Help With the Paperwork

Calgary Board of Education Schools at SpacePort
SpacePort is on the CBE Duty of Care Approved “A” list, a fact that will help twice over:

First, our inclusion on the “A” list ensures that SpacePort is a safe field trip site teaching relevant curricular content. Secondly (and more practically), our inclusion on the “A” list drastically reduces the amount of paperwork that you will have to complete to bring your class here.

Calgary Catholic Schools at SpacePort
It’s easy for teachers to access and complete the approval forms required by the Calgary Catholic School District to take their students on this day trip within Calgary.

A class field trip to SpacePort requires that the field trip leader complete the appropriate forms and obtain approval from their Principal.

Some schools have packages of field trip forms and information already printed out and ready for use available from your Principal. If not, simply go to the folder called
R:/District/Forms/Field Trips on the District’s internal computer network to access all of the current field trip forms and the District’s Field Trip Regulations.

The following information might come in handy:
Curriculum fit assessment: Our programs are specifically tailored to address the Alberta Learning Programs of Study for Science. Our Educational Program Director would be glad to send a detailed explanation of curricular fit by email or fax, or discuss this over the phone. Our programs address the curriculum on many points, addressing both specific and general outcomes.

Area of study: Science
Can these outcomes be achieved at school? Yes, but as your school probably doesn’t have a double-barrelled air cannon, moon rock, or a wind tunnel, we think that we can present concepts in a unique way that can valuably supplement and complement classroom teaching.

Age-and-skill appropriateness: SpacePort’s programs are designed to be flexible: we adjust the topics of discussion and expected learner outcomes for each grade level. We will ensure that our program is age and skill appropriate for your class.

Preview sessions: We are always happy to show teachers around SpacePort in advance of their class’s arrival: simply call to arrange a meeting time with our Educational Program Director.

Potential hazards: SpacePort is a remarkably safe facility. Teachers should note that our simulator rides have moving parts (see ride safety section on pg. 23). These simulator rides are rigorously tested for safety and are always fully supervised. Our Living in Spacesuits Workshop involves the use of heat lamps (again, used only under adult supervision). SpacePort has never had a safety incident occur during one of our school programs.

Ratios requested: Our facility is amply staffed to keep supervisory ratios low (Usually, we have four staff member adults on-site during school hours. SpacePort does not require teachers to bring parent volunteers along. On the other hand, we love it when parents want to join in on the fun: there is no charge for parent volunteers and we welcome as many as you would like to bring.

Weather: As SpacePort is an indoor facility, making contingency plans for weather is unnecessary.

First Aid
Starting in 2003-4, SpacePort day staff will be trained and certified in First Aid in accordance with new CBE Duty of Care guidelines. Our First Aid training means that booking a SpacePort field trip remains easy for teachers (you won’t be forced into finding certified parents to bring along), and makes SpacePort an ever safer space for off-site activities.

SERG
SpacePort is a member of The Society of Educational Resource Groups (SERG), a consortium of Calgary-based off-site learning facilities. As a SERG member and individually, SpacePort is committed to educational excellence and safety in off-site learning. Information on SpacePort’s school programs is presented in the annual SERG directory. SERG affords its members a forum to discuss relevant issues facing all of Calgary’s premier field trip destinations, allowing for wide cooperation and a set of common expectations across Calgary’s off-site learning centres.

Click on the links to the right to find out more...

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