3 June 2016

Dear Parents

Thank you for your continuing support of the music program at TCC. This letter contains important information about our upcoming visit to Brisbane for the Queensland Catholic Colleges Music Festival. We write to communicate our travelling arrangements and clarify expectations of the travelling party. This year students who have been committed to their ensemble in terms of attending rehearsals have been invited to attend the Festival.

We are travelling to Brisbane as one group. We will be leaving early on the morning of Friday 12 August and arrive back at TCC the afternoon of Monday 15 August. All students will be staying at the same venue, Robertson Gardens, and will participate in activities as a whole group. The complete itinerary is attached. A program of ensemble performances will be uploaded to the website as soon as full details has been received.

When travelling, students are to wear jeans and their TCC sports shirt. Uploaded is a general outline of items that students are required to pack (with itinerary). All ensembles will perform in full new formal uniform (boys will require long trousers, ladies will require stockings – blazers will be organised for all students). Students who don’t have the new uniform are asked to borrow one for the occasion.

For all clothing, please bring sensible (and comfortable) items as, if students are not performing, they will be a member of the audience. As a barometer for the items to pack; if it is inappropriate to wear to school ‘free dress’ days, it is inappropriate to wear on tour. All students must wear closed-in shoes when outside their accommodation at all times. Please pack a hat and sunscreen; even though it will be cool, we will be walking between venues at times.

Students will be required to pack lunch for the journey down to assist with travel time. The only time students will be required to supply money for their own food will be for their return journey (breakfast and lunch). Of course, your child is more than welcome to bring money to purchase ‘snacks’ should they feel they require this extra nourishment. On our way to the accommodation on the Friday afternoon we will be stopping at Westfield Garden City Shopping Centre. There will be an opportunity for students to shop/window shop for a short amount of time. They will also be given money (from fees paid) towards the purchase of dinner at the centre before heading to Robertson Gardens.

With regards to personal electronic devices: this is a school excursion, and as such, mobile phones, ipods, etc. are not required. Mobile phone numbers of staff have been provided at the end of the list of things to pack. If students choose to bring phones or ipods, we will accept no responsibility if they are lost or stolen. Improper use of personal electronic devices will lead to the item being confiscated until returned to the care of the student’s parents upon arrival in Rockhampton; further action may be required as deemed appropriate by Mr Alexander.

If you have relatives in Brisbane, please encourage them to come and see your child perform. They are more than welcome to come and spend time with your child whilst we are at Villanova or attend Mass with the students on Sunday morning. However, students are not permitted to leave the touring party whilst we are in Brisbane.

The cost of the entire trip; including food, accommodation, transport, bowling etc; is $380. As we are a Catholic School, our philosophy is that no student should be disadvantaged due to personal or financial constraints. Should you require assistance, please make contact with us urgently so that we can make alternative arrangements; all discussions will be handled with the greatest confidentiality.

To assist us with the planning for our trip, we require the completion of our QCMF ‘Google Form’ and Monday 18 July. Students must complete with parental permission. All fees are due by Monday 8 August. (Part payment is an option). If your child will not be attending the Festival, it would greatly assist our planning if you could notify Jacqui Baker.

Should you have any concerns, please contact either and we will answer your questions. We look forward to your child’s involvement in what is an annual tradition in the music department’s calendar.

Regards,

Miss Jacqui BakerMrs Bernadette Mitchell

Instrumental Music Coordinator; TCCCoordinator of Cultural Activities

ITINERARY

Day / Time / Activity
Friday 12 August /
  • 5.30am
  • 6.30am
  • 3.30pm
  • 6.30pm
  • 7.30pm
  • 9.30pm
/
  • Arrive at TCC, pack coaches & prepare to leave
  • Leave TCC for Brisbane – stop for lunch enroute(please pack your lunch to assist with travelling time).
  • TCC coaches to arrive at Carindale Shopping Centre for shopping and dinner.
  • Arrive at Robertson Gardens (accommodation).
Rooms allocated.
  • Rehearsal for choir at Robertson Gardens
  • Lights out

Saturday 13 August /
  • 6.00am
  • 7.30am
  • 5.00pm
  • 6.30pm
  • 9.00pm
  • 10.00pm
/
  • All students up, breakfast, dressed, prepared for the day.
  • Leave Robertson Gardens for Villanova College – will remain there for entire day (until approx. 8.30pm). Students will be provided with lunch money and dinner on this day.
  • Performances on schedule attached
  • Walk to dinner at Coorparoo McDonald’s.
  • Return to Villanova
  • Return to Robertson Gardens.
  • Lights out.

Sunday 14 August /
  • 6.00am
  • 8.00am
  • 9.30am
  • 6.30pm
  • 9.00pm
  • 10.00pm
/
  • All students up, breakfast, dressed, prepared for the day.
  • Attendance at Mass, St James Church Coorparoo
  • All students walk to Villanova College after Mass – we will be remaining there until 5.30pm
  • Mt Gravatt 10-pin for dinner and bowling
  • Return to Robertson Gardens – pack and prepare for return journey
  • Lights out

Monday 15 August /
  • 5.00am
  • 5.30am
  • 4.00pm
/
  • All students up, dressed, prepared for the day. Pack coaches and clean/organise rooms
  • Leave Robertson Gardens for TCC stopping at Gympie for breakfast.
  • Students will need to organise their own money for breakfast/lunch today.
  • Arrive at TCC, safe and sound! Unpack bus then return home with parents.

WHAT TO PACK

  • Wear sports shirt and jeans for Friday and Monday bus travel.
  • Be prepared for cold evenings and moderate daytime temperatures.
  • TCC spray jacket, old or new and/or warm jacket.
  • Formal NEWschool uniform for performances.If you don’t have a new uniform you will need to borrow one.
  • BOYS:grey trousers and ties
  • GIRLS: black stockings (not tights) and school coloured hair ties for girls.
  • CLEAN SCHOOL SHOES. Blazers will be provided.
  • Personal toiletries and medication (if applicable). It is suggested that paracetamol is packed as staff are not able to provide these if required. All medication will be collected by staff on arrival to the college on Friday morning. Please ensure that all medication is labelled clearly.
  • NO THONGSOR HEELS. Sensible footwear please.
  • Musical instrument and music.
  • Schoolbag for daytime (clearly labelled).
  • Sunscreen and hat.
  • Spending money (Snacks, breakfast and lunch for Monday 15August)
  • You DON’T need to bring a towel or sheets – all provided by Robertson Gardens.
  • Lots of enthusiasm and a happy smile.

CONTACT PHONE NUMBERS

MISS BAKER 0437 061 748

MRS MITCHELL 0431377007