1. * Japan-Tour 2016 Meeting: Wednesday February 24, 2016

2. 41 Days Left!!

3. * Agenda 1.Emergency Texting and phone numbers 2.Converters 3.Rules and Regulations 4.Practical Advice 5.Packing Suggestions 6.Immunizations 7.Medical Issues 8.Money Reminders 9.Telephone cards

4. * Agenda continued… 10. Hotel Information 11. Flight Information 12. Arrival Day 13. Weather in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima 14. Backpacks 15. Questions 16. Handouts and items from chaperones

5. * Emergency Texting and phone numbers FOR THIS TRIP WE WILL NOT HAVE A TELEPHONE CHAIN CHART. I WILL SEND A GROUP TEXT IN CASE OF EMERGENCIES. THIS WAY YOU WILL NOT RELY ON ANYONE ELSE BUT ME, MR. SAWCHUK, TO DIRECTLY CONTACT YOU. YOU SHOULD HAVE ALL JOINED MY REMIND 101 AND HAVE ALREADY RECEIVED MESSAGES. ***IF YOU HAVE NOT RECEIVED A TEXT YET PLEASE SEE ME AFTER THE MEETING!!!

6. * Converters * Trip participants who plan on using electric appliances such as hair dryers, electric shavers or curling irons need to obtain a converter. Because converter kits can be expensive, and every person does not need a kit, perhaps a room can arrange to have one or two converters maximum - most rooms won’t have enough outlets anyway. It is important to get a complete adapter kit – not simply the attachment that will work in individual countries. Also, converters reduce the strength of your appliances so items such as hair dryers will take longer than normal to work as will curling irons etc. Try to consolidate appliances per room. We are fortunate and will need Types A and B plugs – the same type we use here in Canada. The voltage, however, is only 100V.

8. * Rules/Regulation s * Participants may not acquire any “room charges” at any of the hotels. Any “in-room” purchases must be cash only. Students may not leave any hotel unless accompanied by a supervisor. If students are leaving the hotel with a supervisor other than their designated group supervisor they must inform their designated group supervisor. Participants must adhere to all schedule times, in particular the times for having bags outside of our rooms and the bus departure times. Because our flight travel time will be about 14 hours (in total), participants are asked to drink plenty of water and to take short walks at regular intervals. All participants are asked to ensure that their seat belts are fastened whenever they are seated on the planes.

9. * Still more rules and regulations! A voltage converter is required for all electric appliances (curling irons, ipods, razors, battery chargers, etc.). This is the responsibility of each participant. However, we do ask that students try to consolidate appliances per room (one straightener, one blow dryer, one charger, etc.). All bags must be “tagged” with Evolve tags. You will receive these prior to our trip. This facilitates the collection of our bags by hotel staff when checking in and out (if this service is offered), getting on busses and trains, and identifying our luggage at airports. All students must participate in all activities as designated by the trip itinerary. As this is a school-sponsored curricular educational excursion, students are prohibited by Rocky View policy from consuming alcoholic beverages during the trip. Room visits between genders are allowed, but the door to the hall must be left open while the visit is in place. A voltage converter is required for all electric appliances (curling irons, ipods, razors, battery chargers, etc.). This is the responsibility of each participant. However, we do ask that students try to consolidate appliances per room (one straightener, one blow dryer, one charger, etc.). All bags must be “tagged” with Evolve tags. You will receive these prior to our trip. This facilitates the collection of our bags by hotel staff when checking in and out (if this service is offered), getting on busses and trains, and identifying our luggage at airports. All students must participate in all activities as designated by the trip itinerary. As this is a school-sponsored curricular educational excursion, students are prohibited by Rocky View policy from consuming alcoholic beverages during the trip. Room visits between genders are allowed, but the door to the hall must be left open while the visit is in place.

10. * More… CURFEW – is at 11pm – lights out and in bed, checks will be conducted Students are responsible for, and must carry their own passports. However, if we spend a period of time in one place it is suggested that they lock their passports in the room or hotel safe. Participants are responsible for the purchase of all lunches. Participants are responsible for the purchase of all beverages beyond those provided with the meal. POSSESSION – of illegal drugs and crimes will be punished by immediate dismissal from the trip and a return home at the expense of the participant – all participants are subject to the laws of the country they are visiting

11. WHEREABOUTS – participants must inform their chaperone of their whereabouts AT ALL TIMES CARRY – the names and telephone numbers of the hotels with you at all times (you will be given a card with this information at the airport – keep it in your wallet or purse at all times) HOTEL ROOMS – are to be respected. Should anything be broken, you will be responsible for the costs and WILL pay before we leave! PARTICIPANTS – must be with a group of at least 3 other people and use the buddy system! * More…

12. * Practical Advice Make sure you can carry your luggage up several flights of stairs (it may be necessary) Liquids - travelers cannot bring any liquids or gels through security checkpoints unless they are travel-sized (100 ml or less). Bottles of water are NOT permitted through the security check points at all. Check the CATSA web site for exact restrictions: http://www.catsa- acsta.gc.ca/english/help_aide/faq/preparation_pr eparatifs.shtmlhttp://www.catsa- acsta.gc.ca/english/help_aide/faq/preparation_pr eparatifs.shtml Consider packing small snacks (granola bars etc)

13. * Packing Suggestions Firstly – make sure that you have a comfortable pair of walking shoes! These should be broken in prior to our trip. PACK what you think you want to take in one suitcase and one carry - on - then carry both pieces up and down a long flight of stairs for 10 minutes non-stop; if this is too much to carry, eliminate what you really don’t need ! IDENTIFY your belongings with name and address tags and some sort of Canadian symbol (tag or patch). You will also get an EF tag that should be put on your suitcase. Do not forget your digital camera and recharging chord. PACK something to read on the plane. Also drink plenty of water or juice on the plane to prevent dehydration. Compression socks are a good idea for long-haul flights to reduce blood clots and leg swelling – we arrive at 2:30 pm in Tokyo and will be out and about after we land.

14. * Packing suggestions continued… Travel experts suggest that if you can’t wear something several times (except socks and underwear), don’t pack it. Tag your luggage on the inside and out (in case your luggage tag gets torn off or your luggage gets lost). Use space saving ideas such as if you pack a purse, fill it with items, stuff socks into shoes if you are bringing more than one pair. We will have different color of ribbons on our luggage to identify them faster! Your chaperones will give these to you at the airport.

15. DO NOT PUT THE FOLLOWING ITEMS IN YOUR CHECKED LUGGAGE – CARRY THEM ON WITH YOU: Passport Credit card Money Prescription meds / epi pens Glasses / contacts (small amount of solution) ANYTHING YOU CONSIDER IRREPLACABLE!!! Packing Con’t

16. * Packing Suggestions continued… Consider bringing the following items with you: A safe way of carrying money (neck or waist money bands) Comfortable runners/shoes for a great deal of walking Playing cards or other small games Clothes in layers - a light rain jacket Some snack bars such as granola bars, fruit bars or protein bars A watch (preferably with alarm) If you wear contacts, bring glasses as well (two pairs) A plastic garbage bag or two for dirty laundry A ball cap or hat A small travel UMBRELLA A POSITIVE, FLEXIBLE ATTITUDE !!!

17. * Dress and Attire Have the ability to layer your clothes as temperatures may range from 5 o C to 20 o C. Arrange your wardrobe so several things can coordinate together We will be doing a great deal of walking so ensure you have comfortable walking shoes/runners.

18. Copies of passport Itinerary Shirts Undergarments Sweatshirt / jacket / rain jacket / wind breaker Alarm clock / watch Sun block – depending on your sun-sensitivity Hand sanitizer (gel or cloths) Tissues (and maybe toilet paper) Camera Sample Packing List

19. Toiletries – shampoo, make up, deodorant etc.. Glasses (eye / sun) Spending money / cards Comfy shoes Shorts / pants / skirts Pajamas Umbrella Swim suit!!! (one of the hotels may have a pool) Sample Con’t

20. DRESS IN LAYERS: T-shirt, sweatshirt, rain jacket!!! You should have already received a more detailed packing list at one of the student meetings. Sample Con’t

21. * Medical Issues Epi pens: Evolve asks that you bring 3 Epi pens. You will carry one yourself, one will be in the medical kit and one will be carried by the tour director. Asthma Inhalers: Evolve asks that you bring 3 inhalers. You will carry one yourself, one will be in the medical kit and one will be carried by the tour director. Advil/Tylenol etc. should be brought along in small quantities If you have food allergies, please remind us at every meal so we can ensure that no illness will result – nuts are not commonly used in Japanese cuisine, they are sometimes used. Seafood is quite common. Get rest when you can as the trip can be grueling at times Eat when provided opportunities and ensure that you stay well-hydrated – buy bottled water or soft drinks.

22. * Medical Issues All of the chaperones will have a list of student medical issues and dietary needs. When you meet with your chaperone tonight, please ensure that they know your/your child’s medical concerns. Please go over this with the chaperone. It is important information that will help your child if we have a medical emergency.

23. * Medical Issues – Personal First Aid CHAPERONES WILL ALL CARRY A FIRST AID KIT, BUT WE ALSO SUGGEST THAT STUDENTS HAVE THEIR OWN KITS WHICH SHOULD INCLUDE: PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION TUMS ADVIL/TYLENOL/ASPIRIN BAND AIDS BENADRYL POLYSPORIN PINK-EYE DROPS IMODIUM GRAVOL REHYDRATION CRYSTALS/POWDER SORE THROAT LOZENGES (HALLS) COLD MEDICATION SUNSCREEN AND ALOE VERA FOR BURNS

24. * Immunizations At this point you should be up to date with your immunizations or be in the process of taking them. There are no immunizations that you must have beyond the standard immunizations issued by government health agencies. Some of the suggested immunizations are: Government of Canada has issued a Global Measles Health Update, so make sure yours is up to date. Hepatitis A and B Japanese Encephalitis. Rabies (remote areas and in contact with bats)

25. * General Travel Guidelines for Health Wash hands frequently. Take along hand sanitizer or wipes for the times you are unable to get to a sink. Consider getting a flu shot. Drink bottled water or soft drinks. Tap water is potable (drinkable). Depending on your sun sensitivity, you may want to use sunscreen and wear a hat to avoid sun burn.

26. * General Travel Guidelines for Health Influenza/Flu – rest when given the opportunity and wash your hands often. Measles – make sure that you are up to date on your immunizations Rabies and Japanese Encephalitis – not mandatory for where are travelling and an extremely low likelihood of infection according to the travel doctor that I saw. **If unsure, make an appointment with a travel doc.

27. Participants should have their Yen in hand before leaving. As of Sunday, Feb. 21 $1 CDN = ~ ¥ 82 JPY You know your son/daughter best, discuss with them their budget per day and explain that it is important they follow that or they will run out of money. I am going to exchange $300 - 400 CAD into Yen, which is about ¥ 24, 540 – ¥ 32, 700. Money Reminder

28. Once we are settled, pack money in various places so that you don’t have it all on you in one place. Do not put in your back pockets!!!!!! Make sure to have a safe place for your money and credit/debit cards. Money Reminders

29. When carrying your money: Keep money in various spots in luggage, or in the hotel safety deposit boxes Girls hold purses tight to the side or have cross body bags Boys put wallet in front pocket Can have credit card / debit card as well as cash Money Reminders

30. Phone calls or other personal expenses incurred in the hotels are the students responsibility to pay the night before departure We recommend that calls home are for emergencies only. Email may be a better way to communicate when “free” time is available. Hostels and hotels usually have internet and Wi-Fi. Telephone Cards

31. Hostel in Tokyo (Days 2, 3, 4 and 5): To Be Announced – address and phone number will be handed to students once new hotel is booked Hotel Information

32. Hotel/Hostel in Kyoto (Days 6 and 7): *TBA* Hotel Information

33. Hotel/Hostel in Osaka (Days 8 and 9) *TBA* Hotel Information

34. Hotel/Hostel in Hiroshima (Days 10 and 11) *To Be Announced* Hotel Information

35. We have already created chaperone lists. We will let you know who your chaperone in the next few slides. Rooming lists will be made once we have confirmed the hotels and hostels at which we will be staying (which should be shortly). The rooming lists will be announced at a lunchtime student meeting in a couple of weeks. ***Be aware that rooming may change upon arrival – be prepared for this emotionally. We do our best to keep friends together, and to place you with people that you know. Hotels and Rooming

36. Chaperone Lists…

37. Mr. Bailey  Nick Dzisiak  Sidney Roberge  Daniel Sedlov  Bret Shilliday  Claudia Abbott  Chrisne van Wyk  Emma Wearing

38. Mr. Carder  Nick Bates  Case Braun  Eric Kane  Paul Fulton  Logan Nishimura  Ben Simonelli  Noah Trybuch  Spencer Wood

39. Mrs. Lambie  Marissa Bender  Kamryn MacDonell  Lara Calvo  Julia Shore  Jessi Stadel

40. Mr. Matthews  August Blust  Mariel Calvo  Molly Turner  Logan Feit  Mat Reimer  Jonny Smith  Ethan White

41. Ms. Medd  Kyle Bygrove  Carter Duthie  Tyler Dzisiak  Brendan Kwong  Justin Lyras-Bouchard  Ian Strong  Mitchell Wilson

42. Mr. Sawchuk  Caroline Bartrem  Nadine Britton  Hailey Dirk  Alexa Toews  Burke Simpson  Thomas Jacobs  Grady Munro

43. * Flight Information We will be flying both directions with Air Canada DEPARTURE: April 5  Depart Calgary YYC @ 12:40 pm  Arrive Tokyo NRT @ 2:20 pm (April 6th) RETURN: April 16  Depart Tokyo NRT @ 5:00 pm  Arrive Vancouver YVR @ 9:35 am (April 16th)  Depart Vancouver YVR @ 12:00 pm (April 16th)  Arrive Calgary YYC @ 2:26 pm (April 16th)

44. MAKE SURE BEFORE YOU LEAVE YOUR HOME THAT YOU HAVE YOUR PASSPORT AND VARIOUS FORMS OF CURRENCY (Canadian dollars and Japanese Yen) WITH YOU!!! Due to the size of the group, all trip participants are responsible for getting to the airport ON TIME, themselves April 5, 2016. Participants need to arrive at the airport AT LEAST 3 HOURS prior to departure: Flight leaves at 12:40 pm, so you need to BE THERE by 9:00 a.m. The entire group should meet in front of group check-in (on departure level). Find Mr. Sawchuk or your chaperone! Because we are here so early please make sure you have some Canadian dollars along as well as some munchies. WHEN AT THE AIRPORT, WATCH YOUR BAGS AND BELONGINGS AT ALL TIMES – NEVER LEAVE THEM UNATTENDED!!!!! Pre-flight Information

45. AGAIN: MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE YOUR HOUSE WITH YOUR PASSPORT AND VARIOUS FORMS OF CURRENCY!!!!!!!

46. Make sure your luggage is within the weight/size restrictions as follows: Maximum sizeMaximum weight 1 standard article (back pack, roller suitcase) 23cm x 40cm x 51cm (wheels and handles included in size) 10kg 22lbs 1 personal article (laptop,purse) 16cm x 33cm x 43cm 10kg 22lbs 1 checked article (suitcase, large bag, large backpack) 158cm (length, width, height) 23kg 50lbs Luggage

47. We will be travelling mostly by coach bus between cities We will also be using the bullet train for some of the travel Travel Tokyo – Kyoto – Osaka – Hiroshima

48. CHAPERONES will: check your passports check that the passports are signed give baggage ribbon and get you to tie them on once your group is together, get you checked in YOU will: make sure you have your passport and your money will watch your belongings YYC Check in – Tuesday April 5

49. moving around in the cabin: participants should be respectful of others’ and others’ space in the aircraft. This means trying to stay in your own seat, not cutting through other peoples’ area etc. WHEN CHECKING IN, DON’T WORRY ABOUT YOUR SEAT ASSIGNMENT; YOU CAN SWITCH LATER ON DURING THE FLIGHT Airplane Etiquette

50. Rest / relax on the plane as the time change will be difficult. When you arrive, your tour directors will meet us outside of customs. Be sure to have your passport ready to present to the officials. This day will be challenging, depending on when we arrive to our destination – which is 2:30 PM!!! This means that we will be active and doing some touring that same day! SO, make sure you eat and drink lots of water, as it is easy to become dehydrated! Arrival Day

51. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR GETTING YOURSELVES HOME FROM THE AIRPORT, PARENTS PLEASE BE ON TIME SO WE CAN ALL GO HOME FOR SOME REST. We arrive at approximately 2:30 PM We go back to school Monday! Luckily you have Sunday to recover before heading back to school! Coming Home – April 15

52. We will be visiting popular areas of Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima. The crowds will be dense and “always there”. Japan is a relatively safe place and the people are very helpful, but remember the “rule of three” and go nowhere alone. Guard against pickpockets and purse snatchers by carrying your day pack or purse across your chest, especially on public transit, on escalators, or moving platforms or in crowd Helpful Concluding Tips

53. Keep each days spending money separate from your main bankroll so you don’t have to“dig” for funds in a public place. Consider wearing a money belt or pouch under your clothes – I know it is not cool and can be uncomfortable and look funny but it WORKS. And no“fanny packs!” Your bank card will work at ATMs – if it is has a 4 digit pin number and is a cheque account – but ATMs that work with our cards are not always convenient to find there. Credit card is also a good option!!

54. Use the washroom whenever you have the chance; especially on long travel days. Public bathrooms are generally kept clean, but just as it is in Canada, they are not always available and some are less desirable to use than others.

55. Fill the corners of your suitcase with cereal bars, other snacks, flashlight, travel alarm clock. Put snacks in your carry on as well for the flight along with some books/magazine – can always switch with others in flight. Keep phone calls to a minimum – no news is good news! Email may be best way when time or ask about international cell phones.

56. Any room charges you incur overnight have to be cleared, by you, before any of us leave each morning. So stay out of the mini-bar – if there is one. You won’t be popular if you and your room mates get into a big argument at 7:30 am over who had all the pop and now owe money! Think carefully about the contents of your carry on! NO LIQUIDS!

57. Any pressurized, aerosol-type product is best left at home. If you do take it, leave in checked bag (and this subject to inspection and possible confiscation) – put it into a zip-lock bag in case it explodes. All make-up and mascara is considered a “liquid” and could be taken away. Put in checked luggage!

58. You have all purchased Rocky View Schools Insurance. The policy is available on the Japan Tour website at: www.schsjapan2016.weebly.comwww.schsjapan2016.weebly.com (no password)

59. These are the forecasts for Sunday, March 6  Tokyo: High 15 o C, Low 5 o C (mostly sunny)  Kyoto: High of 11°C, Low of 4°C (Cloudy, 40% chance of rain)  Osaka: High of 13°C, Low of 4°C (Cloudy, 40% chance of rain)  Hiroshima: High of 9 o C, Low of 4 o C (Cloudy, 40% chance of rain)  Avg for time period: Sunny and ~ 10 o C

60. See you all BRIGHT AND EARLY April 15 at 9:00AM!!! Bring a POSITIVE/FLEXIBLE/EXCITED ATTITUDE!!!!!!!!!!!! LET’S GO TO JAPAN!!

61. * Questions DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY QUESTIONS AT THIS TIME ?

62. * Handouts - Information Handouts Due to the trip change, we will be handing the following information out to students in a couple of weeks. Stay tuned for the lunch meeting: Final Itinerary of Trip (won’t likely change)– also on trip website Flight information – also on trip website Packing list – also on trip website Travel tags