16-23 AUGUST 2025
NEW ZEALAND
July 2025
Dear Student and Parents/Guardians,
The Queenstown Ski and Snowboard Camp will run from Saturday 16 to Saturday 23 August, 2025. This camp offers students in Years 8–11 the opportunity to develop their skiing or snowboarding skills in the stunning environment of Queenstown, New Zealand. Whether students are new to the slopes or building on existing experience, there will be dedicated time each day for skill development and exploration.
Each morning, students will participate in a two-hour lesson tailored to their ability level. In the afternoons, they will continue skiing or snowboarding in small, supervised groups. The group will stay in accommodation in Queenstown, with all meals provided except for one evening meal, which students will purchase themselves from a local eatery.
The cost of the camp includes flights, accommodation, five-day lift passes, equipment hire, meals, transport to and from the ski fields and a range of fun activities on our rest day off the mountain. A coach to and from Melbourne Airport has also been arranged and is included in the overall planning.
In the attached documents, you will find further information including a clothing and equipment list, important travel details, and other relevant planning notes. Please ensure you read this information carefully.
We hope this information answers any questions you may have. If there are any concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We look forward to fresh snow, new experiences, and a memorable adventure.
Parents/Guardians, please respond to the Operoo eForm and ensure that your child’s medical information is up to date.
In this booklet you will find further information regarding the camp so please read through this carefully.
If there are any further queries you may have, please do not hesitate to contact me. We look forward to a fun and rewarding week!
Yours sincerely,
Mr David Geisler, Dr Kelly-Anne Twist and Mrs Narelle Barnes
Queenstown Snow Camp Staff 2025
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
POLICY RELATING TO STUDENTS WITHDRAWING FROM ACTIVITIES WEEK
CAMP/ABSENTEE CHARGEBACK POST CAMP
Activities Week Camp is a compulsory part of the school curriculum and all students are expected to participate. Bookings and arrangements are made on this expectation.
In the event that a student withdraws from the camp due to medical reasons, the school requires prior written notice accompanied by a valid medical certificate. In such cases, families will be responsible for all non-refundable costs incurred, including but not limited to flights, accommodation, and other pre-paid expenses.
For cancellations due to a change of mind or any non-medical reasons, families will be charged the full camp fee.
SUNSMART POLICY
In keeping with the school’s “SunSmart” approach to outdoor activities, students are required to bring sunscreen, a protective hat (with a wide brim) and to wear tops which adequately cover the skin of the shoulders and back. In the event of swimming activities, students will need “rashies” or t-shirts. Sunscreen is an additional protection - it does not take the place of clothing or shade.
NUT POLICY
On Camp, we request that parents/students avoid bringing food products that contain nuts of any kind. In order to minimise the risk to students with severe allergies.
The school cannot guarantee that the camp environment will be 100% allergen free, hence students with allergies need to remain vigilant in their decisions around any food that they ingest.
EMERGENCY SCHOOL CONTACT
In the event of an emergency, or if you need to urgently contact your child, please do not ring the camp (or your child) directly but rather contact the school during office hours on (03) 5971 6100 or contact after hours on mobile 0482 888 022
RESPOND TO OPEROO EFORM
To enable staff to fulfil their duty of care to students, we need accurate and up-to-date information about medical and personal issues for all students. Please respond to the Operoo eForm and ensure that your child’s medical information is up to date. Any last-minute changes should be communicated directly to the leader of the camp as well as updated on Operoo. We do rely on this information, and parents do have a duty of disclosure, to ensure all relevant information is known.
INFORMATION COLLECTION POLICY
Confidential medical and other sensitive information collected and used for the running of these camps will be handled in line with the School’s Privacy Policy.
POLICY RELATING TO STUDENTS SENT HOME FROM CAMP
Where a student does need to be sent home, for medical, personal, or discipline reasons, they will need to be collected from the camp by their parent/guardian (at their own expense) - they cannot travel unaccompanied. In all cases, arrangements must be made with school and special arrangements may need to be in place for remote camps, i.e. 3 or more hours from school.
EXTREME WEATHER POLICY
We will modify our program based on weather forecasts - we will be in contact with Woodleigh School to review the week’s weather as it unfolds. In the event of a day being forecast to be Extreme (under the CFA Fire Danger Rating system) the program will be modified at the least, to ensure safety in the heat, and evacuation plans in readiness. In the event of a day being forecast to be Code Red (Catastrophic), the program will be cancelled in advance and students evacuated the day before. The School will use SMS and email to communicate with parents in such cases.
NEW ZEALAND DOWNHILL SKI/BOARD CAMP INFORMATION
CAMP DATES
Saturday 16 - Saturday 23 August 2025.
MEDICATION ON CAMP
Any students taking prescription medication on camp will need to provide all medication (in original packaging) to school by no later than Tuesday 12 August 2025. You can drop off the medication to reception or the First Aid Centre anytime between 8am-4.30pm. Before handing in your child's prescription medication, you are required to answer all the questions within the Operoo e-Form.
COST
The cost of this Activities Week Camp is approximately $3,900, which will be charged to student accounts.
TRANSPORT
Forward Journey: We will be taking a coach transfer from Senior campus to Melbourne Airport on Saturday 16 August. You will need to be onsite at Woodleigh main driveway (entrance) by no later than 6.45am to load the bus for a 7am departure.
FLIGHT: Melbourne - New Zealand, Virgin Australia flight VA147
Check-in location: Terminal T2, Tullamarine Airport.
Flight Departure Time: 11.35am.
Arrival in Queenstown, NZ: 4,45pm.
Essential reminders:
• Passport (Staff must have a photocopy of this too).
• No sharps to be stored on person or in hand luggage - e.g. no penknives, nail files, etc.
• Any prescription medication must be accompanied by a letter from your GP and be carried onto the plane by the students. Staff will collect these in New Zealand. See below for further information.
Return Journey: We will be collected by coach transfer at 8pm and will eturn to Woodleigh on Saturday 23 August at approximately 9.30pm where students will need to be collected by parents.
FLIGHT: New Zealand - Melbourne, Virgin Australia flight VA146
Flight Departure Time: 6pm.
Arrival at Tullamarine: 7.35pm.
SECURITY AT AIRPORT
Prescription Medication
Any prescription medication must be accompanied by a letter from your GP and be carried onto the plane by the students. Staff will collect the medication in New Zealand. All prescription medication must be in its original pharmacy container, with the student's name, dosage, and strength clearly labelled.
Boots: must be thoroughly clean.
Food: must be thrown away.
LOCATION
Queenstown, New Zealand.
Skiing and snowboarding at Coronet Peak and The Remarkables.
ACCOMMODATION
Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park (Ph: +64 3 442 7252)
Self-contained cabins. Up to 5 students per cabin.
MEALS
Breakfast: Cereal and basic items (provided from supermarket supplies).
Lunch: Purchased by students on the mountain, supplemented with snacks from the supermarket (approx. $20/day).
Dinner:
• Most nights: Provided by Double Thyme Catering.
• Friday, 22 August: Dinner at local restaurants based on student preferences, supervised by Woodleigh staff.
ACTIVITIES
Five days of skiing and snowboarding at Coronet Peak and The Remarkables. Each day includes:
• 2-hour group lesson with qualified instructors.
• Supervised small-group practice and exploration with Woodleigh staff.
Wednesday 20 August - Adrenaline Day!
• Shotover Jet – 15-minute jet boat ride.
• Skyline Queenstown – Gondola ride and 3 luge runs.
The Shotover Jet is operated by Ngāi Tahu Tourism, a whānau-owned company representing the Ngāi Tahu iwi of Te Waipounamu (South Island). As a powerful example of Māori ownership and control in the tourism industry, the company ensures that profits and opportunities are returned to iwi members and local communities. Through ventures like the Shotover Jet, Ngāi Tahu Tourism upholds kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and tino rangatiratanga (self-determination), while showcasing Aotearoa’s natural beauty to visitors from around the world.
CLOTHING/EQUIPMENT
Remember to make sure all of your items are clearly labelled with your name.
Essential Clothing
• 2x Waterproof jackets with hood.
• 2x Waterproof ski/snowboard pants.
• Thermals (top and bottom, no cotton).
• 2 warm jumpers (wool or fleece).
• 2 pairs ski gloves.
• Beanie or balaclava (for evenings – helmets worn on snow).
• 5+ pairs ski socks (wool or thermal).
• Pyjamas (modest; shared bathrooms).
• Spare clothes for around the accommodation (casual/trackies).
• Sturdy boots for snow walking.
• Slippers or warm socks for indoors.
Equipment
• Daypack (to carry water, lunch, extra layers).
• Water bottle.
• Sunglasses and snow goggles (UV-protected – compulsory on slopes).
• Personal first aid (sunscreen, lip balm, blister care, etc.).
• Mobile phone + charging cable (Phones to be used for safety only; collected each evening).
Bedding & Toiletries
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, deodorant, etc.
Other
• Snacks (pocket-sized, high-energy) for travel and snow days.
• Cards, small games, or a book.
• Optional: camera (at own risk).
DO NOT BRING
• Laptops, iPads or other electronics.
• Valuables.
• Energy drinks or excessive lollies.
• Cotton clothing for snowsports (e.g. hoodies, jeans).
MOBILE PHONES
A reminder that the Woodleigh School Mobile Phone policy will be in effect throughout the week.
• Must be brought for safety (emergency contact only).
• Will be collected each night and returned each morning.
• Not to be used during breaks, on the bus, or in lodge common areas.
• Must remain with student on the mountain during ski/board sessions.
RISK
There are elements of risk involved in this camp and whilst safety ratios and requirements will be adhered to, we believe it is important to make you aware of potential risks. These risks include but are not limited to:
• Exposure to cold weather and extreme temperatures.
• Soft tissue injuries.
• Injury due to collision or falling awkwardly.
• Getting lost/separated from the group.
This booklet includes important safety information and essential clothing, and equipment lists. In order to mitigate the above risks:
• Group supervision (instructors + staff). You will always be in a group – either with the lesson group (supervised by an instructor and a Woodleigh Staff member) during lessons, or skiing within a group on the same slope, always in 3s, under the general direction of a staff member.
• Students remain in groups of 3 during unsupervised skiing.
• Dress appropriately for the conditions. Minimum dress code enforced (helmet, goggles, thermals, waterproofs and wrist guards for boarders).
• Trail maps and ID tags issued.
Know where you are – you will be given a trail map. If you are separated (from your lesson group, or your group of 3) wait at the bottom of the run.
You will be provided with a Woodleigh Ski tag – which includes contact numbers in case of emergency. You must wear this at all times when outside the Lodge.
• Regular hydration, rest, and reapplication of sunscreen.
• Lift passes may be removed for unsafe behaviour.
• Ski/board within your capabilities.
• Apply sunscreen and lip balm at least twice each day.
• Always wear either sunglasses or goggles.
• Carry adequate food (snacks) for energy and warmth and have a large drink of water in the morning, after the lesson, at lunch, and at night – skiing is very dehydrating.
• Label all clothing and gear.
• Pack lunch for bus ride.
• Complete all Operoo questions.
• Check ski gear (jacket, gloves, pants, thermals, goggles).
• Bring snacks for the mountain.
• Arrive on time at school departure point.
• General fitness preparation encouraged.
MOUNTAIN PROTOCOL
• Always carry: whistle, phone, ID, trail map, lift pass, snacks
• Always wear: helmet, goggles or sunglasses, gloves, waterproofs, thermals
• Never ski alone; remain in your group or pair
• If lost, wait at bottom of the run, call or text Woodleigh staff
• In case of injury: signal with upright skis/board, send for help
• No gear left scattered during breaks – keep it grouped
• Respect environmental safety (avoid standing under trees or eaves)
• Stay off double black runs – not permitted.
BEHAVIOURAL EXPECTATIONS
• As a participant in the Activities Week Camps program, there is a high level of responsibility and expectation with respect to behaviour. All normal school policies apply, in particular:
• Involvement with sex, drugs, smoking, vaping or alcohol is prohibited.
• A preparedness to participate wherever appropriate.
• Safety of all participants is paramount. Infringement of these policies may result in the student being sent home, at your own expense.
• Please respect others (especially in public areas) and follow staff instructions. A good night’s sleep will be essential - being tired will not only affect you but also others on camp.
• Quiet in cabins; use common spaces for socialising.
• Do not enter another cabin uninvited or without staff permission.
• No lounging in bedrooms – for sleep and hygiene only.
• Students rostered for basic duties (meals, cleaning, etc.).
• Bring a group activity to share (e.g. small board game or cards).
• Lights out must be respected – rest is important.
NEW ZEALAND SKI/BOARD PROGRAM
TIME & DAY Morning Afternoon Evening
Saturday 16 August
Sunday 17 August
7am sharp - Depart Woodleigh by coach transfer and arrive at Tullamarine.
Depart MEL (Flight 147) Arrive Queenstown.
Breakfast.
Transfer to Coronet Peak.
Collect equipment hire. 2hr ski/snowboarding lesson.
Transfer to accommodation.
Monday 18 August
Breakfast. Transfer to Remarkables. 2hr ski/snowboarding lesson.
Lunch (own expense).
Free ski time.
Transfer back to accommodation.
Dinner – Double Thyme Catering.
Lunch (own expense).
Free ski time.
Transfer back to accommodation.
Dinner – Double Thyme Catering.
Tuesday 19 August
Wednesday 20 August Adrenaline Day
Thursday 21 August
Breakfast.
Transfer to Coronet Peak. 2hr ski/snowboarding lesson.
Breakfast.
Transfer to Shotover Jet. Jet boat ride.
Transfer into Queenstown.
Breakfast. Transfer to The Remarkables. 2hr ski/snowboarding lesson.
Lunch (own expense).
Free ski time.
Transfer back to accommodation.
Supervised free time in Queenstown.
Gondola to Bob’s Peak + 3 luge rides.
Return to accommodation.
Lunch (own expense).
Free ski time.
Transfer back to accommodation.
Dinner – Double Thyme Catering.
Dinner – Double Thyme Catering.
Dinner – Double Thyme Catering.
Dinner – Double Thyme Catering.
Friday 22 August
Breakfast. Transfer to The Remarkables. 2hr ski/snowboarding lesson.
Lunch (own expense). Free ski time.
Transfer back to accommodation.
Dinner – Local restaurants (student choice)
Saturday 23 August
Breakfast. Check out + store luggage.
Please note: These times and/or activities could be subject to change.
Free time in Queenstown (e.g. markets)Transfer to airport.
Flight home to MEL (VA146)
BUS LOCATION - DEPART/RETURN
2025 ACTIVITIES WEEK CAMP BUS LOCATIONS
WOODLEIGH SCHOOL
SENIOR CAMPUS
Please make sure you refer to your camp booklet for departure and return dates and times.
Parents, please park in designated parking areas when dropping off/collecting your child to avoid congestion around the buses on Monday departures and Friday returns.
MY CAMP CHECKLIST
Things to purchase / Things to take
