17/10/1013 Dear Parents / Caregivers This term we are planning a tramp on the Mt Somers walkway on Monday 4/11 returning

Tuesday 5/11(dependent on weather we could change to 5th, 6th or 7th November). This trip is designed to reinforce the work we have done through the year on our environment and local area. We also hope to see examples of how the earth works with erosion and volcanic activity. We will encourage students to challenge themselves in the outdoors and be aware of the dangers. Our wetlands topic taught the students about ownership, management and use of conservation land. We hope this trip will inspire an appreciation of our countryside and the activities available. As much as possible the students will be organising all elements of the trip alongside our unit on Healthy food. They will be responsible for learning and complying with the Mountain Safety Code. With guidance they will arrange packing, clothing and food. Once again we will need parent help with transport and assistance. There will be a parent information evening on Wednesday 30/10 at 4:30 in the classroom. All are welcome specially anyone assisting on the tramp. Timetable Parent meeting on Wednesday 31/10 at 4:30ish for all interested including parent help. Monday morning we assemble at school for 9:00 gear check and briefing. Departure in private cars at 10:00ish to Woolshed Creek. Tramp in from the car park to Woolshed Creek Hut. Our focus will be helping the whole group. (3 hours) Lunch will be at the Coal Mine on way. From the hut students will be challenged to climb to the cave stream, then to top of saddle. Non-climbing adults to organise fire and cooking equipment. Return to hut and finalise sleeping arrangements depending on other parties in the hut and cook tea. Evening activity. Breakfast in hut, explore swing bridge and pools tramp back to car park via trig station. Some may need to use four-wheel drive track. Return to school by 3:00. Further study on geology and history of track. Adults to carry; own gear plus; bed roll, cooker, pot, plates, dried food for group of four students plus own food. Two tents will need to be carried. Teacher to arrange first aid kit, map, two way radios and sat phone. Food will be arranged by students and bought locally. Cost should not exceed $10.00 per student. Details finalized at parent meeting. Adults will have to pay hut fees also to be confirmed. (about $20:00)

Permission I give permission for _____________________________________________ to go on the overnight tramp to Woolshed Creek Mt Sommers. Signed: _____________________________________ Name _______________________________________ I can provide transport for __________________(number) students including my own and assist on the tramp. I am confident in completing the 6km tramp with a full pack, my vehicle has a current WOF and registration. I have a full valid drivers licence. Signed___________________________________________ Phone numbers________________________________ Gear list and menu will follow as students finalise. Please dont hesitate to contact me with concerns or questions. You can also raise them at the parent meeting on Wednesday.

Regards Stuart Cooke scooke@methven.school.nz 0212952506 Its not the mountain we conquer, but. Ourselves. Sir Ed Hillary.