LEVEL III VENTURING OUT PACKAGE – GRADE 10 CHALLENGE WEEK Killarney Impressions ON February, 2024 Dear Parents, Re: Killarney Impressions May 6th to 10th 2024 As you are aware, your child will be heading to Killarney to participate in the Killarney Impressions Challenge Week excursion. The group will be traveling by coach bus to Killarney. The group will depart from Toronto (specifically 11 Redway Road Loblaws Parking Lot) on Monday May 6th in the morning and will be returning in the late afternoon on Friday, May 10th. 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 1, 2024 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 1, 2024: 1. A photocopy of your passport (by hand to your advisor or Mr. Kevin Villasenor or by email kvillasenor@yorkschool.com) 2. Non-refundable deposit of $1000 (made by cheque or electronic funds transfer to The York 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 to YorkNet.
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EXCURSION INFORMATION FORM Excursion Name
Killarney Impression - Grade 10 Challenge Week
Transportation Details Date(s) and Times
Tentative Timing: Depart: Monday May 6th at 9:00am from 11 Redway Rd
Group Involved (Include approximate number) Group Leader and any other Staff Involved Destination Address
Activity Description and Educational Rationale
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 expenses that could not be recouped.
Return: Friday May 10th at 3:30pm arrival to 11 Redway Rd The group will travel by coach bus and on foot when in Killarney. A group of grade 10 students Kevin Stewart, Erin Porter, Peter Taylor (resident artist) The Sportsman’s Inn 37 Channel St, Killarney, ON P0M 2A0, Canada The excursion is part of the Challenge Week experience. The philosophy of the week is inherent in the MYP and Ministry of Education curricula. This trip links directly to the aims and objectives of the Visual Arts curriculum. Toronto Coach Services, Peter Taylor (Professional artist link to his website),The Sportsman's Inn Andrea Lossing (in Toronto) At School: 416.926.1325 ext 1221 Cell Number: 416.526.6595 $2700-$3000 A non refundable deposit cheque (or EFT) of $1000 is required by Friday, March 1st. Cheque is payable to The York School. 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
Return Level II VO Form via Friday, March 1, 2024 YorkNet by What to Bring Packing List included below Additional Information: - Students must travel with their Health card and government issued photo ID (passport) - Parents are encouraged to keep a photocopy of any documents at home. - Acquiring additional travel/medical insurance will NOT be arranged by The York School - An itinerary will be sent prior to departure. 2023 | 2024
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Activities to be undertaken by students: Students will use the natural landscape as a muse to inspire impressionistic sketches in the vein of artists that have come before them. Peter Taylor, a professional artist, will help guide these excursions, relating the historical and artistic significance of each location. Traveling by charter bus and by foot. Students will tour through various parts of Killarney Provincial Park. They will take part in moderate hikes throughout the local area and Killarney Provincial Park (including the day hike ‘The Crack’). Students may cook over a fire and stove. They will sketch, paint, and interact with local people. Students will sleep indoors in shared accommodations and eat most meals at the Sportsman’s Inn. Student preparation for excursion: Students will participate in pre-trip meetings with their teacher chaperones. Roles and expectations will be outlined and pertinent information as it relates to the excursion will be presented. Follow-up: Post-excursion students can expect to connect their explorations to their classes and reflect on the activities, locations and people visited. This excursion will count towards the students summative evaluation in Visual Art: Art styles are traditionally influenced by the physical geography, natural resources and cultural context of the artist. During the “Killarney Impressions” Challenge Week Trip, the grade 10 art students will create, and be evaluated on, the landscape studies and paintings they create, which exemplify a correlation between natural geography, cultural context, and the art style produced. Risk Assessment Specific Risks Identified: 1. Weather: Cold, rain, storms, lightning, snow, sunburn, dehydration 2. Highway safety (eg. chartered bus; walking): traffic concerns, road closures, construction, traffic accidents, extreme weather conditions 3. Travel by air (eg. flights): air accident, extreme weather conditions 4. Traffic concerns, getting separated from the group 5. Moderate hiking and walking on paths: cuts, scrapes, broken bones, bruising, sprains, head injury, concussions, and slips, trips, and falls from heights; getting separated from the group, potential animal encounters 6. Allergies: food, insect, plant 7. Animal encounters: possible bear sightings 8. Traveling close to water: exposure to cold water - hypothermia, drowning Precautions to be taken to reduce risks: The use of a coach bus company and professional driver for all bus services. Driving will be done during daylight hours on major roadways where possible. Experienced 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. 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 First Aid kit at all times. Risk will be assessed on an ongoing basis. Dietary needs will be shared with teachers and Sportsman Inn prior to the trip. Teachers will support students when visiting restaurants.
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All equipment will be checked before use. Students will hike with knowledgeable staff on predetermined paths in a Provincial Park. Boundaries and hazards will be outlined to students upon arrival at each new location. The group will take necessary breaks, sunscreen and students will have an opportunity to fill their water bottles before heading on to the trail. The York School staff will carry a First Aid kit, a cell phone at all times and a satellite phone when on trail, and student information. Risks will be assessed on an ongoing basis. Everyone will be educated about precautions taken towards bear sightings. Students will be told not to approach the water and there will be no swimming. 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: Depending on the nature of the interruption the route and itinerary will be altered. If necessary, alternative routes will be taken. Any activity on trail or near 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. Painting and sketching can be done indoors at the Centre. In case of a student becoming separated from the group we would engage in a search around the area. If the search continues beyond one hour the OPP would be called to assist. Location of nearest Emergency Medical Service: Sudbury Regional Hospital 41 Ramsay Lake Rd Sudbury ON P3E 5J1 911 Note – the group is considered to be in a remote environment and 911 response time may be longer than usual as is the distance to the nearest Hospital. Arrangements to be made to transport person/group to EMS (including route to be taken): For minor injury requiring more than First Aid kit – drive to local hospital in the coach bus, a local taxi service, or an ambulance for more significant injuries. One staff member will remain with the group and the other will accompany the injured person(s) to emergency care possibly with another student. Route taken will be based on the current location at the time of incident as well as the time of day. In the event the injury is in the forest and the patient is immobile, the group would seek additional support and bring the patient to the nearest access point.
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TENTATIVE ITINERARY Itinerary is subject to change. A finalized itinerary will be distributed prior to the trip. Monday: Meet at 11 Redway Road Travel by mini coach bus Stop at McMichael Art Gallery for workshop Arrive at Sportsman Inn Settle in to hotel Dinner at hotel Meet professional artist and prepare for week Tuesday - Thursday: Students can expect to be traveling by mini coach bus to various park destinations and participating in walking and moderate hiking to a viewpoint to sketch each day. Meals at Sportsman Inn. Evenings spent in rented space at Sportsman Inn working on paintings with professional artist. Weather dependent hike & sketch locations: The Crack hike in Killarney Provincial Park (18km) Chikanishing trail hike (11km) George Lake hike (12 km) If there is inclement weather, hikes will be rescheduled or cancelled. Students will explore the town of Killarney and local areas to sketch; take part in art workshops and have guidance from professional artist. Friday: Breakfast at hotel Pack up Travel by mini coach bus Return to 11 Redway Rd
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PACKING LIST Students are responsible for carrying their own luggage and it should be a small bag – space in the bus is limited. Keep in mind you are spending a lot of time hiking and outside so pack comfortable clothing that may get muddy or dirty. Please note acrylic paint stains immediately. It can still be cool at this time of year so pack warm clothing. 2 pairs of pants – that you can wear comfortably while hiking
6 pairs of wool or synthetic socks
1 pair heavy long underwear Rain suit (pants and jacket recommended) Toque Gloves
5 pairs underwear Pajamas 3 t-shirts 3 long sleeved shirts
Two sets of shoes: a) Hiking boots that will get muddy b) another pair of comfortable shoes for walking in town Shorts
Sunblock, sunglasses, Bug repellent, bug jacket, flashlight
2 heavier fleece or wool sweaters
Back pack (day bag for biking) Toiletries, towel Journal, pen/pencil (students will receive a sketchbook that they can use for notes/drawings)
Camera
Water bottle***
Shorts (2 pairs)
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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. That being said, students will be using acrylic painting that will permanently stain clothes. 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 room when directed by 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. Cell phones will be collected when groups return to their rooms for the overnight hours. Rooms: Dorm 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. Supervising teachers will be staying in a separate room. 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, professional artist, and other guiding adults. In order to maximize the potential of the excursion everyone needs to be working together to ensure the group is safe and cared for.
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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. 1221). I/We understand, as the parent or guardian of the student named above, that students on The 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 Killarney on Monday, May 1 - 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: Students will use the natural landscape as a muse to inspire impressionistic sketches in the vein of artists that have come before them. Peter Taylor, a professional artist, will help guide these excursions, relating the historical and artistic significance of each location. Traveling by charter bus and by foot. Students will tour through various parts of Killarney Provincial Park. They will take part in moderate hikes throughout the local area and Killarney Provincial Park (including the day hike ‘The Crack’). Students may cook over a fire and stove. They will sketch, paint, and interact with local people. Students will sleep indoors in shared accommodations and eat most meals at the Sportsman’s Inn. 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: eather: Cold, rain, storms, lightning, snow, sunburn, dehydration W Highway safety (eg. chartered bus; walking): traffic concerns, road closures, construction, traffic accidents, extreme weather conditions Travel by air (eg. flights): air accident, extreme weather conditions Traffic concerns, getting separated from the group Moderate hiking and walking on paths: cuts, scrapes, broken bones, bruising, sprains, head injury, concussions, and slips, trips, and falls from heights; getting separated from the group, potential animal encounters Allergies: food, insect, plant Animal encounters: possible bear sightings 2023 | 2024
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Traveling close to water: exposure to cold water - hypothermia, drowning 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.
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