LEVEL II VENTURING OUT PACKAGE – Gr. 4 NORVAL Paddle to the Sea/Orienteering EXCURSION

LEVEL II VENTURING OUT PACKAGE – Grade 4 NORVAL Paddle to the Sea/Orienteering EXCURSION October 2023 Dear Parents, Re: Grade 4 NORVAL Paddle to the Sea/Orienteering The Grade 4 students will be travelling to the Norval Outdoor School on Wednesday, November 15th, 2023 in support of our unit about Canada. We will be departing from the school as close to 8:30 a.m. as possible, and return to the school prior to 3:15 p.m. for regular pick-up.

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. Families who elect to not send their children to attend this school excursion in-person should contact their child’s teacher as soon as possible, so they can plan accordingly.

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 Wednesday, Nov 8th, 2023: 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.

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EXCURSION INFORMATION FORM Excursion Name Transportation Details Date and Time

Group Involved Group Leader and any other Staff Involved Destination Address Activity Description and Educational Rationale

Service Providers 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 2023 | 2024

Grade 4 Excursion to Norval - Paddle to the Sea and Orienteering in Canada Wednesday, November 15th, 2023 Depart: as close to 8:30 a.m.

Leave Norval: 2:00 pm Return: in time for regular dismissal at 3:15 p.m.

(There will be a preparatory programme at The York School prior to this date.)

4A & 4B (Approximately 43 students, 4 adults) Mary Hudson, Suzanne MacMaster, Elvy Tseng, Yochabel De Georgio and Norval on-site staff.

Norval Outdoor School 10444 Winston Churchill Blvd, Norval, ON L0P 1K0 The Grade 4 How We Organize Ourselves unit has a central idea of: The natural environment impacts people and communities.

To help the students understand this idea they will study: ● The ways in which Canada is organized and represented ● The relationship between the natural environment and industrial development ● Human needs, environment and treaties This trip will help introduce the Grade 4 students to these ideas and concepts.

Norval Outdoor School, Premier Coach Norval (main building): (905) 877-3732 The York School: 416 926 1325 Mary Hudson: mhudson@yorkschool.com Suzanne MacMaster: smacmaster@yorkschool.com Elvy Tseng: etseng@yorkschool.com Yochabel De Giorgio: ydegiorgio@yorkschool.com $50-$90 Cost includes: Norval Outdoor School programme and staffing, Premier Coach Transportation Costs will be levied to student accounts after the excursion.

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expenses that could not be recouped.

Return Level II VO Form via YorkNet by 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, remind parents to provide children with the following: sunscreen, hat and water bottle.

Sunglasses that protect against UV-A and UV-B rays are also recommended.

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

What to Bring: 1. WATER BOTTLE: All students need to bring a water bottle.

2. LUNCH: Sandwiches will be provided by The York School cafeteria for lunch. However, students are permitted to bring their own lunch if they choose to.

Please let your child’s teacher know ahead of time if your child plans to bring their own lunch.

We ask that all students exercise caution when packing snacks for the bus and are aware that people in our community have serious allergies to foods. A NO NUT and NO PEANUT policy is in effect.

3. CLOTHING: Please check the projected weather forecast for the day. From Norval: “In order to fully enjoy their day, students need to be properly attired. Especially with younger students, it is advisable to send a few extra clothing items in case they get wet. All clothing should be labelled with the student’s name and extra items should be packed into a single backpack for easy access by the student, and to facilitate loading on the bus.”

ITEMS TO BRING/WEAR: Warm Layers Rain gear Water bottle Rubber boots or winter boots Insulated jacket Mitts or gloves Toque Neck warmer or scarf Any personal medication (such as epipen, puffer, etc)

Activities to be undertaken by students: Students will take part in a Paddle to the Sea program. This will involve students releasing their boats into the river at Norval. Students will watch these boats racing in the river. Students will also participate in a Canadian-Themed Orienteering course. This involves an introduction to reading topographical maps, lessons about orienteering, and has students using these skills to complete an orienteering course.

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Overall activities include: being actively engaged in a variety of field sports, small wooden boat races in the river, light hiking, mapping in the forest in small groups, large and small group cooperative games and initiative tasks. Travelling by coach bus to and from Norval Outdoor School.

Student preparation for excursion: In class, homeroom teachers will introduce the Paddle to the Sea project. They will share a slideshow of boats found in the past. The children will also decorate their boats and write an environmental message. We will use Google Earth to predict if our boats can really paddle to the sea.

Students are encouraged to read this document carefully and be prepared with the proper equipment and knowledge of the rules. Once on site, students will be briefed on the specific objectives of the experience and additional on-site safety rules.

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 damage or loss of property. While on this excursion with other students and staff, students are also at risk of exposure to COVID-19. Although no aquatic activity is planned, students will be near the water and there is a risk of slipping in and potentially drowning. There is also the risk of a traffic accident when en route.

Precautions to be taken to reduce risks: Norval Outdoor School is run through Upper Canada College Independent School. The Norval teachers are trained in first aid and on site emergency procedures. There are medical supplies on site, and teachers carry communication devices while on site. There is at minimum a 10:1 student to teacher ratio. The students will be assigned small groups to travel with at all times.

The teachers will have a cell phone, the Medical Information folder, a first aid kit in case of an emergency.

Students will be toured around the site and maps will be provided. Boundaries and out-of-bound areas will also be described. Safety rules and expectations surrounding boat races and the river will be clearly stated. Norval staff and York staff will assist students in releasing their boats into the river.

Assessment of situational risks will be ongoing and the teachers will have their Emergency Medical Information Folders with them. EMS/911 service is available in the area, maps to hospital ready, and evacuation plans from activity areas will be used.

Contingency plan for bad weather/trip interruption: Indoor spaces are available for alternative activities in the case of extreme weather (eg. thunderstorms or high winds). Programme goals would be adjusted according to the situation.

Should we encounter hazardous road conditions en route, we will pull off at a restaurant or public convenience until conditions improve. Parents and the school will be contacted in the event of a later than anticipated return to Toronto. If there is severe weather that would make highway driving or the trip itself dangerous, the trip would be cancelled and parents would be notified immediately.

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.

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Location of nearest Emergency Medical Service: Georgetown Hospital, 1 Princess Anne Drive, Georgetown, Ontario, L7G 2B8; main number: 905-873-0111.

Arrangements to be made to transport person/group to EMS (including route to be taken): The hospital is about 7 km away from Norval and takes less than 10 minutes. We would head southeast on Noble Street, turn right on Guelph Street, left at Maple Avenue, right at Charles Street, and turn left at Princess Anne Drive.

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.

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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. Students need not wear the school uniform. Students 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 use any personal electronic equipment during the trip to Norval Outdoor Centre. If a student chooses to bring a personal electronic device to school, the device must stay in their personal bag/backpack at all times. The York School will not be responsible for any lost or stolen items.

Independent/Free Time: Students must stay within prescribed boundaries during any free time.

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

Dining Hall: As a community space students are expected to contribute to the success of that community by using proper table manners, helping with light duties such as setting or sweeping and talking at a reasonable ‘indoor’ volume.

General: Students must wear shoes and proper clothing at all times. No gum or junk food is allowed on site or on the bus. Valuables, such as money and pocket knives are not required.

Special Rules for Outdoor Education Activities: Students shall remain with their group at all times.

Students shall not leave the established routes at any time.

Students shall follow instructions and shall: Respect public space Dress appropriately

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PACKING LIST What to Bring: 1. WATER BOTTLE: All students need to bring a water bottle.

2. LUNCH: Sandwiches will be provided by The York School cafeteria for lunch. Students are permitted to bring their own lunch if they choose to. Please let your child’s teacher know ahead of time if your child plans to bring their own lunch.

We ask that all students exercise caution when packing snacks for the bus and are aware that people in our community have serious allergies to foods. A NO NUT and NO PEANUT policy is in effect.

3. CLOTHING: Please check the projected weather forecast for the day. From Norval: “In order to fully enjoy their day, students need to be properly attired. Especially with younger students, it is advisable to send a few extra clothing items in case they get wet.

All clothing should be labelled with the student’s name and extra items should be packed into a single backpack for easy access by the student, and to facilitate loading on the bus.”

ITEMS TO BRING/WEAR: Warm Layers Rain gear Water bottle Rubber boots or winter boots Insulated jacket Mitts or gloves Toque Neck warmer or scarf Any personal medication (such as personal epipen, puffer, etc)

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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 Andrea Lossing, Experiential Educator alossing@yorkschool.com Director of Student Life and Belonging, Sarah Charley, at scharley@yorkschool.com (416-926-1325 Ext. 1616). 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 Norval Outdoor Centre for Conservation on Wednesday, Nov. 15th, 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 take part in a Paddle to the Sea program. This will involve students releasing their boats into the river at Norval. Students will watch these boats racing in the river. Students will also participate in a Canadian Themed Orienteering course. This involves an introduction to reading topographic maps, lessons about orienteering, and has students using these skills to complete an orienteering course. Overall activities include: being actively engaged in a variety of field sports, small wooden boat races in the river, light hiking, mapping in the forest in small groups, large and small group cooperative games and initiative tasks. Travelling by coach bus to and from Norval Outdoor School.

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 temperature related injuries from physical activity outdoors. While on this excursion, students are at risk of damage or loss of property. While on this excursion with other students and staff, students are also at risk of exposure to COVID-19. Although no aquatic activity is planned, students will be near the water and there is a risk of slipping in and potentially drowning. There is also the risk of a traffic accident when en route.

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 2023 | 2024

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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 behaviour, consequences for misbehaviour, 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 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 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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