNet by Friday, March 3rd, 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; Riding in coach bus driven by hired driver; Guided tours and unsupervised free time through various areas in and around Drumheller and Banff;Travel by foot, light and moderate hikes; Visit monuments, local museums, towns and abandoned mines now used as tourist attractions; Caving programme is also included where students will traverse underground caves; If students have passed a swim test, students may have opportunities to sit in hot springs; Bowling; Gondola ride; Students may also have the opportunity to go snowshoeing at Lake Louise, weather dependent; Students will complete interviews with locals and collect research samples; Buying groceries and preparing food on kitchen stoves

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 learn how to operate the technical equipment involved in producing a documentary film, and they will take part in a workshop on how to tell a story with film In addition, students will read, discuss, and write about the literature short stories, poetry, non-fiction, etc 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

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, bug bites

6 Allergies: Food, insect or plant

7 Hot springs: Overheating, drowning

8 Cooking: Food safety and preparing

9 Caving: Becoming claustrophobic, fatigued, scrapes, bruises, sprains, strains

10. Wildlife encounters: Bear, cougar

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: Weather forecasts will be consulted in advance to guide and inform packing lists and ensure all participants are properly dressed

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 at all times Risks will be assessed on an ongoing basis

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. Restaurants will be notified in advance of allergies among participants.

There is a lifeguard on duty at all times at the Banff Hot Springs and lifejackets are available if needed Amandatory swim test must be completed in advance in order to participate in this activity

The caving activity is facilitated by 2 (or more) highly qualified professionals who practice ongoing emergency extractions from the caves.All Canmore Caving guiding staff are proficient in Wilderness FirstAid, advanced caving techniques, and cave rescue Acomplete safety briefing will be conducted prior to the activity and students can opt out at that time

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.

Everyone will exercise precautions to avoid wildlife encounters by providing education in advance meetings and carrying bear spray when on hikes

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:

Location of nearest Emergency Medical Service: Drumheller Health Centre

351-9 Street, Drumheller,ABT0J 0Y1

(403)-823-6500

Canmore General Hospital

1100 Hospital Place, Canmore,ABT1W 1N2

(403) 678-5536

(Banff) Mineral Springs Hospital

305 Lynx St

Bandd,ABT1L1A1

(403) 762-2222

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

- Students will be preparing their own food for several meals while in Banff The Lodge Condos are equipped with full kitchens

- There is NO swimming allowed in any accommodation pools

- Canmore CavingActivity:

Parents are encouraged to read through http://wwwcanmorecavetours com/activities/adventures/explorer/ for detailed information with regards to the caving activity and the company Here is a brief outline:

The ExplorerTour may be our shortest cave tour, but it is by no means short on fun and excitement. Your guide will introduce you to the amazing world of caves, spending approximately 2 hours underground crawling past prehistoric bones, investigating our ancient cave formations and even squeezing into places like the warm-up and challenge squeezes (if you so choose of course!). This is a great option for families with younger members, for large groups, team building or those who don’t have quite enough time for the AdventureTour. We promise to give you an experience you won’t forget!

- Meet your guide at the Canmore CaveTours Office in Canmore (129 Bow Meadows Crescent) Follow the guide in convoy for a 10 minute drive to the cave parking lot where you’ll pack up your caving gear then hike for 30 minutes up a mountain trail to the cave entrance.Along the trail, your guide will explain the geology of the area; how caves are formed; show you fossils to examine up close; look for bighorn sheep; maybe spot a bear or a cougar Inside the cave, you’ll get to climb, crawl, slither and get muddy Soon after entering the cave you’ll go through the “Box” then on to the Five Way Chamber, the Grand Gallery and finally to the Grotto, a chamber full of stalactites and stalagmites with a crystal clear pool at the bottom of the cave Return is via the Box (a 2m long 20”x20” opening).

- We provide all of the necessary caving equipment including coveralls, kneepads, gloves, helmet & headlamp, harness & safety lanyard, and backpack The backpack will be shared by two people and will not go into the cave We will also provide you with a Clif Bar energy bar, and a 500mLbottle of water (in a reusable bottle that is yours to keep)

- You will need to bring good footwear, warm clothing, a camera (optional) and if you have any dietary restrictions, please bring a snack that you know works for you.Also, if

you will require medication during the tour it is a good idea to bring 2x what you would expect to use, just in case.

- Footwear must be closed-toe and should have a sturdy tread Hiking boots or shoes are best, but a sturdy running shoe will also work Other options include rubber boots or winter boots (in the winter)

- The cave is 5 degrees celsius, so warm clothing is recommended Imagine what you would wear if you had to spend a few hours in a refrigerator We recommend long pants, long sleeves, a warm sweater, hoodie or jacket. Synthetic fabrics are best as they will keep you warm even if you get wet

Itinerary:

This is a draft itinerary Some activities may be moved to different days or times depending on the schedules and availability of our services providers

- Sunday

- Flight to Calgary

- Meet coach bus and drive to Drumheller

- Check in to DrumhellerTravelodge

- Short hike at Horsethief Canyon

- Dinner at Last Chance Saloon in Wayne,Alberta

- Monday

- Breakfast at Whifs

- Visit to Blackfoot Crossing First Nations community in the morning; lunch on-site

- Tour ofAtlas Coal Mine (Processing PlantTour) during the afternoon

- Dinner at Bernie & the Boys restaurant in Drumheller

- Evening Guided Ghost Walk tour in Drumheller

- Tuesday

- Breakfast at Whifs

- Tour of RoyalTyrell DinosaurMmuseum during the morning

- Drive to Banff early afternoon

- Settle in hotel

- Meal planning and grocery shopping

- Student-made Dinner in condos

- Wednesday

- Student-made Breakfast

- Morning visit with Mayor of Banff

- FreeTime in Banff during lunch

- Dinner and Bowling at High Rollers Banff

- Thursday

- Student-made Breakfast

- Caving Experience through Canmore Cave tours until mid afternoon

- Sulphur Mountain Gondola

- Dinner at Condos

- Opportunity to visit Banff Springs Hot Springs

- Friday

- Pack up and drive to Calgary

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 representingTheYork 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 and never let their undergarments or midriffs show. Students must wear shoes or boots that are suitable for extended periods of walking

Personal Electronic Equipment: Students may bring a cell phone for safety reasons and can use it when deemed appropriate by supervising teachers Ano cell phone policy will be in effect while students are participating in programming

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.

PACKING LIST

No specialized clothing is required for this trip with the exception of rain gear and hiking boots or solid walking shoes with GOOD tread

Each student is strongly encouraged to bring ONLYa carry-on piece of luggage and small day bag, given recent difficulties surrounding airports and checked baggage.

It can be cool in the mountains at this time of year, so bring a few insulating layers and ensure you have packed a water bottle

No linens or towels are required

The caving company supplies coveralls for the group and students are encouraged to bring a light fleece and long sleeves to wear under the coveralls, given the temperature during the experience (see note from company above)

Suggested Packing List: (Items in brackets are optional) - To be adjusted and communicated with students closer to date, based on anticipated weather

1. Head: Sun hat, toque, sunglasses, sun block

2 Tops: 3 shirts/t-shirts, 2-3 insulating layers, rain jacket, (light gloves or mitts)

3 Bottoms: 3-4 underwear, pants, shorts, swimsuit, (extra pair of pants)

4 Feet: 2 pairs of running shoes (cave tour recommend hiking shoe/boots; sturdy running shoes may suffice), 3-4 socks

5 Toiletries

6 Electronic devices will be permitted on the plane and during specified hours during the day Only bring what you can afford to lose or have broken.

7. Camera (most will use their phones)

8 Water Bottle

9 Journal and pen/pencil

10 $$ -All meals and activity needs will be covered, but students may want to bring some cash for souvenirs and small snacks

11. Sleeping bags, pillows, flashlights, camping accessories are not needed.

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 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 Alberta on Sunday,April 30 - 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:

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

Highway safety (eg. coach bus):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, bug bites

Allergies: Food, insect or plant

Hot springs: Overheating, drowning

Cooking: Food safety and preparing.

Caving: Becoming claustrophobic, fatigued, scrapes, bruises, sprains, strains

Wildlife encounters: Bear, cougar

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

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:

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

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, bug bites

6. Allergies: Food, insect or plant

7 Hot springs: Overheating, drowning

8 Cooking: Food safety and preparing

9 Caving: Becoming claustrophobic, fatigued, scrapes, bruises, sprains, strains

10 Wildlife encounters: Bear, cougar

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

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 release TheYork 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 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 their role as ambassadors for the school community. 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 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.