Smith’s Hill High School
Promoting excellence in a spirit of trust and co-operation
Information for the Japan Study Tour 2016
Dear parent or caregiver,
The Japan Study Tour that was proposed for this year has been rescheduled to run in September,
2016. Interested students from the Year 10 Japanese classes in 2015 who will be continuing their
Japanese studies into Year 11 are invited to participate. It is proposed that the tour will run from
Friday night September 16 and return on October 1.
This excursion has been planned to supplement Japanese language acquisition and socio-cultural
aspects of the course work being done in the classroom. Embedded into the itinerary are daily
challenges that promote team building, resilience, actively speaking Japanese and cultural
awareness and sensitivity.
Educational benefits
Besides the obvious benefits of an immersion experience in a Japanese speaking community, the
following benefits will also accrue to students:
 Team work through daily challenges
 Researching each destination as each group takes turns to be the daily leader
 Navigating using maps and signs
 Budgeting through having to manage a daily food allowance and spending money
 Leadership through negotiation with group members to solve problems.
 Responsibility through having to keep track of luggage, personal effects, passport and
money
Comments from parents and students from previous tours have been included at the end of this
package to give some thoughts from participants in the past.
Itinerary
The itinerary is a ‘best of package’ of the highlights of Japan. It includes traditional attractions
such as castles, shrines and temples, but also modern day attractions such as the Peace Park in
Hiroshima and of course, Disneyland. Travel around Japan will be by public transport, largely by
train.
A proposed itinerary follows, although it is subject to change.
PO Box 780, Wollongong NSW 2520
Principal: Mr David C. Deitz
35-37 Gipps Street, Wollongong 2500
Email:smithshill-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au
Phone : (02) 4229 4266
Facsimile : (02) 4226 5104
Smith’s Hill High School
Promoting excellence in a spirit of trust and co-operation
Day 1
Friday
September 16
16:30 depart school
22:00 Overnight flight to Japan QF25
Day 2
Saturday
September 17
Arrive Tokyo transfer to Kyoto
Kiyomizudera, walking tour to and around Gion,
Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka
All stay at Tomiya Ryokan, Kyoto
Day 3
Sunday
September 18
Day tour of Kyoto
Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), Nijo castle,
Arashiyama, Sagano Romantic Train
All stay at Tomiya Ryokan, Kyoto
Day 4
Monday
September 19
Tetsugaku no michi (Philosopher’s Walk)
Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion)
Nanzenji, Heian Jingu (Heian Shrine)
All stay at Tomiya Ryokan, Kyoto
Day 5
Tuesday
September 20
Hiroshima, Peace Park, A-Bomb dome and
museum
Miyajima Island
All stay at Tomiya Ryokan
Day 6
Wednesday
Nara, Fushimi Inari, Todaiji
September 21
All stay at Tomiya Ryokan
Day 7
Thursday
September 22
Transfer to Tokyo
Athletics Carnival at Kitazono High School
Students to homestay
Day 8
Friday
September 23
Full day free with host family
Public holiday in Tokyo
Students to homestay
Teachers stay at Metropolitan Hotel, Ikebukuro
Smith’s Hill High School
Japan Study Tour 2016
Day 9
Saturday
free time with host families
2pm baseball
September 24
Students to homestay
Teachers stay at Metropolitan Hotel, Ikebukuro
Day 10
Sunday
September 25
morning free with host families
3pm Sumo wrestling at Ryogoku
Stay at Metropolitan Hotel, Ikebukuro
Day 11
Monday
September 26
Day visit to Kitazono High School
Stay at Metropolitan Hotel, Ikebukuro
Day 12
Tuesday
September 27
Disneyland
Stay at Metropolitan Hotel, Ikebukuro
Day 13
Wednesday
September 28
Mitaka Ghibli Museum
Asakusa, Kaminarimon, Nakamise Dori
Tokyo Skytree
Stay in Hakone
Day 14
Thursday
Hakone/Mt Fuji
September 29
Day 15
Friday September 30
Shibuya
Shinjuku
20:30 Leave Japan on QF26
Day 16
Saturday
October 1
09:30 arrive Sydney
Transfer by bus to Smith’s Hill High School
Arrival time at school will be posted on facebook
Information package
Page 2
Smith’s Hill High School
Promoting excellence in a spirit of trust and co-operation
Flight Bookings
We have found that booking flights a year in advance is the cheapest way, however, these flights
often have restrictions on them. If you know a reason why your child will not be travelling to and
from Japan with the group, let us know early so you do not incur a surcharge.
Eligibility
There are limited places on the tour. The following criteria will apply to student seeking a place
on the tour.
1. To ensure the personal safety of all students, only students who have impeccable
behaviour records at school will be eligible to attend. Students who have not
demonstrated the highest commitment to school, their studies and their various
responsibilities will be exempt from applying to join the tour.
Students who are in danger of failing to meet the above mentioned behavior
requirements will be given ample notice of this.
2. The tour is open to students who will be completing Japanese 4 and 5 in Year 10.
3. Students who cannot meet deadlines for deposits, installments and documentation will be
withdrawn from the tour.
4. Students will need to have offered to host two Japanese students by the time of
departure. This will enable them to familiarize themselves with the idea of homestay,
ensure they have a friend in Japan, and will reduce any anxiety they have about the idea of
doing homestay.
Overwhelmingly homestay is the thing that students are most anxious about, but it is also what
students report as being the most outstanding of the tour. We have provided the following
opportunities for you to offer homestay.
2015
2016
Smith’s Hill High School
Takarazuka High School (Osaka)
Sun 19 July – Sunday 26 July
15 Students (Years 10, 11)
Kitazono High School (Tokyo)
Wed 5 Aug – Sat 15 Aug
40 Students (Years 10, 11)
Furukawa Reimei Junior HS
Wed 11 March – Tues 17 March
40 Students (Year 9)
Kitazono High School (Tokyo)
Wed 4 Aug – Sat 14 Aug
40 Students ( Years 10, 11)
Japan Study Tour 2016
Information package
Page 3
Smith’s Hill High School
Promoting excellence in a spirit of trust and co-operation
Logistics
Students will be allocated room groups and day groups. The rooms will be triples but day groups
can be any number. At all times during the day students are to be with, and look out for, all those
in their day group and report any matters of concern to the teachers.
Each day group will be allocated a particular day on the itinerary and will act as tour guides for
that day, responsible for providing the other students details about the places they will be
visiting, giving directions and purchasing any tickets.
Water activities
There is no water activities organized for this excursion. However, the journey from Hiroshima to
Miyajima will be undertaken on a large car ferry. The journey is ten minutes and the destination
is clearly visible from the origin. It is like catching a ferry from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo. The
car ferry is a large vessel which carries sufficient life jackets for all passengers. JR Miyajima Ferries
are operated by JR West Miyajima Ferry Co Ltd, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of West Japan
Railway Company (JR West). There are three ferries that operated the route. We will not know
which ferry is scheduled on our route until we arrive.
Ship
Built
Weight (in tonnes)
Maximum power
Sailing speed
Max Passengers
Miyajima – maru
May 2006
254
800
8
800
 Ship of the year
2006
Nanaura – maru
February 1987
196
441
8
675
Misen – maru
April 1996
218
735
8
800
It is anticipated that the number of people on the ferry will be fewer than usual due to the fact
that:
- We are travelling outside of Australian and Japanese school holidays
- Locals tend to go in the morning and spend the entire day there, leaving mid afternoon
At Disneyland students will be permitted to choose which rides they go on. One of these rides,
Splash Mountain, involves students being secured into rafts that are attached to and move along
a track just below the water line. Once in, students are locked for safety and cannot get out. At
one point in the ride, the rafts go down an incline about 20 metres, creating a small splash at the
bottom of it. There is no chance for students to be immersed in water as they are secured into
the rafts until the end of the ride by a locked bar.
Smith’s Hill High School
Japan Study Tour 2016
Information package
Page 4
Smith’s Hill High School
Promoting excellence in a spirit of trust and co-operation
Bikes and Helmets
There is the opportunity for students to hire bikes on Miyajima Island. There are no cars and the
terrain is flat. Please indicate on the permission form if you would like your child to have the
option of participating in this activity. Legally, helmets are not required for cyclists, and as such
are unavailable to hire. If you wish your child to have a helmet whilst riding the bike, you will
need to supply it and send it with them.
Accommodation
Accommodation in Kyoto will be a Tomiya Ryokan (a Japanese Inn). In Tokyo, students will be
hosted for four nights by members of our sister school, Kitazono High School. All hosting families
will have signed a Child Protection Declaration. The details of each student’s host family will be
known about 4 weeks before departure. In Tokyo accommodation will be in a three star
international hotel, the Metropolitan in Ikebukuro.
Staff
The accompanying staff members have not been confirmed, but are currently Ms Caroline David
and Mr Tim Griffiths. Both teachers have extensive travel experience in Japan. In addition, Ms
David organized and accompanied the Smith’s Hill High School Japan Study Tours in 2003, 2006,
2008, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 and has organized and accompanied other tours in 2005, 2007,
2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015 and will go in April 2016. Mr Griffiths has lived in Japan for many
years and has accompanied the Smith’s Hill Japan Study Tours in 2012, 2013 and 2014. All
teachers are emergency care, senior first aid and CPR trained. The students will be supervised at
all times when not in homestay.
Fundraising/Student Contribution
It is our experience that students who make the greatest financial contribution to the tour gain
the most rewarding experiences. Whether they get a part time job (students over 14 are legally
permitted to have a part time job), host students or sell chocolates, it will be an important lesson
in delayed gratification. The school offers two avenues of fundraising. Any student who has
hosted a Japanese student from one of our sister schools has $10 per night per student already in
trust. This will continue until departure. In addition, we can supply students with Cadbury
Fundraising chocolates on the strict condition that they are not seen or sold at school. Each box
sold will attract $20 to your child’s fundraising account. Parents are encouraged to come to an
agreement with their child about how they can contribute to the cost of the tour through chores
at home also. Parents have reported some dissatisfaction at the range of fundraising
opportunities, but over the last 12 years, we have tried absolutely everything, and, sadly selling
chocolates is by far the most time and profit effective way we have found.
Smith’s Hill High School
Japan Study Tour 2016
Information package
Page 5
Smith’s Hill High School
Promoting excellence in a spirit of trust and co-operation
Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is included in the price of the tour. If you already have an
international travel insurance policy that you wish to use, please let one of us know and we will
not include you in the group policy.
Cost
The cost of the excursion cannot be confirmed until 60 days before departure, however, at this
stage, it is anticipated that the cost will be $3800, based on historical figures, the number of
students going and the current exchange rate. Changes in any of these factors will, however,
change the final figure.
Included in the price of the Tour:
 Return air fares on QANTAS (Frequent Flyer points will accrue)
 all accommodation
 daily allowance for food when meals are not otherwise provided by host families
 entry to all attractions including Disneyland and shrines, temples and castles
 transport, including a 7-day Japan Rail Pass
 comprehensive travel insurance
 transfers to and from Sydney airport
All payments should be made to the school by cash or cheque using the accompanying payment
record. You may choose to pay in installments, or as payments are due.
NOT included in the price is spending money for souvenirs, nor a gift for the student’s host family
or passport expenses.
Spending Money
The school purchases an amount of yen to take with us to cover local payments such as entry to
museums etc. We get a good rate and do not pay commissions. If you would like us to purchase
some spending money on your behalf, you will be able to include that in your final payment.
Spending money should absolutely be the student’s own money. They will spend every yen they
take, whether it is in the tens, hundreds or thousands of dollars. Around $500-$100 is a mark to
work towards, but it will depend on many factors such as how many people they are intending to
purchase gifts for, whether they are planning to make a significant purchase themselves and what
opportunities they have had to earn money. This year I was most amused and heartened to see
jars of baby sitting and soccer referring money being brought in to change into spending money.
All their food money, entry to castles and temples will be catered for. Spending money is purely
discretionary. All students will have at least one birthday between now and then, so the promise
of some spending money may go some way to their total. Rough prices for popular souvenirs are:
Replica sword - $30- - $100
Smith’s Hill High School
Japan Study Tour 2016
Information package
Page 6
Smith’s Hill High School
Promoting excellence in a spirit of trust and co-operation
Second hand silk kimono - $40 – $300
Cotton kimono, new - $50 - $100
Payment Method
You may pay the school one of two ways:
1. by cheque or cash brought to the school office
2. by direct debit
Account details for parents for direct deposit payments –
Account Name – Smith’s Hill High School Administration Account
BSB No. – 032-001 - Account No. 140781
Please email the office with details of your payment including the excursion number 090-462 to
Elaine.mcdermott@det.nsw.edu.au. Please also cc caroline.david@det.nsw.edu.au into these
emails so we can check that the money has made its way into the correct account.
Communication
All communication to do with the tour will be my email. At least one email provided needs to be
that of a parent. You may provide as many email addresses as you like to be kept up to date with
the latest information. Send an email to caroline.david@det.nsw.edu.au with all the email
addresses you wish to add to the list.
A Facebook page has been created where you will be updated with news and photos while we are
in Japan. It is a closed group so any photos that are uploaded will only be seen by members. Any
family and friends of students going can join, but if they have a different name to yours let me
know.
It is DEC policy that teachers are not to be friends with students on Facebook, but it has been set
up in such a fashion that even if students join, they will not be able to see the personal
information of any teachers, satisfying DEC requirements. Search for 2016 Smith’s Hill High
School Japan Study Tour or go to: https://www.facebook.com/groups/733372166695189/
The group will be registered with DFAT just prior to departure with the name ‘Smiths’ Hill High
School Japan Study Tour 2016’. You will have an opportunity to change any of your contact
details at the last meeting. In the event of an emergency, you will be able to liaise with them if
you cannot get hold of a teacher.
Mobile phones
Students will not be permitted to take mobile phones or devices that connect to the internet with
a sim card. They may take a WiFi capable device to listen to music, but it may only be used on the
plane journey to and from Japan and going to sleep at night.
Smith’s Hill High School
Japan Study Tour 2016
Information package
Page 7
Smith’s Hill High School
Promoting excellence in a spirit of trust and co-operation
In the past, parents have reported a high level of satisfaction with this arrangement. Each day
they were updated with news and photos from the day through the Facebook page and felt
connected to their children in this way.
Parents also commented on the personal growth that occurred in their children as a result of not
being attached to an electronic device, being encouraged to converse with other students, and
engage in the art of conversation rather than electronic media.
Both teachers have mobile phones and can relay any important messages, as well as checking the
Facebook page daily.
Girls
It has been our experience that some girl’s natural rhythms and cycles are disrupted by plan
travel, so they should come prepared for all eventualities.
Converse Shoes
Japan has a wide range of converse shoes that students in the past have enjoyed purchasing. If
you think this is something you would be interested in purchasing, please find your shoe size in
centimetres. If you already have converse shoes, the size will be on the tongue. A womens size
7.5 is a Japanese 24.5cm.
ABC Mart is a chain with many stores near Ikebukuro. Whilst the exact range of shoes will vary
from store to store, the website will give you a general idea of the sorts of styles available.
http://www.abc-mart.com/inex/html
The basic pairs are often as cheap as 3900 yen, going up to 10,000 yen for high top leather shoes.
Bus to the airport
A seatbelt fitted bus will be organized to take the students to the airport to save parents time and
expense. It is anticipated that we will leave school at 4.30pm on Friday night, September 16,
2016.
Weather
It will be the end of summer and will be hot at first then cooling down slightly.
Kyoto weather forecast can be found here
http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/kyoto+japan+JAXX0047
Tokyo weather forecast can be found here
http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/tokyo+japan+JAXX--85
Luggage
QANTAS have become very strict about their luggage regulations. Each passenger must only have
one piece of luggage under 30kgs. They cannot take 2 pieces even if the combined total is below
Smith’s Hill High School
Japan Study Tour 2016
Information package
Page 8
Smith’s Hill High School
Promoting excellence in a spirit of trust and co-operation
30kgs. This is particularly relevant for students planning to purchase souvenir swords. Last year
those students were charged $120 per piece for anything that did not fit into their luggage. It is
best for students to take a suitcase that has wheels, and it should be half full on the way over.
Paperwork
If you wish for your child to participate in this tour, please complete the attached permission slip
and information sheet. Please forward a copy of your passport at your earliest convenience. If
you do not have a passport now, you do not need to apply for it immediately, but a copy of the
new one will need to be at school by Friday April 1, 2016 for the final DEC submission.
All paperwork should be submitted by December 11, 2015. Follow the accompanying schedule
for important dates.
Expectations of students
In order for this excursion to be a success students are reminded that they are ambassadors for
their school and country, and as such their behaviour should be beyond reproach at all times.
They should act in a courteous and considerate fashion, respecting the property of others, and
following instructions given by teachers or leaders. They should refrain from dangerous activities,
and seek clarification with regard to what constitutes a dangerous activity when unsure.
The purchase of and / or consumption of alcohol, cigarettes or illicit drugs is strictly forbidden and
students breaking this rule will be required to be collected from Japan.
Risk assessment
A comprehensive risk assessment of the Tour has been conducted, a management plan has been
put into place and the utmost care will be taken to ensure the safety all students. Please find
attached a copy of this.
Privacy advice
The information provided by you is being obtained for the purpose of ascertaining relevant
medical information, requirements and other health care related needs about your son /
daughter in relation to their proposed involvement in the Japan Study Tour.
It will be used by officers of the NSW Department of Education and Training to assist planning, to
support students, and to minimise risks when conducting this excursion.
Other persons or agencies that may be provided with this information include, but are not limited
to, volunteers and members of external organisations who join with the school or are otherwise
involved in the planning or delivery of the excursion, sporting or other school activity; and
persons that may be called upon to provide health care treatment or other assistance during or as
a consequence of this excursion.
Smith’s Hill High School
Japan Study Tour 2016
Information package
Page 9
Smith’s Hill High School
Promoting excellence in a spirit of trust and co-operation
Our group will be registered with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT), under the name
‘Smith’s Hill High School Japan Tour 2016’, and each student’s emergency contact details will be
included in that registration. DFAT officers are covered by a stringent Privacy Policy, and no
student’s details will be used except to contact family in the event of an emergency. The teachers
will attempt to contact family in the first instance.
Provision of this information is not required by law, however, a failure to provide the information
may mean that your child can not participate in the Japan Study Tour.
Provision of this information however, will significantly assist the school in planning a safer
educational activity. It will be stored securely. If you have any concerns about provision of this
information, please contact, the school principal.
You may correct any personal information provided at any time by contacting the school office.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any other questions.
Kind regards
Ms Caroline David
Head Teacher, Teaching and Learning
Excursion Co-ordinator
Mr David Deitz
Principal
May 1, 2015
Smith’s Hill High School
Japan Study Tour 2016
Information package
Page 10
Smith’s Hill High School
Promoting excellence in a spirit of trust and co-operation
Thoughts from previous participants
Dear Ms Mitchell
I just wanted to take the time to thank you for the wonderful opportunity that Smith’s Hill High
School has given <student> through the Japanese study Tour.
Since his return I have seen an already mature young individual become even more independent
and self-assured, clear of the direction he wishes to take in life. As a parent I have always been
proud of my son and the challenges life has thrown him. Yet this experience has helped him grow
on another level.
I am envious of the trust, challenges, culture and independence offered to a lovely mature group
of 16-17 years olds. It is full credit to Sensei David and Griffiths that they have the teaching skills
and educational acumen to know when to guide and when to give opportunity in a safe
environment.
As parents far away, we felt secure in the care given and well informed by Sensei David, confident
<student> was having a fantastic time, educationally, culturally and developing socially.
Since his return <student> has been sharing so many wonderful experiences that could not be
replicated from anything we as parents could do for him. I love his stories of working with
friends, discovering new relationships and developing existing ones. Ours is, as you know, a small
family that has experienced constraints that have limited <student’s> opportunities and this trip
was a great “make-up” for that.
The intangibles are the things he will remember the most, alongside of a wonderful cultural
experience and all those sites – we are still working through digesting the photos.
Year 10 Parent
***************
Re: Smith’s Hill High School Japan Trip 2013
Dear Mrs Mitchell
“Arigatou gozaimasu”. How can we thank yourself, the school, the unstoppable Japanese
teachers (Caroline David, Tim Griffiths and respective families), school support staff and anyone
else who was involved in providing the opportunity for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Japan for our
son and his classmates. An experience which was made even more rewarding and well-rounded
because of the opportunity to host two Japanese exchange students in our home prior to the trip.
Smith’s Hill High School
Japan Study Tour 2016
Information package
Page 11
Smith’s Hill High School
Promoting excellence in a spirit of trust and co-operation
In the 18 months lead up to the trip we were given ample information and options which
prepared us as parents for what we could expect. So much preparation, I’m sure, had been put in
by the staff already at that point. A steady stream of information through meetings, emails,
newsletters etc. kept us well informed.
One of the things that we loved about the lead up to the trip is that the children were involved
financially. The school kept us up to date with costs, itinerary, involved us in the decisions in
regards to booking tickets, purchasing appropriate spending money at appropriate times etc.
Most importantly, students were encouraged to save up some pocket money or casual job money
as their contribution towards the trip. This way we believe, they got more out to the whole
experience. Speaking of money, budgeting was a skill that <student> benefited from greatly
during the trip. He learnt about a different currency, fluctuating exchange rates, prioritising
purchases and making his money last.
<student> is a social person. Through the opportunity to host two exchange students in our
home in Australia and then visit them in their home cities of Takarazuka and Tokyo as part of the
tour, he developed his skills in accepting responsibility, relationship building, maintaining and
improving friendships and socialising across cultures. He thoroughly hopes to study in Japan one
day in the future and I’m sure he will catch up with his “buddies” then.
<student> said the opportunity to explore another country’s culture was fantastic, especially the
food! Since his return to Australia I have seen him more willing in general to try new things and
foods as well (not just Japanese food). I’m sure the experiences he had in speaking, pronouncing,
listening and interpreting Japanese on an everyday basis with locals has improved <student’s>
ability for him to continue Japanese study through to Years 11 &12.
The activities included in the tour were varied. We were very pleased to hear how much
<student> enjoyed making his way from one meeting point to another with his group. This type
of opportunity encouraged team work within the group and a willingness to engage with the
locals.
So, in closing, a sincere thank you from our family to the Smith’s Hill High school family for making
this wonderful trip possible. We do hope that the exchange program with the Japanese High
Schools continues and that more Smith’s Hill Japanese Students get to experience this amazing
and educationally rewarding opportunity.
Smith’s Hill High School
Japan Study Tour 2016
Information package
Page 12
Smith’s Hill High School
Promoting excellence in a spirit of trust and co-operation
Re: Smith’s Hill High School Japan Tour 2013
I wish to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity given to my daughter to participate in
the recent Smith’s Hill High School Japan tour.
Ordinarily I should have been anxious sending my daughter overseas by herself for the first time.
However, I was surprisingly relaxed and confident she would be in the best possible hands. The
teachers’ extensive preparation and thorough organisation covered every possible scenario and
kept parents well-informed throughout the whole process.
The education benefits of a trip like this are numerous and include such things as:
 Learning to navigate around a busy city and negotiating its complex transport system
 Expanding language skills through everyday conversations with locals whilst shopping,
easting out, asking for directions and travelling
 Calculating prices using a foreign currency
 Appreciating the Japanese culture, the people and their differences
 Learning about the landscape and its architecture
 Gaining an insight into Japanese history and the real meaning and devastation of war
My daughter returned with a new found love of (in her own words) “this amazing country that is
Japan”. She has fallen in love with its people, its culture, its language, its country and its vending
machines.
She has matured from the experience and the responsibility of looking after her own belongings.
Her eyes have been forever widened to worldwide travel and the exhilarating freedom it brings.
She has a new appreciation for fresh, health food and is more open to the prospect of trying other
different foods now. The fear of the unknown and trying new things is not so daunting anymore.
One of the most priceless aspects of the trip would have to be the invaluable new friendships
formed with many of the Japanese students and especially her host family in Japan, which will
hopefully last a lifetime. It has also been wonderful to see the common bond between her fellow
class travellers evolve into new found friendships whilst strengthening existing ones.
My sincere thanks goes to the school for making this trip possible and especially to her two
amazing teachers who went well out of their way to ensure these children had the safest and
most unforgettable trip of a lifetime.
Smith’s Hill High School
Japan Study Tour 2016
Information package
Page 13
Smith’s Hill High School
Promoting excellence in a spirit of trust and co-operation
Dear Mrs Mitchell
I recently attended the school trip with Caroline David and Margaret Uitterlinden. During this time I was
able to observe first hand, and in detail, the heroic efforts of these ladies in organising and executing a
complicated and extremely ambitious tour.
I feel compelled to write to you in praise of the efforts of these caring professional ladies, who I feel have
gone above and beyond the effort reasonably expected of even the most dedicated teachers.
Right from the outset it was clear from Caroline’s detailed and excitement building preparation and weekly
emails this trip was going to be something special. No detail was left unplanned, no small eventuality
overlooked. The documentation and preparation I witnessed was far in excess of what I have witnessed in
my professional life as a major industrial shutdown planner!
During the trip itself, the level of care, excitement and dedication I saw displayed has single handily
restored my faith in the public education system. The care and protection offered the students was always
of the highest level, the experience and professionalism of Caroline’s previous life as a Tour Guide coming
to the fore.
What a joy it was to travel in the company of someone who obviously has a passion for the country, who
fluently speaks the language and interprets the culture. Her love for the language and quirkiness of the
Japanese people is infectious and the children learned, experienced and grew visibly to an extent that I had
not even thought possible during the two weeks.
The teachers were a study of perpetual motion, tirelessly tending to their demanding and exuberant flock
with good nature and limitless patience. Problems were overcome, hurdles were cleared, issues resolved
and plans changed on the fly to squeeze the maximum learning and cultural richness possible from the
journey.
At times I was simply amazed at the capability these ladies displayed as they navigated 22 excited,
forgetful and inattentive teenagers through the peak hour Tokyo subway system. I know who to call next
time I hear the expression herding cats is impossible.
I am deeply grateful for the fantastic experience these ladies provided to my son, humbled by their level of
expertise and knowledge, and reassured by their passion and commitment to their profession.
It is only a small gesture, but with my hand on my heart, I would like to take this opportunity to express my
gratitude at the superhuman efforts generously provided to enable my son to have a life-changing
experience in Japan, a trip which he will remember for the rest of his life.
You are no doubt very proud of Caroline and Margaret and justifiably grateful to have them on your team
at Smith’s Hill High School.
Smith’s Hill High School
Japan Study Tour 2016
Information package
Page 14
Smith’s Hill High School
Promoting excellence in a spirit of trust and co-operation
Permission form
I consent to …………………………………………………………………. participating in a Study Tour to Japan
from September 16- October 1, 2016
Medical treatment - response
I give / do not give permission for my child to receive medical treatment in case of emergency.
Parent signature ______________________________________
Overnight excursions - response
I understand that my son / daughter will stay overnight at Tomiya Ryokan when in Kyoto, the
Metropolitan Hotel, Ikebukuro when in Tokyo and will be hosted by a member of Kitazono High
Schools, according to the attached schedule.
Yes / No Parent signature ___________________________
Bicycle activity - response
I give permission for my son / daughter to have the option of hiring a bicycle at Miyajima Island
and exploring the precinct. I understand that bicycle helmets are unavailable and that I need to
provide one should I wish my child to wear one.
Yes / No Parent signature ___________________________
Illegal substances - student response
I (student) _________________________understand that the purchase of and / or
consumption of alcohol, cigarettes or illicit drugs is strictly forbidden, and undertake not to
participate in any such activity. I understand that my parents will be contacted and instructed
to come and collect me from Japan in this instance.
Student signature __________________________
Smith’s Hill High School
Japan Study Tour 2016
Information package
Page 15
Smith’s Hill High School
Promoting excellence in a spirit of trust and co-operation
Illegal substances - parent response
I (parent) __________________________ understand the seriousness of the above matter, and
have spoken to my son/daughter regarding same. In the unlikely event that these rules are
broken, I will come and collect my son / daughter from Japan following discussions with the
teacher.
Parent signature ___________________________
Water activities Miyajima ferry- response
I consent to my son / daughter riding on the Miyajima car ferry from Hiroshima to Miyajima. I
understand that it is a large car carrying vessel that has an impeccable safety history and
enough life jackets for all passengers on board. I understand that the teacher will not have a
choice as to the vessel operating the 2.15 service on November 15, 2015, but that all vessels are
seaworthy and appropriate for the ten minute voyage.
Yes / No Parent signature ___________________________
Water activities - Disneyland - response
I consent to my son / daughter to be free to choose to go on the Splash Mountain attraction at
Disneyland. I understand that there is a good chance that, should my son/daughter choose to
participate in this ride that he/she will be splashed with a small amount of water. I understand
that they will be secured into the raft by locking bars and that there is no chance of them being
immersed in water whilst on the ride. Further, I understand that there is no chance of them
being immersed in water having finished the ride either as this area is out of bounds and
secured by a fence.
Yes / No Parent signature ___________________________
Risk Management - response
I have received a copy of the itinerary and risk management document and agree that whilst
utmost care will be taken, I do not hold Smith’s Hill High School nor its servants responsible for
any loss or injury.
Yes / No Parent signature ___________________________
Smith’s Hill High School
Japan Study Tour 2016
Information package
Page 16
Smith’s Hill High School
Promoting excellence in a spirit of trust and co-operation
Health information form for ………………………………………………………………
Health - response
Does your son / daughter have any allergies to food or environment? If yes, please give details.
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Does your son / daughter suffer from asthma? If yes, please give details, including medications.
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Does your son / daughter take regular medications? If yes, please give details.
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Are there any other health issues regarding your son / daughter that we should know about? If
yes, please give details.
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
If there is insufficient space here, please continue over the page. Please attach any relevant
documentation.
Signature …………………………………………..
Smith’s Hill High School
Japan Study Tour 2016
Date ………………………..
Information package
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Smith’s Hill High School
Promoting excellence in a spirit of trust and co-operation
Your record
4
Date:
Payment slip to take to school
Instalment 4
090-462
Name:
Amount:
Amount:
Date:
3
Date:
Instalment 3
090-462
Name:
Amount:
Amount:
Date:
2
Date:
Instalment 2
090-462
Name:
Amount:
Amount:
Date:
1
Date:
Instalment 1
090-462
Name:
Amount:
Amount:
Date:
Smith’s Hill High School
Japan Study Tour 2016
Information package
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Smith’s Hill High School
Promoting excellence in a spirit of trust and co-operation
8
Date:
Instalment 8
090-462
Name:
Amount:
Amount:
Date:
7
Date:
Instalment 7
090-462
Name:
Amount:
Amount:
Date:
6
Date:
Amount:
Instalment 6
090-462
Name:
Amount
Date:
5
Date:
Amount:
Instalment 5
090-462
Name:
Amount
Date:
Smith’s Hill High School
Japan Study Tour 2016
Information package
Page 19
Smith’s Hill High School
Promoting excellence in a spirit of trust and co-operation
Dates for the diary
2014
May 14 (We)
 Preliminary meeting at school
 send your email address to caroline.david@det.nsw.edu.au to be added
to the mailing list.
asap
 copy of passport
2015
Sept 11 (Fri)
 Deposit of $1500 to school
Dec 11 (Fr)
Documentation to school:
 Permission form
 Information form
2016
March 25 (Fri)
 copy of passport to school if not already submitted
May 13 (Fri)
 Part payment due (about $1000, but TBC)
 message to your host family to school. In Japanese.
Aug 30 (Wed)
 Final meeting at school
 Final balance due (about $1300, but TBC)
 Spending money payment due (optional)
Smith’s Hill High School
Japan Study Tour 2016
Information package
Page 20