05 May 2017
Dear C Block Parent
C BLOCK JOURNEY 2017
As you are aware, your son will be participating in the C Block “Journey” from 09-21 September 2017. This Journey will follow a route from Michaelhouse, through the Giant’s Castle area of the Drakensberg, overnight at different sites on privately owned land, to the Bergville-Spioenkop area and then back to school. A detailed copy of the route map that will be followed by the boys will be available on our website
It is not my intention to over-burden this letter with detail, but rather to give you an overview of what the “Journey” is all about. It is very important to highlight to the parents of the boys participating in this important event exactly what the “Journey” consists of and further to highlight the potential dangers that exist as well as the important and carefully considered steps that Michaelhouse has taken to address these concerns and minimize the risks.
We would therefore like to draw the following to your attention:
- Support Vehicle and Medical Assistance:
1.1During the period of the “Journey” a support vehicle will accompany each group while cycling and at overnight camps for purposes of mechanical and practical support as well as for attention to any unforeseen medical requirements.
1.2During the hiking and paddling stages, this vehicle will be nearby and will be able to access the group during the day.
1.3One of the San sisters and a second vehicle will also accompany the cyclists.
1.4Please note that the boys will not have vehicular support while in the Drakensberg.
- Activities:
During the“Journey” the boys may participate in the activities listed below:
2.1Cycling on tar, district road, jeep tracks and single track routes;
2.2Paddling on the Thukela River and Spioenkop Dam;
2.3Swimming in the Thukela River, mountain streams and farm dams;
2.4Travelling by bus;
2.5Hiking in the Giant’s Castle area of the Drakensberg;
2.6Summiting the Drakensberg;
2.7Hiking on farmland and in nature reserves;
2.8Camping alone during solitude;
2.9Camping in the Drakensberg and on farmland;
2.10Cooking on camping stoves and on open fires.
As we draw nearer to departure on the “Journey”, more detailed information will be fed back to the parents and boys participating in the event in order to ensure that all those involved know exactly what will happen and what is planned to take place.
- Risk and Indemnity:
3.1Precautions have been taken and will be taken to avoid any injury or accident, theft or loss relating to these activities.
3.2Considerable thought has been given to the nature and the type of activities that will be undertaken during the “Journey” and consequentially thereupon an analysis of the risk that is inherent in such activities.
3.3Consideration has also been given to appropriate extraction plans and emergency procedures that would kick into action should an unforeseen emergency arise.
3.4Obviously any such activity as this does involve a certain amount of risk of both serious injury and death to those participating in it.
3.5The Consumer Protection Act requires that you be made aware of these risks and the purpose of this letter is amongst other things required to draw this to your attention.
3.6An indemnity that needs to be completed by the parent or guardian of the boys participating in the “Journey” is attached hereto and needs to be completed and returned to the School by the 31st July 2017.
3.7Unfortunately your son will not be able to participate in the Journey unless the indemnity form has been completed and returned.
3.8This Indemnity and Limitation of Liability is favour of Michaelhouse and is drawn to your attention in terms of the provisions of Section 58 of the Consumer Protection Act, Act No 68 of 2008.
3.9It is specifically noted and drawn to your attention that Michaelhouse does not Contract out of gross negligence in terms of the provisions of this letter or the attached indemnity.
Please do NOT hesitate to contact me should you have any queries or concerns regarding the “Journey”. ()
Yours sincerely
______
Balgowan KwaZulu-Natal 3275 South Africa
Telephone +27 33 234 1153 Facsimile +27 33 234 4611