Dear Parents,
VENTURING OUT PACKAGE ICE TRIP TO TORONTO ISLAND
Re: Grade 9 Integrated Canadian Experience Trip to Toronto Island
September, 2024
The grade nine classes will be participating in an excursion to Toronto Islands on September 24, 2024.
Students will meet at 9am at the Ferry Terminal for Toronto Island. Students will be dismissed at one of the following options (we ask that you indicate this at the end of this form): 3:15pm from the Ferry Terminal for Toronto Island (picked up by car) 3:30pm from Union Station at the TTC entrance, (traveling by TTC) During trip preparations in class, teachers will be helping connect students who are looking for TTC buddies.
During trip preparations in class, teachers will be helping connect students who are looking for TTC buddies.
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
Once you have satisfied yourself as to the suitability of this trip for your child, please fill out the following forms online via YorkNet by Thursday, September 19th, 2024:
Parent Acknowledgement, Consent & Release Form
Level II Code of Conduct
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 to YorkNet.
EXCURSION INFORMATION FORM
Excursion Name
Date(s) and Times (And Transportation Details)
Grade 9 ICE Excursion to Toronto Islands
Thursday, September 24th
Depart: 9:30am at Ferry Terminal for Toronto Island (Meet at 9am)
Dismissal: at one of the following options (we ask that you indicate this at the end of the online VO form):
3:15pm from Ferry Terminal for Toronto Island (pick up by car) OR
3:30pm from Union Station (traveling by TTC)
Group Involved (and number of students) All Grade 9 students (Approximately 80 students)
Group Leader and Staff Involved
Destination Address
Activity Description and Educational Rationale
Sara Gardner, Katie Simco, Craig Aitkenhead, Ryan Gaio, other York School faculty as needed
Centre Island – Toronto Islands 235 Queens Quay West Toronto, ON M5J 2G8
This excursion will help students investigate topics relating to their geography, history and English curricula, including the settlement of the City of York, questions of land use and development, civic consultation and inclusion, physical geography, and mapping. It has direct links to the Outdoor Education programme and Healthy Active Living as students will explore the island by bicycle Service Provider(s)
The York School, TTC, Toronto Island Ferry, Toronto Island Bike Rentals
The York School: 416 926 1325
Teacher contact:
Emergency Contact Information
Approximate Cost Per Student
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
Sara Gardner 416-931-5141
$45 will be levied to the student’s account
Students are asked to bring their lunches as sometimes food kiosks are not open at this time of year They may also wish to bring a small amount of money ($20) for a drink or snack from one of the food locations on the island.
consent, notice is given by Thursday, September 19th 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 expenses that could not be recouped.
Ferry pass, bike rentals, equipment and gear
Return Level II VO Form via YorkNet by Thursday, September 19th 2024 Special Considerations and What to Bring
Sun Protection: Where a trip involves your child being outside between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM, or the UV rating is predicted to be 3 or greater, parents are reminded to provide children with the following: sunscreen, hat and water bottle. Sunglasses that protect against UV-A and UV-B rays are also recommended.
Students should bring:
1 A nut-free lunch and snacks (students can also bring $20 to purchase food)
2. A water bottle
3 Closed toed shoes like running shoes or hiking shoes (no sandals or Crocs)
4 Casual, active clothing (This clothing should be appropriate for outdoor activities)
5 Raincoat / waterproof jacket
6. Bike helmet if they have one
7. ICE Journal and a pen
8 A mobile device, charged, if they have one
Activities to be undertaken by students: Students will meet teachers at the Ferry Terminal for Toronto Island and walk together as a group to the ferry Once on the island students will be engaged in a number of activities that will familiarize them with respect to the history and geography of the island, including “Story-entering” (a curriculum-based scavenger hunt), light hiking and biking. Students will interview local experts and create a piece of media. Students will be dismissed at Ferry Terminal or Union Station
Student preparation for excursion: Students will be informed of the trip’s routes, trip rules and the code of conduct Students will discuss appropriate clothing, gear, food and skills When they arrive at the site, they will be reminded that they must stay with their buddies and group at all times and remain within specific boundaries In preparation, your child is encouraged to practice biking if it is unfamiliar to them. Parents will be asked to indicate their child’s biking ability prior to the Toronto Island trip, and accommodations will be made for students who are uncomfortable biking
Follow-up: In classes following the trip, students will be engaged in research and investigations relating to curriculum, and will be required to produce work for evaluation as outlined in their course documents
Risk Assessment
Specific Risks Identified:
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 being involved in water accidents and drowning while on the ferry 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
Precautions to be taken to reduce or eliminate risks: Pre-trip preparation will include briefing on routes, 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 Students will not be able to enter the water and the ferry is equipped with life jackets Teachers shall keep track of the entire group they are responsible for with frequent check-in points 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. 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 sun burns and heat related issues by applying sunscreen, wearing a hat and/or sunglasses, and monitoring time spent in direct sunlight
Contingency plan for bad weather/trip interruption:
The ferry schedule will be consulted and timing may be adjusted if the weather causes interruptions in ferry service A copy of the schedule is readily available should the group need to depart earlier due to impending weather
This trip is weather dependent and may be called off due to serious rain, high winds, or cold.
Location of nearest Emergency Medical Service:
St Michael’s Hospital-30 Bond Street; Sick Children’s Hospital-555 University Avenue
Arrangements to be made to transport person/group to EMS (including route to be taken): The group day camp will be close to the Island’s fire station, which is staffed and has a land line and access to a vehicle. If there is an accident involving one of the students, a teacher will accompany the injured student to the hospital by either water taxi or ambulance, depending on the severity of the injury If necessary, the Island has emergency boat service which would transport a patient to the waiting ambulance on the mainland Contact would be made immediately with the parent The Principal would be aware of the situation and a decision will be made in consultation regarding the best plan of action for the rest of the students
Additional Information:
- Students are responsible for their own nut free lunch and should bring a water bottle
- Students are encouraged to bring their own bicycle helmet The bike rental location will provide helmets to any students who do not have their own
- This excursion is weather dependent Alternative programming will take place based out of The York School in the event the excursion is canceled the morning of
- Should your child not be comfortable on a 2-wheel bicycle, the activity is easily adapted for walking or participating with friends on a ‘quadricycle’
- Students who bring their cell phones will be asked to save the Emergency Number in the event they need to contact a teacher
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 wear shoes or boots that are suitable for extended periods of walking
Personal Electronic Equipment: Students are not permitted to bring personal electronic equipment such as laptops The use of cell phones is for emergencies only and for programme application as deemed appropriate by the teachers.
To reach your child in an emergency or very urgent matter, please call the emergency number located on the information form In the event a student needs to make an urgent call, they can do so with teacher approval, using a teacher cell phone if they do not have one
Upon returning to the Harbourfront, students can use their phones to connect with parents if necessary.
Independent Time: Students must stay within prescribed boundaries during free time, always travel with a buddy and communicate with a teacher their whereabouts Each person will be placed in small groups for safety Independent time protocols will be followed and will only take place in areas deemed safe in advance 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.
Participation: Student participation in activities is mandatory Students must be on time and stay with their assigned group
General: No food containing nuts is allowed Students shall remain with their group at all times Students shall not leave the established routes at any time Valuables, such as large amounts of money, and dangerous items, such as pocket knives, should not be brought.
TORONTO ISLAND CLOTHING & GEAR LIST
A York School athletic shirt (or house shirt) and appropriate bottoms in which you can move comfortably in (sweatpants or baggy shorts are ideal). Running shoes. Please note – clothing must adhere to the student handbook policies on appropriate school clothing. Students must take precautions against sun exposure
Bring a knapsack for things you need during the day (rain gear, everything book, a sweater, water bottle)
1 Litterless, nut free lunch and snacks
2. Water Bottle
3. Sun block
4. Everything Journal and pen(cil)s
5. Sunglasses
6. Bike Helmet (if you have one)
7. Proper footwear for biking and walking
8 A warm layer in the event of cool wind and weather
9 Raincoat
10 Hat Optional:
1 Camera
Meals: Lunch is up to the student. We encourage all to bring snacks and to pack a nut-free, litterless lunch.
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 Trip Coordinator, Andrea Lossing, at alossing@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 Grade 9 ICE Toronto Island Trip on Tuesday, September 24, 2024
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:
Students will meet teachers at the Ferry Terminal for Toronto Island and walk together as a group to the ferry Once on the island students will be engaged in a number of activities that will familiarize them with respect to the history and geography of the island, including “Story-entering” (a curriculum-based scavenger hunt), light hiking and biking Students may build a campfire and cook over the fire Students will interview local experts and create documentaries Students will be dismissed at Ferry Terminal
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:
Cuts, scrapes, broken bones, bruising, sprains, head injury, concussions, and slips, trips, and falls from heights Students are at risk of being involved in water accidents and drowning while on the ferry 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
I/We, the undersigned, grant the trip supervisors appointed by The York School permission to act on my/our behalf and to consent, to any medical, dental or surgical treatment, including pain relief and admission to hospital which may be required for my/our child, in the opinion of a qualified medical practitioner if, after reasonable attempts have been made to contact me/us at the phone numbers provided to the school, I/we cannot be reached. I/We do hereby release The York School, its directors, employees and its agents, from every manner of suit, claim or legal action which may arise as a result of an injury to, or the death of, my/our child sustained by reason of my/our child’s participation in this excursion As parent(s) of the child above, I/we 1 acknowledge that I/we understand the statements made regarding the intended excursion with respect to expected behavior, consequences for misbehavior, and the details of the trip, including activities and risks, 2 consent to my/our child’s full participation in the trip, and to the school taking the measures set out above in response to any medical emergency that may arise, and 3 release the school from legal action arising from injury or death according to the terms set out above
CODE OF CONDUCT
I understand, as the parent or guardian of the student named above, that students on York School trips are expected to participate fully in all activities undertaken during and in preparation for the trip, and that they must conduct themselves in a manner befitting their role as ambassadors for the school community We further understand that all students will be bound by The York School Code of Conduct and any additional rules and regulations listed in this information package and/or discussed and implemented while on the trip, and that any infraction of these rules may, at the discretion of the trip leader, result in the immediate return of the student to Toronto at the parent/guardian’s expense and that any infraction of these rules may, at the discretion of the Division Head, result in disciplinary action We have reviewed the contents of this information package and Code of Conduct expectations, rules and consequences with our child
Please Note
This copy of the Venturing Out Package is for reference only. Log on to your YorkNet account at https://yorkschool.myschoolapp.com/app#login to complete your child’s VO
Package and give consent for their participation in this excursion.