Hello Parents;

We have had 2 great meetings with your children.  The first on February 3rd was aimed at informing students about the trip – the itinerary, flights, what to bring, and we had them complete homestay forms.  The second meeting on March 2nd was to help the students adjust to Canadian culture without too much trouble.  We discussed communication styles and cultural differences. And, of course, answered all their questions about money, homestay, flights, clothes, luggage, etc.

I would like to share some of the key points with you…

Spending money – we are recommending that students have between $20 and $50 Cdn per day depending on how many souvenirs they want to purchase.

Luggage – the airline allows each student one ‘check-in’ bag (maximum 23 kgs) and to one ‘carry-on’ bag.  I have suggested that the students may want their carry-on to be a backpack so that they can use it while in Calgary. 

Pick-up – on March 20th; parents will be expected to pick their child up from the ferry terminal.  Once we arrive in Hong Kong and purchase tickets; I will post which terminal and time we will be arriving.  Students will not be permitted to leave on their own unless they have a note for their parents.

Friday’s Agenda – Students are asked to bring their luggage and passports to school on Friday morning.  We will secure the luggage in the conference room and I will hold all passports.  Students will be allowed out of class at 2pm and we will depart for the ferry terminal shortly after that.

Clothing – Students must wear their red TIS sweater on travel days and they are expected be in ‘smart’ casual clothing on conference days.  On the weekends and on Tuesday when we are skiing, warm will be the priority.  Layering is the best way to ensure comfort.  Calgary Weather
Also, there will be no need for ‘dress’ clothes as suggested on the ‘what to bring’ sheet, but something green for St. Patrick’s Day on Saturday would be fun!

Contact Information – Students have been given a sheet with their homestay family’s information on it.  Please feel free to email them in advance if you have any questions or concerns.  Your child will have internet access in the homestay and at school – email may be the best method of communication as there is a 14 hour time change.

We are going to have a great time!!!