Canadian eTA

URGENT UPDATE

Just to clarify the situation on UK passports. Here is the guidance from our government information pages:

Passport validity

Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required, but if your passport has less than 6 months validity remaining when you arrive in Canada it may take longer to pass through immigration control.

It has also been brought to my attention that Canada has introduced a similar system to the USA's ESTA form. All British citizens will need the Canadian electronic travel authorization form. It costs 7 Canadian dollars so be sure to pay no more and complete it through the official web site.

Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)

Visitors travelling to Canada by air are now expected to get an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) to enter Canada.

If you’re visiting Canada you’ll need an eTA to board your flight unless you’re otherwise exempted (for example, if you have a valid Canadian visa or a permanent resident card). If you have British-Canadian dual nationality you won’t be able to apply for an eTA and you’ll need to present a valid Canadian passport to board your flight to Canada.

For more information about the eTA system, and to apply online, visit the official Canadian government website.

Please read all the information carefully and and once done please send in to school a copy of your authorization form. This form should be done and complete by the middle of January 2017 please. Please use the link below.

eTA

Money

Money abroad

Firstly I would like to thank all parents that came along to the recent parents information evening. We have less than 11 weeks to go now and the resort is now open and it is currently snowing.. So we can officially get excited!

One of the questions asked at the information was regarding money whilst in Canada. The exchange rate is better than it has been for a while. So consider when to get the currency.

You may want your daughter or son to get a pre paid card to use, or to have as an emergency. I parent has recommended the Osper card. It was used last year on the America trip and it worked quite well. See the images below and the links to find out more. The resort has several ATMs.

OSPER

or

goHenry

Ski information evening

QM Snow Patrol 2017
 Information Evening

The snow is certainly starting to cover the blemishes on the northern hemispheres surface and in little over 80 days we will be skiing in one of the most awesome areas to ski and ride in this hemisphere, the Canadian Rockies.

All parents and students are invited to the information evening where we will introduce the team and share some more up to date information about the trip and answer any questions that parents have.

This years information evening is on Monday 28th November 2016 in the Richardson Hall , QMHS. Parking is accessed by the 3rd set of gates on the right as you enter Upper Forster Street from Teddesley Street.

Ski gear heads up

We will review the gear needed for a trip to the Rockies but just I would like to remind parents that the Aldi Ski wear can now be purchased online and is in stores from Sunday 27th November. Stocks do not last long so act quickly if new items are needed. QMHS students please remember to keep checking Google classroom for further information.

Here comes the snow!

Winter has come to the Canadian Rockies

As November approaches we are finalising our group information with Visions and preparing as much information as possible for our forthcoming information evening. Letters regarding the event location, date and time will be out after half term.

Please ensure that all meetings are attended and that information and payment deadlines are met. We will be shortly organising rooming, activities and our ski hoodies.

Remember you can get information from this blog and from Google classroom.

Look at these early pictures from our ski resort.

7759 feet!

The Canadian Dream

How would you like to ski or ride here?

We are looking at a 7 day package with 25 hours of skiing or riding at this epic resort in the Canadian Rockies with prime ski in/out accommodation. More information to follow soon.

"Remember if you don't ski this year you will be one year older when you do"

Interlude

We are already working on the next adventure for the QM SnowPatrol. In the meantime check back here for updates to our previous tour and for future plans. Everyone should now be able to access the trip pictures in the SnowPatrol classroom. Check your emails.

Look what has happened to Pamela

Homebound

We are about to pass through security and baggage reclaim. Toilets first!

The QM SnowPatrol are now on the coach heading towards Walsall, currently on the M25. ETA currently is 11.45am.

We are now on the M40 and have 95 miles to go.

Sleepy heads once more. 

ETA for QMHS is still 11.45 or earlier.

65 miles to go.

If parents can keep the main gates clear that would really help.

We are 5 miles from school and will be there in about 10 minutes. ETA 11.40.

Well that concludes another QM SnowPatrol tour. Everyone has been fantastic and a big thankyou to parents for allowing their daughter's to have this awesome experience. We were all away be 12 noon as planned, thanks everyone. Mr Hinks. :-)