Dear Music Parents/Guardians:
Centennial Music Department Retreat - September 19, 20, & 21, 2012 - Camp Caroline
All Centennial music students are invited to attend our annual retreat held at CampCaroline. There are two specific goals of this retreat:
- To participate in camp related activities aimed to encourage friendship between students and contribute to the overall team spirit of our ensembles.
- To increase musical knowledge and skill with the opportunity to work with both Centennial music directors and guest instructors.
The retreat is scheduled from Wednesday to Friday and students, as a result, will miss two and a half days of school. Each student will be responsible for checking with their teachers ahead of time and upon their return to make up any work missed. Attendance at the camp does not excuse students from assigned work while they are away. A detailed itinerary is attached.
The cost of the trip is $125.00per student and this amount covers food, accommodation, and transportation. The total cost of this off-site activity has been largely subsidized by the Centennial High Association of Music Parents (CHAMP). Students who have not paid the Music Department Resource Fee will be required to pay the full amount of $200.00 for this activity. Cheques are to be made payable to Centennial High School.
Under the auspices of the principal, an application process is available for students needing financial assistance. Please contact Ms. Kathie Van Lare for more information (403-256-8140 x 2311, ).
A Parent Information Meeting for this camp will be held following the Centennial High Association of Music Parents’ Annual General Meeting on Monday,September 10, 2012 at 7:00 pm in the Centennial High School Theatre. It is a CBE regulation that at least one parent/guardianof a student participating in an out-of-Calgary overnight activity MUST attend the Information Meeting. If you are unable to attend this meeting, it is very important that you contact Ms. Van Lare (256-8140 ext. 2311) at your very earliest convenience. Failure to do so will result in your son or daughter being disallowed from participating in this activity.
Enclosed with this letter and also available on the Centennial High School Music Department website are the following documents, which must be completed and returned to the Centennial Music Department by Monday, September 10, 2012.
1)Acknowledgement of Risk Form : You are asked to complete the attached Acknowledgement of Risk form if you consent to your son/daughter participating in this off-site activity. Please ensure that you complete the required medical information. Supervisors will rely upon this information should your child require medical attention. While some degree of risk is always associated with any school field trip, I have outlined specific areas of concern on the Acknowledgement of Risk form. To prepare your child for these risks we would ask that you discuss the hazards as well as safe behaviour with your child prior to the event. Information about the administrative regulations governing these forms can be found at
2)Swimming Ability Form: This form must be completed and signed if you wish your child to participate in the swimming activity.
3)Centennial High School Conduct and Behaviour Expectations for Off-Site Activities: Please read the expectations over with your child. Please sign the form, ensure your child has signed the form and return to the Music Department.
Please be advised that failure to complete and return any or all of the above-noted forms by Monday, September 10 could result in your student being disallowed from participating in this activity. Forms will not be accepted after this date.
Students will be transported by chartered motor coach provided by National Motor Coach Systems.
The following staff will be supervising the activity: Ms. Kathie Van Lare (Teacher-in-Charge), Mr. John Edmonds(Music Teacher) as well as at least 6 parent volunteers. Those of you interested in attending the camp as a supervisor are encouraged to fill out and return the Consent of Volunteer and “Acknowledgement of Risk” form found on the Centennial High School Music Department website.
Students are not required to attend this activity and their marks will not suffer in any way should they choose not to attend for whatever reason. Having said that, it is also hoped that the majority of our students do attend as we get to know one another and learn to work together. This activity is a school trip wherein all normal school rules and policies apply and we expect that in all circumstances our students will represent CentennialHigh School well.
Please to not hesitate to contact us at the school for further information.
Yours in music,
Kathie Van Lare
Teacher-in-Charge
Dr. Matt Christison
Principal
Centennial High School