May 30, 2016

Dear Parents;

Our trip to Birch Bay Ranch is coming quickly! We have attached a detailed itinerary for your information, as well as a list of items that your child will need in order to fully participate in this experience.

As always, when students attend a field trip they are representing Calmar Elementary School and will be expected to follow all rules as set out by the teachers, supervisors and staff of Birch Bay Ranch. The activities that we are participating in can be dangerous if rules and regulations are not followed. With respect to discipline while at Birch Bay Ranch, Calmar Elementary School’s discipline policy will be followed, with the following modifications:

Stage 1 - Student will be given a verbal warning.

Stage 2 - Student will be directly supervised within the program (i.e. required to stay with a supervisor or teacher at all times.)

Stage 3 - Student will be removed from the program in progress and will be directly supervised.

Stage 4 - Student will be removed from the program, parents will be called, and student will be required to go home.

**ANY OFFENCES INCURRING DANGER TO ANY STUDENT (INCLUDING ONESELF) WILL RESULT IN A PHONE CALL HOME AND IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL FROM THE FIELD TRIP!**

Please DO NOT send any I-pods, portable gaming systems, cell phones, or laptop computers. This time is meant to be “unplugged” time for students to enjoy activities, nature, and each other! Any of these types of items will be confiscated if found!

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this field trip, please contact Mrs. Forwick-Whalley at the school at 780-985-2228.

Please keep your fingers crossed for good weather so we can fully enjoy this great adventure!

Sincerely,

Mr. Luc LavigneMrs. Erin Forwick-WhalleyMr. Rob FrolandMrs. Marlene Brod

Principal – CESTeacher SupervisorTeacher SupervisorGrade Five Teacher

Itinerary - Grade 5 Field Trip – BIRCH BAY RANCH - June 1617, 2016

Thursday, June 16

8:30Load bus and luggage and depart CES

9:15Arrive McDonald’s (6504 Sparrow Drive, Leduc) for breakfast

9:40Depart Leduc for Sherwood Park

10:15Arrive Millennium Place, Sherwood Park for swimming

12:30Depart for Birch Bay Ranch

1:00 – 2:30Arrive at Birch Bay Ranch, get cabin assignments; eat bag lunch brought by student, free time to explore Birch Bay

2:30 – 5:30BBR Activities (See Below)

Students will be divided into groups. Each group will participate in three one hour activities Thursday and three one hour activities Friday. Activities are:

Horseback Trail Ride, Super Wall, Super Zip line, K3 Boardwalk/Zip line, Archery, Rappelling

5:30 – 6:30Supper

6:30 – 9:30Whole Group Activities & Games; Campfire (weather permitting); snacks

9:30Back to Cabins to prepare for Bedtime

10:00Lights Out!

Friday, June 19

8:00Rise & Shine! 

8:30 – 9:30Breakfast

9:30 – 12:30BBR Activities

12:30 – 1:30Lunch

1:30 – 2:00pack up & clean up cabins

2:00Depart BBR

3:00 Arrive at CES for Home time!

Your child will need to bring the following items:

  • personal grooming items (towel, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, soap, shampoo, deodorant)
  • sleeping bag and pillow (pack in a garbage bag labelled with name)
  • pajamas
  • undergarments, socks
  • two changes of clothing, including one pair of long pants for trail ride
  • warm jacket for evening
  • running shoes (and one extra pair of shoes if it’s rainy)
  • flashlight (optional)
  • water bottle
  • hat
  • sunglasses (optional)
  • sunscreen
  • bug repellent (IMPORTANT!!!!!!)
  • toque, mitts, rain gear (if weather warrants)
  • silent reading book for bus ride/unstructured time
  • hair ties for students with long hair (must have for activities)
  • swim suit and towel in a separate bag from luggage
  • money for McDonald’s AND a bag lunch for Thursday’s lunch
  • extra snack foods/drinks in a Ziploc bag labeled with student name for campfire time (optional)