2022 Grade 7 Mountsberg Field Trip Level II VO

LEVEL II VENTURING OUT PACKAGE – Grade 7 Mountsberg Field Trip May, 2022 Dear Parents, Re: Grade 7 Field Trip - Mountsberg Conservation - Monday, June 6, 2022 The Grade 7s will venture to Mountsberg Conservation Area in Campbellville to participate in a science-focused day of learning. They will see live birds of prey and learn about their adaptations and biodiversity as well as the relationships between various species and their habitat. Students will meet at Loblaws parking lot (11 Redway Rd, Toronto) at 8:15am (bus departing at 8:30am), and be dismissed from Loblaws parking lot (11 Redway Rd, Toronto) at 3:30pm.

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 not to 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 Monday, May 23rd: 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. Yours truly,

Andrea Lossing Trip Coordinator alossing@yorkschool.com Ext. 1221

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EXCURSION INFORMATION FORM Excursion Name

Grade 7 Mountsberg Field Trip

Transportation Details Date(s) and Times

Monday, June 6, 2022 Depart at 8:30am from Redway Loblaws (11 Redway Rd.)

Service Provider(s)

Return at approximately 3:30pm to Redway Loblaws (11 Redway Rd.) Grade 7 students (60) Ariella Racco with Elise Currier, Alison Roy, Kate Walker, Diana Rowell, and Jennifer Robertson. 1:10 staff to student ratio will be maintained.

Mountsberg Conservation Area 2259 Milburough Town Line, Campbellville, ON L0P 1B0 Science-focused field trip connected to our Ecosystems and Interactions unit. The day will be split between two major activities.

- Instincts for Survival: “This is a very active program in which students assume the roles of herbivores, omnivores and carnivores in a terrestrial ecosystem.

Students learn about the relationships between various species and their habitat. Food chains, adaptations and habitat requirements are all explored in this program. Activities include: Interactive Instincts for Survival game” - Birds of Prey: “Learn about the adaptations and biodiversity of the different types of raptors found in Ontario. This program explores how raptors interact with their environments and features "nose to beak" experiences with live birds of prey. Activities include: interacting with live birds of prey, guided tour of the Wildlife Walkway trail, exploration of bioartefacts.”

Conservation Halton, Premier Coach

Emergency Contact Information Approximate Cost

The York School 416 926 1325 Ariella Racco 438-837-9059 $60-75

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

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 by Mon May 23rd 2022 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.

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Cost includes programming and bus cost. Students are required to bring their own nut-free, litterless lunch.

Students do NOT need to bring additional money with them.

Costs will be levied to student accounts after the excursion.

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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.

Monday, May 23rd -

Water bottle Lunch and snack. There is no place to purchase food on site. All students must bring their own nut-free food.

Hat Sunscreen Clothing and appropriate outdoor footwear for the weather. We will be outside all day- rain or shine.

Masks (we will follow current Covid protocols set out by The York School) (Optional) Cell phones are allowed for the bus ride only and will be packed away during programming.

Activities to be undertaken by students: - Traveling by bus to and from the site - Walking around the conservation area - Viewing and interacting with birds of prey - Interactive game about animal survival instincts - Guided walking tour of the Wildlife Walkway trail - Exploration of bio artifacts Student preparation for excursion: Info will be shared in science class Follow-up: Follow up will be done in science class 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.

Precautions to be taken to reduce risks: Pre-trip preparation will include briefing on routes, boundaries, safety 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. 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. At minimum, 1:10 staff to student ratio will be maintained.

Everyone will exercise precautions to avoid sunburns 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: 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.

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Location of nearest Emergency Medical Service: Milton District Hospital, 725 Bronte St S, Milton, ON L9T 9K1 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: Students are expected to follow the school’s code of conduct as representatives of The York School. The code of conduct can be found on Yorknet under signed Files and Forms.

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 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 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 can bring their own cell phone for the bus ride to contact parents about pick up. They will not be allowed to use their cellphone during the day.

Teachers will have devices for contact purposes and to take pictures.

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 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.

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PACKING LIST 1. Water bottle 2. Lunch and snack. There is no place to purchase food on site. All students must bring their own nut-free food.

3. Hat 4. Sunscreen 5. Clothing and appropriate outdoor footwear for the weather. We will be outside all day - rain or shine.

6. Masks (we will follow current covid protocols set out by The York School) 7. (Optional) Cellphones are allowed for the bus ride only and will be packed away during programming.

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. 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 Mountsberg Conservation Area on June 6, 2022.

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: -

Traveling by bus to and from the site Walking around the conservation area Viewing and interacting with birds of prey Interactive game about animal survival instincts Guided walking tour of the Wildlife Walkway trail Exploration of bio artifacts

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.

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I/We have reviewed the Trip Plan and are aware that this excursion may expose my/our child to the following risks: 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 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 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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