7 April 2017 Dear Parents & Carers Year 9 Outdoor Education - Fortescue Bay Camp The Year 9 Outdoor Education classes will be attending camp at Fortescue Bay with opportunities to put into action the theory we have been learning in classes and explore the local bushwalks, identifying local Flora and Fauna, test our camp cooking skills as well as visiting local landmarks from Wednesday, 3 May to Friday, 5 May inclusive. This is an introductory camp for Outdoor Education and as such we will be following procedures outlined below that will facilitate participation in further camps or activities later in the year. There will be time in class allocated to preparation where students will place themselves into tent groups, write an equipment list and food list for camp. An equipment list is attached for your information. Please go through this list and the list prepared in class carefully with your daughter, as there are both packing instructions and food options. Each student will be responsible for their own catering. Whilst we are base camping, we are restricted to the amount of baggage and equipment we can safely transport to and from camp. We will be departing school on Wednesday at approximately 3.00pm to limit the amount of disruption to your daughter s other classes. Students may wear their camp clothing to school on this day and are required to bring all of their camp equipment/baggage to school in the morning. We will store this locked in the Outdoor Education storeroom for the day. At the end of the day we will collect their gear and complete a check before loading the buses ready for departure. This camp has been designed for all students to gain further knowledge of the extraordinary environment and basic camping skills. One of the main challenges for this camp will be for your daughter to take responsibility for preparing herself for camp. This includes the planning and packing of all of her equipment and food requirements. There are no shops available at Fortescue Bay and students are required to limit themselves to one (1) bushwalking backpack or similar containing all of their food, equipment and clothing and one (1) smaller daypack for hiking and day activities as explained in the attached gear list. We strongly encourage students to use as much of their own equipment as possible, however, if there are major items that your daughter does not have, please list them on the consent form as it may be possible to borrow the equipment from the college. A $20 deposit will apply to all borrowed equipment, (to be paid to Mrs Kath Webb not Student Services), and this will be reimbursed after the equipment is returned in its original condition.
Whilst on camp students will be involved in various activities including some shorter bushwalks using their navigation skills; the major walk on Thursday to Cape Hauy; beach activities; the Ghost Tour at Port Arthur; and learning about some of the major landmarks as we return to school. To enable students to fully immerse themselves in the activities on offer, it is critical that the gear list is followed carefully. In particular, please note that a down jacket, whilst very useful for warmth, is NOT a suitable raincoat. All students are required to bring a waterproof raincoat; a down jacket is an optional iten and is not an acceptable raincoat. When considering the types and amount of food that will be appropriate for your daughter to bring with her on camp please find some important information below. All food must be non-perishable as there is no refrigeration available All items should be lightweight with minimal to no packaging. All items carried to camp by your daughter must be carried home again including rubbish Your daughter will effectively be on camp for the following meals: 2 x breakfast, 2 x lunch, 2 x dinner (1 of which can be purchased in Sorrell on Wednesday evening on our way through at the student s own cost) and a minimum of 5 snacks. Please also consider that your daughter will be much more physically active than on a normal school day and as such may be hungrier than usual. It is also therefore important to consider the nutritional content of the food that is packed. Further information and meal suggestions/options can be found following the gear list. It is preferable that students cook/organise their food in groups as this will lighten their packs, require less cooking equipment and be a lot more fun. We will be camping at the Fortescue Bay campground for the duration of camp. Students will have access to untreated rainwater for drinking and cooking. There are toilets available and there is also one token operated hot shower for the entire campground at a cost of $2 for 4 minutes. If they wish to use this during camp, they will need to bring money to purchase shower tokens. Due to the nature of this camp mobile phones are at great risk of incurring damage and are unnecessary. If your daughter urgently needs to make contact during camp, it will be possible to do this via staff. If you need to contact your daughter urgently this will need to be done through the school office, who will make contact with staff on camp. As per the College s Mobile Phone Policy, we will not take responsibility for the safety of any electronic equipment (including mobile phones, Ipods, Cameras,etc) that are brought on camp. This is a rare opportunity for your daughter to disengage from technology for a few days (a relatively short timeframe) and we appreciate your support in this matter. If you have any queries regarding the camp please do not hesitate to contact either Sarah Matsouris or Kathryn Webb at the College on 6108 2560 or via email at kwebb@smc.tas.edu.au or smatsouris@smc.tas.edu.au. Kind Regards Sarah Matsouris Outdoor Education Coordinator
Year 9 Fortescue Bay Camp Wednesday, May 3 Friday, May 5 (Please return permission form to Mrs Matsouris by Wednesday, 12 April in the HPE office) I have read the attached letter and give approval for to attend. Extra Equipment Required ($20 deposit to be paid): I confirm that I have emailed (studentmedicalinfo@smc.tas.edu.au) or phoned (6108 2560) all relevant updates of my daughter s medical conditions or medications prior to signing this letter and will continue to do so throughout the year as soon as changes occur. I give permission to the teachers in charge of the Year 9 Fortescue Bay trip to administer Panadol or Nurofen if is required by my daughter at any stage of the experience. Yes/No I have read and discussed the below general expectations set out by St Mary s College with my daughter. I acknowledge and support the general expectations, and understand that any significant event which is judged by the staff to represent a serious breach of these expectations or a threat to the safety of any member of the group, may result in my daughter being required to return home before the end of the camp at my expense. I also acknowledge that the school will not be responsible for accompanying my daughter. My daughter understands that she would also face disciplinary action on return to school should this occur. Parent/Carer Name Parent/Carer Signature Date Signed Student s Name Student s Signature Date Signed:
OUTDOOR EDUCATION TRIPS GENERAL EXPECTATIONS Students who participate in the Year 9 Fortescue must: Remember that this is an educational trip and that all relevant College policies and procedures apply. Listen carefully and promptly follow any instruction or request from the teachers or other tour leaders. Follow the directions of the teachers and authorities at all times, especially in an emergency situation. Always remain with the group unless otherwise directed by the teachers. At any time when students are not in supervised activities they are to remain within the defined area stipulated by the teachers. Students must always remain in pairs, especially when moving around the camp grounds and toilets. Always respect the rules and procedures of National Parks venues and show respect to other patrons who are staying at the venues. Not participate in activities that would put themselves or the group in danger or put themselves, the group or the College s reputation at risk. Not purchase or consume alcohol, tobacco or any other illegal or inappropriate products or drugs. Students must not associate with members of the public who are engaging in any illegal or inappropriate activities. Speak to the teachers and/or their buddy if they are unwell or if they have any worries, concerns or questions during the trip. Teachers will always be available to speak privately with students. In the event of a major misdemeanour the student s parents will be contacted to discuss the issue. Under the authority of the Principal, arrangements will be made for the student to immediately return home at the family s expense.
YEAR 9 OUTDOOR EDUCATION CAMP 2017: FORTESCUE BAY Please contact Mrs Matsouris (Outdoor Education Coordinator) or Kathryn Webb should you have any queries regarding this list, or Year 9 Camp in general: smatsouris@smc.tas.edu.au/kwebb@smc.tas.edu.au Due to room in the school trailer and buses students will need to place everything in to a large backpack or equivalent sized sports bag. They will also be able to bring a small daypack. Essential equipment: 1 Large pack/equivalent (Sports bag or other) 1 Day pack Students will need to use the equipment lists that they developed in class, however, can use the list below as a guide. They will need: o Sleeping bag o Small pillow o Sleeping mat o Personal medical requirements these must be listed on the medical form and not taken without the permission of the Group Leader (Mrs Webb) o Hat o Sunscreen o Toiletries (necessities only no need for make-up, hair dryers or straighteners) o Towels x 1 (one for swimming and shower) o Bathers (optional, if the weather permits) o Hiking boots/runners/sandshoes with good grip (walking boots optional) o Thongs for shower and water activities o Drink container o Torch o Plastic bag x 2 (one for wet gear, one for rubbish) o Aerogard or other personal insect repellent o Wetsuit/booties (optional if surfing, wetsuits will be provided) o Hand sanitiser (optional) Clothing: o Wet weather jacket (Note: a down or puffer jacket is not for wet weather, they are only for warmth) o Wet weather pants (optional) o track pants o Shorts o T-shirts o Thin long-sleeved shirt (for sun protection when rafting) o 3/4 pairs of thick socks o Changes of underwear o Warm jumper or fleece top/jacket (essential) (x2) o Scarf/beanies/gloves o Thermals (optional) o Pyjamas
Food: Students will be catering for themselves and will require food items that are non-perishable, light weight and for the following meals; Breakfast x2 Lunch x3 (On Monday students can bring along a packed lunch) Dinner x2 Snacks for 3 days Some ideas are as follows; Breakfast cereal, powdered milk, small catering long life milk, pikelets, Muesli bars, porridge Lunch Vita wheats, Cruskits, Wraps, hard cheese, dips (if kept in a cool place can last a couple of days), spreads (jams, vegemite, honey), Salami (also needs to be kept in a cook place), sachet tuna, Dinner cup of soup, rice, pasta or noodles, fresh vegetables (snow peas, carrots and radishes survive hot conditions), dehydrated vegetables, dried meat, beef jerky, kabana, cheese and biscuits, instant puddings Snacks - Dried Fruit, Fresh Fruit, Chocolate Beverages - Tea, Milo, Powerade Cooking: Small plastic bowl, plate and cutlery Trangia Methylated Spirits (placed in a hardy/strong bottle) Biodegrabable washing up liquid Washing up cloth Tea towel Rubbish: ALL rubbish taken to Fortescue Bay must be taken out individually. Each participant must have a garbage bag to put their own rubbish in and then discard this when they get home. This is vital for the protection and cleanliness of the National Park. Phone reception: There is minimal reception at Fortescue Bay, therefore Kathryn Webb will contact the office in case of emergencies. We also carry a satellite phone. If you require to contact your daughter for emergency reasons only, please phone the school and they will contact us immediately. NOTE: Students must leave mobile phones at home. They do not require their mobile phones, there is minimal reception and for security reasons we ask that they be left at home. Please contact either Sarah Matsouris or Kathryn Webb if you have any concerns on the email address above. Other items: Items such as ipods, hair straighteners and hair dryers should not be brought on camp. Students are not to bring/consume energy drinks whilst on camp and additional food, such as lollies, should be kept to a minimum.