Category: NB Exchange Trip 2025

1. Museum at 9 AM (required CHSS, optional GMCS)
2. Cold plunge at 3:30 pm (come and see, optional to go in, parent/guardian permission is required to take the plunge, fundraiser for the GM local food bank)
3. Movie night at 7 pm at GMCS
4. Get some sleep…long travel days coming soon!

Thanks again for communicating with us and being good guests. We are glad to hear how much fun this has been for our students, even if at times not everything has been easy for everyone. Ups and downs are common in travel, especially when meeting many new people at once.

March 26…

1. We start at the high school at 9 am.
2. We will take a school bus to various sites, including some hikes and other outdoor activities.
3. Lunch is at the school and/or as arranged by your host family. Your lunch will be provided by your host family.
4. Activities around the island will continue after lunch, until around 3 pm.
5. Free time with your host family or twin from around 3 pm until 5:30 pm. Dinner will be provided by your host family during this time.
6. At 5:30 there will be a trivia night at the high school, until around 7:00 pm.
7. After trivia night is more free time with your host family or twin.

One of the activities is a hike along a cliff overlooking the ocean. As always, dress for wind, rain, cold, etc. This hike especially calls for proper footwear. For students who do not want to walk along the cliff, an alternative will be available during this hike. Regardless, plan for cold and wet and windy for either the hike or the alternative. 

Thanks again for being respectful guests. We are hearing good things about our students… and that’s great!!!!

Thank you everyone for being good guests and for communicating with us. Please be sure to keep communicating. 

New Places, New Cultures, New Experiences

Travel can be uncomfortable, unfamiliar, and challenging at times. That’s part of the process of learning about new places and cultures. Communication, asking for help, and openness to new experiences are key. Please continue to let us know if you need any help with your trip.

Plan

Tomorrow we visit a nearby small island community. Some CHSS students are staying there already. For those on the main island, we will take a small quick ferry over. We will spend the day there.

Schedule

1. We will meet in time to take 10 am ferry to Whitehead. Your host family knows the time and location of the dock and will transport everyone to and from the ferry to Whitehead (the small island).
2. We spend the day on the small island. This may include hikes. Dress for all weather. Layers, sturdy shoes, hat, gloves, are essential. Lunch is part of the plan and we will be provided on the small island.
3. Note: There is a store on the main island with warm clothing or you may borrow clothes if needed (text Mr. Kertes asap if you want him to help you borrow warm and dry clothes).
4. After the visit to the small island you will have free time in the afternoon and evening on the main island with your twin.

Please remember the importance of including everyone in activities, especially your twin. Good guests are respectful of their hosts. Please go out of your way to make sure that your twin is included with any activities that CHSS students are doing together. Thanks!

Dress for cold weather. Bring hiking boots. Ask your twin for boots if you need a pair. If they can’t provide boots, talk to Ms. Prohaska. Do this before 8:30 AM.

Wear layers. Bring a raincoat, or wool outer layer or other wet resistant outer layer. Bring a winter hat, gloves, etc. Prepare for wind, snow, wet. Layers will help.

Your host family will provide transportation to the activities. They may carpool. They know the plan, schedule, locations, etc.

Schedule:

1. Meet at 9 am at the dory building shop (boat shop). Learn about dory building.
2. As a group, we will go  to Dark Harbour to learn about aquaculture. We will do team building exercises.
3. You will have lunch with your twin.
4. After lunch, there is a moderate hike. 
5. There might be snow in the late afternoon. 
6. All plans can change. Your twin will be informed of any changes.
7. There is a potluck at the school at 5:30 pm. 

Highlights

• Flight details (Air Canada)
  • Vancouver to Montreal: Flight 314 (arrives at 8:00 AM today)
  • Montreal to St. John (NB): Flight 8044 (1:10 PM to 3:38 PM)
• Other transportation details (Charter bus + Ferry)
  • We will get off the plane, get luggage, then go to the charter bus
  • The bus will drive us to the ferry terminal, and then we will take the ferry to the town
    • Link to ferry info is here

Meals for Today

• Breakfast – On your own at the Montreal airport
• Lunch – On your own at the Montreal airport
• Dinner – Food is available on the ferry

Overview of the Day

1. We will arrive early in the morning to Montreal
2. We will stay in the airport while we wait for the flight to St John
3. Plan for lots of time in the airport

Schedule

• 8:00 AM – Arrive at the Montreal airport
• 8:00 AM to 12:15 PM – Wait at the airport, meet at the gate at 12:15 PM
• 1:10 PM – Flight departure time (Montreal to St. John (NB): Flight 8044)
• 3:38 PM – Arrive at the airport
  • Gather near the gate, then go together as a group to the luggage area
  • Collect luggage, then gather as a group to go to the charter bus
• ??? PM – Leave on the charter, take the ferry, arrive

Notes and Other Information

Reminders

1. Communicate
   • Anytime you want to go someplace not within the set boundaries, please ask BEFORE you go elsewhere. We will usually find a way to let you do what you want (as long as it is safe, fits the schedule, and is practical for a group of our size).
   • Need help? Just ask.
   • Want time alone? Just ask.
   • Have a request. Just ask.
   • The key: Ask. (Ask first, before go you go somewhere or do something that we have not already approved.)
   • We may not always say yes, but we’ll do what we can to help you have fun on this trip.
2. Be safe
   • Safety is the priority of the chaperones. You know the CHSS Code of Conduct. Just do it.
   • If you are not sure, ask for help. Your parent/guardian is one call or text away. And so are your chaperones. We are here to help.
3. Ask for help
   • If you need help, just ask us (contact your parent/guardian and/or chaperones)
   • We can help with preferences, concerns, special requests, etc. — need help? Just ask.
4. Follow the exchange rules:
   • Do things with the host students – include your twin when you do things with CHSS friends
   • Treat everyone with respect, respect your host family routines (ask for help if something seems unreasonable to you)
   • You are on a CHSS trip, so even if your twin or host family says it is okay, make sure it adheres to your family rules and the CHSS rules (if you need help, ask your chaperones)
5. Be a good representative
   • Be sure to represent CHSS as the excellent school and community that we are
   • You are not only representing CHSS, you are representing our town and region
6. Reminder:
   • If you do something that makes the chaperones lose trust, that is unsafe, or that violates the CHSS Code of Conduct, you may be required to go home early at your parent/guardian’s expense. Before it gets to this, talk to us and let us know so we can help avoid anyone going home early. Again, the point of the trip is to have fun and see Canada. The job of the chaperones is to help you do this safely.
   • Keep a copy of any receipts in case proof of purchase is required. You can take a photo if that is easier that keeping all receipts. Just hold onto them, no need to show the teacher each purchase.

Seat Assignment 

1. We will check-in as a group.
2. Your boarding pass will have a seat assigned to it. Do NOT use this seat.
3. Mr. Kertes will make index cards with all the seats assigned to our group.
4. The cards will be given to the student ambassadors, who will then work out where you sit based on preferences. You must sit in the seat assigned to you. Keep your index card so you know where you are seated.
5. We do this to avoid confusion once on board, as students like to select seats but this cannot be done during boarding.

Good morning. Posts will be uploaded every day by 7 AM (Pacific Time).

Highlights

• Flight details (Air Canada)
  • Prince Rupert to Vancouver: Flight 8090 (3:40 PM to 5:18 PM) (layover in the terminal, may not leave the terminal area, may not pass security or exit the terminal/airport)
  • Vancouver to Montreal: Flight 314 (11:20 PM to 7:20 AM, next day)

Meals for Today

• Dinner – On your own at the YVR airport

Overview of the Day

1. Today will be a long travel day and we will be flying all night (bring snacks, games, book, etc. if you want)
   • Reminder: The flight is long – with an overnight flight

Schedule

• 5:18 PM – Arrive at the Vancouver airport
• 5:30 PM to 10:30 – Wait at the airport
  • Travel in groups of at least 2 people
  • If you leave the gate area, text your lead chaperone to let them know where you are going
  • Do not leave the terminal (stay in the part of the airport that the gate is located)
  • Never go outside of the terminal (never go past security)
  • This means everyone must stay in the airport
• 11:20 PM – Flight departure time (Vancouver to Montreal: Flight 314)
• This is an overnight flight

Notes and Other Information

Reminders

1. Once we connect with the NB students, please be sure to be with your twin for all activities.
2. The same goes for when back in BC, please be sure to include your twin in all activities.
3. Things can go wrong… so be sure to COMMUNICATE with your chaperones if you need ANY help (this includes letting us know your preferences, if you need help communicating with your host family or twin, etc.). The point of this trip is to have fun, learn about Canada, and connect with students from another community. So please, let us know if you need any help.
4. The major rules:
   • This is a school trip – follow all school rules (including rules about public displays of affection, appropriate language, being respectful, and no drinking/smoking/use of illegal drugs/etc.).
   • Always ask for and keep a receipt. This is a trip requirement. Failure to not have a receipt or other proof of purchase may result in being sent home early at your parent/guardian expense. If for any reason you do not have a receipt, you must immediately text Mr. Kertes to let him know this. If you immediately notify him that you did not get a receipt, that may count as proof of purchase based on the circumstances. The key: Always ask for and keep a receipt.
   • Communicate where you are and get permission first (text your chaperone).
   • Stay in a group (we will tell you the minimum group size depending on the location and time).
   • Stay within the boundaries (including when at the airport) and be on time (this makes for more free time).
   • Be safe, have fun, be respectful. You are representing our school.
   • Follow all the rules in the code of conduct that was provided to all participants.

Seat Assignment

1. We will check-in as a group.
2. Your boarding pass will have a seat assigned to it. Do NOT use this seat.
3. Mr. Kertes will make index cards with all the seats assigned to our group.
4. The cards will be given to the student ambassadors, who will then work out where you sit based on preferences. You must sit in the seat assigned to you. Keep your index card so you know where you are seated.
5. We do this to avoid confusion once on board, as students like to select seats but this cannot be done during boarding.

Packing and Planning – More Details

1. Packing List – Trip to NB
   • Bring government issued photo ID with your name and birthdate or let us know that you do not have this ID (in which case, bring school and ID and we will provide a school letter for you as well)
   • Bring some spending money
   • Bring enough money for about 5-7 meals (when travelling on the flight)
   • Meals when in NB are provided by the host school
   • Bring a small and inexpensive gift (under $20) for your host family (something from our region is best, homemade is perfect, not fancy, just say “thanks”)
   • Plan for cold, wet, changing weather
2. Packing List – Trip in NWBC
   • Bring some spending money
   • Bring money for 5-6 meals (lunches and dinners) and any extra for breakfasts (if you want to eat out for some breakfasts, as light breakfasts will also be provided)
   • Bring a sleeping bag, pillow and sleeping pad for YOU and YOUR TWIN (2 of each)
3. Food Details
   • Food when flying is on your own (plan for 5-7 meals when in-transit)
   • Most food when in BC is on your own (plan for 7 meals when in BC)
   • Some food is provided for all students (NB and CHSS), such as group meal in Terrace and other days
   • When hosting, food will be provided for all the students being hosted (both NB and CHSS)
4. Hosting Details
   • View the list of students being hosted in Prince Rupert, with detailed calendar/times here (password protected – contact Mr. Kertes if you need the password)

Please visit the hosting information page here.

It is password protected. You can get the password by contacting Mr. Kertes at 778-884-5343. In the text, please remind me of your child’s name so I can confirm it’s a parent/guardian. Thanks!

Thanks for sending me your text for the NB trip.

Here are the links:

• Trip Webpage
• Trip Blog

Mr. Kertes
778-884-5343

1. During the trip, information will be texted (not emailed).
   • Parents/Guardians: Please email a text with your name, your child’s name, and “NB trip” to 778-884-5343 if you want to receive text updates on plans during the trip
2. Most information will be communicated as a link to a daily post. We try to consolidate this as much as possible to limit the number of texts. This is how we will communicate to both students and parents/guardians throughout the trip. We communicate at least daily by text to students. We limit texts to parents/guardians to times for pick up or other host-family information.
3. The daily post goes out by 7 AM Pacific Time each day starting March 21.
4. The information on this page may change. If anything important changes, we will send a text with a link.