2024 CMUNCE in New York City Level IV VO Form

LEVEL II VENTURING OUT PACKAGE – Columbia Model United Nations Conference and Exposition (CMUNCE) in New York City October 2023 Dear Parents, Re: Columbia Model United Nations Conference and Exposition (CMUNCE). Held at Columbia University's Morningside Heights Campus, Wednesday, January 10th - Sunday, January 14th, 2024 The Model UN team will visit Columbia University in NYC, to participate in the Model UN conference, with schools attending from around the world. We will travel to Billy Bishop Airport, in the late morning on Wednesday, January 10th, and will return to Billy Bishop Airport, in the early evening of Sunday, January 14th. The students will discuss, debate, and hopefully solve important global issues through creative and collaborative problem-solving. Model United Nations is a wonderful opportunity for students to develop their critical thinking and communication skills in a fun and academic setting.

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, October 12, 2023.

Parent Acknowledgement, Consent & Release Form Level II Code of Conduct A copy of passport A deposit of $1,000 (by cheque made payable to The York School or EFT) 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.

LEVEL II EXCURSION INFORMATION FORM Excursion Name

Columbia Model United Nations Conference and Exposition (CMUNCE) in New York City

Transportation Details (Dates and Times)

Depart: We will meet at 11:15am in the York School Cafeteria and then travel to Billy Bishop Airport by TTC, Wednesday, January 10th for flight PD 2131 departing Toronto @ 12:00 pm arriving Newark @ 1:30 pm.

Return: via PD 2138 departing Newark on Sunday, January 14th @ 5:15pm, arriving at Billy Bishop @ 7:00 pm.

Please pick up your child at Billy Bishop Airport.

Group Involved (Include approximate number)

Model United Nations Team (16 students)

Group Leader Staff Involved

Megan Gardner Ross Adina Fuss

Destination Addresses

Hotel: InterContinental New York Times Square 300 West 44th Street New York New York 10036 United States Conference Sessions: Columbia University 2920 Broadway, New York, NY 10027, United States

Educational Rationale

Students will participate in discussions and debates with other high school students from around the world. Students will have an opportunity to draw on their knowledge of global issues to discuss current problems facing the United Nations today. Students will have an opportunity to build on their critical thinking skills, communication skills, and their ability to discuss in a respectful and diplomatic manner. The focus of the trip will be on how to contribute in a positive and constructive manner to solve global problems. This is a wonderful opportunity for senior students to grow as risk-takers, communicators and critical thinkers.

Service Provider(s)

Columbia University

Emergency Contact Information

Andrea Lossing (in Toronto) 416.926.1325 ext 1616, (Cell) 416.526.6595 Megan Gardner Ross (Cell) 647.648.9202

Approximate Cost Please note that once you have provided consent to have your child participate on the excursion

The approximate cost of the trip will range from $1500-$1800.

A deposit of $1000 due October 12, 2023 The remaining costs will be levied to student accounts after the trip.

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 expenses that could not be recouped.

Cost includes: flights, transportation to and from airport in NYC, conference registration, entertainment, museum entrance and accommodation.

Cost does not include: Food.

Students will be expected to bring spending money for meals, $50 USD per day should be sufficient.

MTA Subway pass.

The cost is approximately $25 USD. Students can buy a card with cash or card. (Students may also pay for each subway fare with a card or device capable of “tap”) Students may additionally bring money for souvenirs.

Return Level II VO Form via YorkNet by What to Bring

Thursday October 12, 2023 ● ● ● ●

Western business attire, required for 3 days Comfortable dress shoes - we will be walking and taking the subway to sessions Casual clothing for 2 days Laptop - students will be responsible for the security of their own devices

Activities to be undertaken by students: Students will fly to (Newark) New York City and return; travel from airport to Midtown Manhattan/Hotel by shuttle van or bus; travel to and from MUN location from the hotel by subway.

Participation in the Model United Nations Conference.

Discussions will be led and moderated by Columbia University Students.

The group will tour the United Nations HeadQuarters. Students will also engage in some sightseeing around Midtown Manhattan and the Upper west side, including museum visits, such as The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Students will attend a Broadway show.

Students will be accompanied by teachers except for planned time for students to explore a prescribed part of the city in small groups or with a buddy - such as at meal times.

Student preparation for excursion: Students will research their assigned position or country with members of the Model UN team. We will practice UN debating and speaking procedures. We will also hold mock discussions in order to prepare for the conference. Students will write position papers outlining their country’s perspective on the topics for discussion.

Follow-up: Students will debrief, reflect and share their experiences. Students have leadership opportunities if they choose, mentoring inexperienced students for subsequent Model UN trips.

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 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.

1. Risks associated with travel by airline; travel by foot; travel by taxi; travel by public transportation 2. Exposure to food allergens Precautions to be taken to reduce or eliminate risks: Walking in open public areas, familiarizing oneself with area using maps, questions, frequent rests and opportunities to stop and eat/hydrate. Check-ins with students to monitor energy levels and adjust accordingly. 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 partially supervised, students must be with their buddies, and 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 safe areas of the city. Transportation will be with professional services such as a reputable airline, chartered bus or registered taxi, and public transit. Teachers will travel with first aid kit and student personal information forms.

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: The trip will not run if there is a significant delay due to inclement weather. If en route, we will take the next available form of transportation. If there is inclement weather when at the destination, alternative travel arrangements or itinerary changes will be made as needed. Trip Coordinator and Ms Gardner Ross will track weather and local reports and communicate any changes to parents via email.

Location of nearest Emergency Medical Service: Mount Sinai West: Emergency Room, 1000 10th Ave, New York, NY 10019, USA 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. A second adult would ensure the rest of the group is safe and stable. However, if​​there​​is​​a​​major​​accident requiring EMS,​​a​​York​​School​​staff​​would​ ​accompany​​any​​student​​who​​would need​​to​ ​be​​taken​​to​​hospital. Teachers will keep in contact with The York School and parents will be kept updated on the incident.

Additional Information: Travel Insurance, Passport, and US Visa information: Please consider if your child requires a US Visa to enter the United States. It is your family's responsibility to ensure you have all the required paperwork to travel to the USA if you do not hold a Canadian passport (whether it be a Visa or to be registered through ESTA). Visit https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors for more details. It is recommended that parents keep a copy of any identification that accompanies the child. Any travel medical insurance is strongly advised and is the responsibility of the family.

Itinerary Below is the schedule for CMUNCE 2024. Please note that the schedule may change in the event of inclement weather etc.

Wednesday January 10 9:15am Meet in the Caf at The York School 9:20 am Depart The York School 12:00-1:30 pm PD2131 Flight to Newark, NJ 2:30 pm Shuttle to the hotel 3:30 pm Settle in to hotel 5:00 pm Dinner at local restaurant 7:30 pm-10:00 pm Back to the Future - The Musical - On Broadway 10:30 pm In rooms

Thursday January 11 Morning Museum options: 9:30 am - 12:00 pm The Metropolitan Museum of Art 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm Lunch & walk in Central Park 3:00-4:15pm Hotel: Time to prepare for Opening ceremonies and the first committee session 4:45 pm Dinner 6:00 pm - 7:15 pm: Opening Ceremonies 7:45 pm - 9:45 pm: Committee Session I 10:00 pm: Return to hotel Friday January 12 9:30 am - 11:00 am: Tour of the United Nations HQ 11:30 am - 12:30 pm: Lunch 12:30 pm-1:15pm: Travel to Columbia 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm: Committee Session 2 3:30 pm - 4:00 pm: Break 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Committee Session 3 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm: Dinner 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm: Committee Session 4 10:00 pm: Return to hotel Saturday January 13 Sleep in and Breakfast 10:15am: Leave hotel for Columbia 10:00 am - 12:00 pm: Committee Session 5 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm: Lunch 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm: CMUNCE Symposiums 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm: Committee Session 6 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm: Dinner 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm: Committee Session 7 9:15 pm -10:00 pm: Delegate Dance 10:15 pm: Return to Hotel Sunday January 14 9:15 am: Depart Hotel for Columbia 10:00 am - 11:30 am: Committee Session 8 11:30 am - 12:30 pm: Lunch Break 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm: Closing Ceremonies 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Travel to Newark Airport 5:15 pm - 7:00 pm: Porter flight PD 2138 from Newark to Toronto (Billy Bishop Airport) Pick up your child at Billy Bishop Airport (or provide permission for Child to take a cab/uber home)

SPECIFIC EXCURSION RULES Dress: Students must wear western business attire during the conference sessions. Students should also pack appropriate casual clothing for excursions around NYC. Curfew: Students are required to be in their room by 10:00 pm, or when directed by staff.

Personal Electronic Equipment: Students are permitted to bring personal electronic equipment such as laptops; however, students are solely responsible for such items and should be aware of the risk of theft in hotel rooms or at the conference. Students are encouraged to bring cell phones as they are a valuable form of communication with teachers while on the trip.

Rooms: Room arrangements will be assigned by supervising teachers. Students will be in rooms of 4 students with 2 Queen or 2 Double beds. Two students to a bed. Students are not to enter any room other than the one that they have been assigned to.

Participation: Student participation in activities is mandatory and they must be on time.

Punctuality: Students will be given a copy of the final itinerary and are expected to meet all set times.

Dining: Depending on the conference schedule and when committees are provided break times, students will often eat lunch with committee members. We will reconvene for group dinners to debrief the day.

Areas that are off-limits: Hotel gym, pool and surrounding pool enclosure.

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, 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 trip to Columbia Model United Nations Conference and Exposition (CMUNCE) in New York City on Wednesday, January 10 - Sunday, January 14, 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: -

Participation in the Model United Nations Conference.

-

Discussions led and moderated by Columbia University Students.

Sightseeing in Midtown Manhattan and the Upper west side, including museum visits.

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: -

exposed to a number of physical injuries including: cuts, scrapes, broken bones, bruising, sprains, head injury, concussions, and slips, trips, and falls from heights. risk of temperature related injuries from physical activity outdoors. risk of getting lost or separated from the group, damage or loss of property. exposure to COVID-19. traffic accident when en route.

Risks associated with travel by airline; travel by foot; travel by taxi; travel by public transportation Exposure to food allergens

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.