Author: Mr. Kertes

1. De-board. You know the drill. We wait and then exit the plane last.
2. We will wait outside briefly before walking to a washroom as a group. Wait there. (Follow Ms. Prohaska.)
3. Debrief meeting. Should be about 20 minutes. All you have to do is sit and look like you are paying attention. This is the final group meeting until 12:13 on Monday in room 308. 
4. Then we walk to the gate, see the meeting area, and then have free time until check-back time (TBA). Stay in groups of 2 or more. Be back on time. and stay on this side of security (do not exit).
5. When we are home and at the shuttle station at the Highliner, please say goodbye to your lead chaperone before leaving the shuttle station. Thx!
6. See you at school on Monday. We gather at 12:13 pm in room 308. Bring all gear to room 308 (not the office).
7. We will need 6-8 pieces of dry fire wood for the newly planed fire at Diana Lake on Monday (after we pick up GMCS students). The organizers of orientation may also need sporting equipment for their plans. Please talk to FAK if you can help. Bring any stuff to room 308 by 12:13 pm on Monday.

DEBRIEFING NOTES

Thank you for being good guests. This is some of what we noticed:

1. You are amazing. Your hosts went out of their way to tell us that CHSS students were polite, respectful, helpful, and overall good guests. This happened time and time again, with even neighbours and residents without a student on the trip telling us thank you for having such great students. That level of appreciation is rare.
2. You had fun. You were responsible. You were, for the most part, independent. Lots of students simply communicated, rather than ask when the request was clearly reasonable and was clearly in bounds. We appreciated the information you communicated and your level of independence and responsibility all week. This makes us proud to be teachers of your school and makes proud to part of CHSS.
3. You included each other, especially when doing school activities that the teachers directly supervised. Based on what we could notice, this extended to host home activities much of the time. At times this was uneven (could be better) but we did not observe much direct exclusion and respect for all and intentional inclusion improved over the week. (We want you all to really pay attention to the importance of inclusion and community when we are hosting. Include everyone to build a strong community for all.)
4. You were flexible and you helped each other. Throughout the week CHSS students helped each other. We saw this time and time again.
5. You balanced the “fun” and the “educational” part of the trip and were good sports when the chaperones made you do “teachery” things. We tried to get this balance right, and we noticed you being good sports about it when we over-taught, as you almost always looked like you were paying attention.
6. You functioned as a group, especially during transitions. You were good sports about group stuff, which we know can be a bit annoying. You woke up on time, you mostly stayed in line, you quickly adjusted when things went wrong, and you were patient.
7. You managed to do something that was not always easy and wasn’t always fun. For example, there was some rudeness, including CHSS students being rude to other CHSS students. (Not cool.) Another example, there were cultural differences. As a guest, it can be difficult when your host says or does things that you find disagreeable. A few other kinds of challenges also came up, and we saw you manage these things.
8. You communicated with the chaperones. From what we saw, our group did a very good job of asking for help, communicating concerns, and solving problems respectfully. A few big challenges came up but were resolved and that was good to see.
9. Finally, and super importantly, we noticed that many of you took risks and challenged yourself. Whether this was putting yourself into a uncomfortable situation by listening to ideas you disagree with, trying new activities, or solving challenges with minimal or no help from chaperones, we were impressed by the growth and determination shown by you. (This makes the trip fun for both of the teachers. We volunteer to spend our spring break, without pay, with you because watching you have fun, grow, and learn is fun for us. Thank you!!!!)

This is what you should pay attention to next:

1. Get enough sleep. Sleep helps you make good judgments and be safe. Excessive Monster drinks and intentional sleep deprivation can cause accidents, widen tensions, and make the things unsafe.
2. Pace yourself. There are five remaining phases to this exchange. First, resetting. This is going home, getting ready for the road trip, going to period 1 and 2 on Monday. Second, welcoming and orienting our guests. We do this Monday afternoon. Be n time to prepare on Monday at 12:13 pm. Meet in room 308. Third, showcasing and teaching about our cultures and communities. This includes being tour guides. The road trip is long (our towns, villages, nations are physically located far apart — especially when travelling by land and not on water — this much distance will be new for many GMCS students) and it will be a stretch for our guests. They will rely on our support, which includes us teaching, providing support through a great attitude and caring tone, and paying attention to basic needs. Fourth is hang out time in Prince Rupert and Metlakata. This time in the super twin houses is meant to be the highlight of the trip. This is what will be remembered the most for our guests. It should be safe, fun, interesting to all, and incredibly inclusive. As with our stay, we are the ones treating. But we as a community must be mindful to not set each other up. If you plan a $150 a person activity that only a few people can participate in (remember, we should be paying for our guests) this may leave a sour note for those left out. So keep this in mind, as there are plenty of low cost and free options. Whatever you plan, be prepared to include everyone. Finally, the last phase is saying goodbye and staying in touch. Be prepared to feel some loss when all of a sudden the trip ends. But it doesn’t need to end, as you can stay in touch.
3. Understand how our trip is different. Our trip is different because we live in our unique community. Every community is unique. We have wonderful things to share and celebrate. We also have our own challenges, like long distances between our towns and a housing shortage. We designed our trip with these values in mind: Pride of place. Celebration of culture. Sharing of community. Demonstration of respect. Including everyone. Showing off our strengths and teaching about the unique features of our community as a place. There are few places in the world like ours in terms of cultural riches, linguistic diversity, and thousands of years of continuous tradition and Indigenous civilization and continuous history. 
4. Appreciate our community and what makes us uniquely awesome. See above.
5. See how the tables are turned. Now it’s our turn to be good hosts. Include everyone. Be generous by giving back. Best foot forward. Role model. Take of yourself, too. A week ago, you were the one out your comfort zone. Now it’s their turn. For example, there will be some new situations for the students from GMCS, things familiar to you but totally new and challenging to them. This is the heart of cultural exchange. Be gentle with yourself if you have already encountered challenges and be continue to show kindness, consideration and respect as our guests will also be very tired and might find parts of our upcoming journey very challenging.
6. Have fun and include everyone. Be a good host. Follow all the rules, especially rules about safety, not creating exclusive activities, and paying for anything that we (ourselves) organize or invite our guests to. (If they initiate it, you don’t have to do it and you certainly don’t have to pay for them.) 
7. Include everyone, so only plan inclusive group experiences that are affordable and open to all. Everyone from both schools is equally part of all group experiences. We raised thousands of dollars to make the trip possible for both our twins and our students as a way to share an adventure together. Including everyone in invitations to participate in opportunities and experiences is a non-negotiable part of the exchange. 
8. Finally, note that CHSS focuses more on “groups” and less on “twins”. On the river road trip, groups are formed by you and GMCS students. These groups are at least 2 students and under 5 students, are not more than 66% from one school, and last for the entire free time block (with two exceptions). A group of 2 may limit itself to 2 but then cannot become a group of 3 or more. A group that is more than 2 is open to anyone who asks to join it, but cannot be over 5 students. River road trip groups are formed at a meeting before a long free time block starts. Teachers may add someone to a group if required for everyone to be in a group. When in the “super twins” billeting part of the exchange (Friday to Sunday in PR/Metlakatla) groups are:(1) everyoneinterested in a CHSS-initiated (or organized) group experience or (2) everyone in one super twin household.

1. This is a school trip.
2. The CHSS Code of conduct applies.
3. Illegal and underage drugs (including alcohol, cannabis, and nicotine) are not allowed.
4. Public displays of affection are not allowed and all behaviour must be appropriate to conduct as if at school.
5. You may not leave your room after lights out.
6. We will text a notification of lights out and provide notice before this time.
7. From lights out to 4:15 AM remain in your assigned room.
8. Please do not bother other guests (be quiet), and be respectful of hotel property, guests, and staff.
9. Text your chaperone and get permission before leaving your room.
10. After 10 pm only text Mr Kertes because his ringer is always on.
11. Please only text after 10 pm for serious reasons.
12. Breaching the CHSS Code of Conduct is treated as a serious matter.
13. Consequences could affect participation in future school travel.

1. Get off the plane. Wait until directed to go by Ms. Prohaska.
2. We will stop as a group outside of a washroom. Then follow Ms Prohaska to baggage.
3. Once all baggage is collected, we go to the shuttle. Oldest averagegroup goes on 1st shuttle.

1. In the morning, Irish group will take the 1st shuttle and Chasers group will go 2nd.
2. Wake up is 4 am. Be packed and ready and in the lobby at 4:29 am.
3. When we say it is lights out: You must be quiet (do not bother neighbours or each other), you must not break anything (no sigmas allowed, no razzledazzing), and you must remain in the room until 4:15 am.
4. If out of the room anytime between lights out and 4:15 am you are out of bounds. This would be considered a serious matter. You must have permission before leaving the room.

1. Meet at the North Head post office at 11 am.
2. We will take the ferry and bus to the airport.
3. The Montreal airport involves landing, getting all checked bags, waiting for the shuttle, going to the hotel, checking in, unpacking, eating dinner.
4. We will all wake up at 4:00 am (at the latest) and be totally packed and ready to leave the hotel at 4:30 am. Therefore, we recommend going to bed early — meaning as early as 9:30 pm. 

• Ła Bała Sg̱an – Welcome and Overview
• Day 1 (March 31) – End in Terrace
• Day 2 (April 1) – End in Smithers
• Day 3 (April 2) – End in Terrace
• Day 4 (April 3) – End in Terrace
• Day 5 (April 4) – End in Prince Rupert or Metlakatla
• Day 6 (April 5) – End in Prince Rupert or Metlakatla
• Day 7 – Final Day (April 6) – GMSC students start heading home

Please read the following (below). There are questions at the end. Reply to the questions with a text to Mr. Kertes (before you go to bed on Wednesday March 26). Thank you. Reply is mandatory.

Contents of this Update

1. Remaining days in NB
2. Trip home (starting Saturday March 29)
3. Cold Plunge to Raise Funds for Foodbank
4. Free time in BC
5. Taxis in BC
6. Food in BC (on the road trip)
7. Food in BC (in Prince Rupert)
8. A treat for you from two bibliophiles
9. Questions for you (reply by text)

Remaining days in NB (March 27 to Mar 28)

1. Be at the school with your twin by 8:50 AM for the scavenger hunt on Thursday March 27. There are other activities later in the day. No hikes are planned for this day.
2. There will be more free time on Friday March 28. I will send the schedule out later.
3. We go home starting on Saturday March 29. 

Day 1 of the trip home (March 29)…

1. We meet at the ferry station in time to catch the 11 AM ferry (host family brings you there, you will arrive earlier than 11 AM)
2. We ferry back and then take the charter bus to the airport (plan to eat on the ferry and/or airport)
3. Flight details (Air Canada): St John (NB) to Montreal: Flight 8045 (4:30 PM to 5:09 PM)
4. Hotel by airport details: Quality Hotel Dorval Aeroport (we take a shuttle there)
5. Dinner will be on your own near the hotel (walking distance only, we will stay close to the hotel)
6. We must wake up very early (around 4 AM) to get to the airport on time, so plan to sleep at the hotel

Day 2 of the trip home (March 30)…

1. We are hoping that the hotel will provide breakfast (the travel agent said yes, but since we are leaving so early this may not happen, so you may have to eat at the airport on your own)
2. Flight details (Air Canada): Montreal to Vancouver: Flight 301 (7:30 AM to 9:55 AM)
3. Plan to eat at the airport in Vancouver for lunch
4. Flight details (Air Canada): Vancouver to Prince Rupert: Flight 8089 (1:15 PM to 3:02 PM)
5. When you get home, get plenty of sleep, as there is a regular school on Monday morning

FYI: March 31…

1. For students in English 9 with Mr. Kertes, we start the next unit on Monday and this is important, so plan to attend period 1 (be on time)
2. For everyone, you should plan to attend period 1 and period 2 on Monday
3. Meet in the library at 11:33 (start of lunch) (bring lunch)
4. We will meet, plan, and prepare in period 3 and 4 in the library
5. We will leave in time to pick up the NB students from the shuttle station and then we bus to Terrace
6. Dinner will be as a group at Boston Pizza in Terrace (2 slices per person plus a soda)

BACK TO THIS WEEK…

Cold Plunge to Raise Funds for Food Bank

1. This is optional for CHSS students
2. There is not swimming, as you will be in shallow water
   • swimming outside of a swimming pool is not allowed on this trip, as we did not get approval from the school district to swim in the ocean, lake, river, etc.
   • the water will be cold and the idea is to stay in for a few minutes (of course, you can get out as soon as you want)
3. The event will be in the news and there will be TV cameras there 
4. The event is to raise funds for the local food bank
5. You must get parental/guardian permission and your parent/guardian must text Mr. Kertes to say that you have permission to participate
6. Ms. Prohaska and Mr. Kertes will both “make the plunge” if CHSS students voluntarily pledge to donate at least a total of $150 to the food bank (and if CHSS students as a group donate that amount, the teachers will match that donation to a total of $300 from CHSS)

PLANNING FOR NEXT WEEK…

Free time in BC

Wednesday April 2 – Smithers — plan for free time activities from between 9 AM and 1 PM, including time for breakfast and lunch

Thursday April 3 – Terrace — plan for free time activities from between 12:00 noon and 8:00 PM, including time for on-your-own meals 

• Note: starting at 5:00 PM, you must have a scheduled plan, and if you are not planning to be at a specific place you must hang out at the Terrace library between your planned activities)
• Free options in Terrace (available to everyone, regardless of what your twin wants to do) include:
  • Scheduled (optional) hike (details will be provided, this is a 3-4 optional activity)
  • Public swimming at the city pool (when this open, there are two blocks of time)
  • Board games at the library
  • Window shopping (note: shopping is only from 12 noon to 5 PM)
• Note: “Other options” must be approved first (rules for “other activities”: everyone is invited, there must be a mix of students from both schools in these plans, and it must be reasonably affordable for everyone)
• Everyone has free options – so you do not need to spend extra money on this part of the trip.

Note: All NB students must be with BC students, but you do not have to be with “your” twin (such as if your twin wants to something that you are not interested in doing) but we, as a group, must make sure that all NB twins are included in activities with BC students. This is a mandatory part of the trip. Ms. Prohaska and Mr. Kertes will work to coordinate this. Reciprocity and hospitality are important CHSS values. We are all expected to live up to these values. 

Friday April 4 – Prince Rupert — plan for free time activities from between 3:01 PM and bedtime (note: dinner is “take out”, pick it up from CHSS MPR between 5:00-5:30 PM)

Saturday April 5 — Prince Rupert — the only scheduled activity is a mandatory group dinner (for all BC and all NB to attend) at CHSS in MPR (fried bread tacos) starting at 5 PM sharp (otherwise free time all day and evening, after dinner) 

Taxis in BC

1. We have planned all activities in Smithers and Terrace to be in easy walking distance from the drop off point and pick up point
2. If you want to take a taxi instead, it is the responsibility of the CHSS student to arrange AND pay for this (NB students should not pay for transportation)

Food in BC (on the road trip)

1. CHSS students are responsible for most of their meals (“on your own” meals).
2. NB students have gift cards for meals at McDonalds, Tim Hortons, Subway, and Starbucks
3. Some meals are “bag breakfasts” and “bag lunches” — these are for all students (both schools)

Food in BC (in Prince Rupert)

1. Twins from NB should not buy their own food 
2. Plan meals either at home or plan to pay for NB student meals
3. This is very important, as we must give back in appreciation for the NB families hosting us
4. If you want to do something expensive, make sure that you are able to pay for all NB student meals/food

A treat for you from two bibliophiles

We are really noticing how amazing the CHSS students are on this trip (all of you!!!!). You are helping each other, showing respect for all students (both schools), and learning from the experience. Thanks, again!

Questions for You

1. Do you want to participate in the optional Cold Plunge to Raise Funds for Food Bank on Friday? (If yes, ask your parent/guardian to text Mr. Kertes with permission.)
2. Do you want to voluntarily make a pledge for a donation (max $15) to the local food bank? If so, how much?
3. What is your favourite part of the trip so far?