QUEBEC TRIPS
Before COVID one of Lord Tennyson’s major traditions was the Grade 7 Quebec trip - an optional 7 day adventure that builds on the french immersion experience. Since 2019 we have not been able to run the trip and future trips are uncertain.
Part of the framework of the trip was the Tennyson Quebec Futures Fund. It is a large sum of money that we are in the process of figuring out what to do with. In the coming months Tennyson parents will see first a survey and then a vote to determine what’s next with this fund. We hope to guide the Tennyson community to a resolution by Spring Break 2024. Please watch out for more info.
In order to help parents make informed choices, we’ve put together this FAQ to provide some context around both Quebec Trips and the Tennyson Quebec Futures Fund (TQFF). If there is something you think we have missed, please let us know at [email protected].
Part of the framework of the trip was the Tennyson Quebec Futures Fund. It is a large sum of money that we are in the process of figuring out what to do with. In the coming months Tennyson parents will see first a survey and then a vote to determine what’s next with this fund. We hope to guide the Tennyson community to a resolution by Spring Break 2024. Please watch out for more info.
In order to help parents make informed choices, we’ve put together this FAQ to provide some context around both Quebec Trips and the Tennyson Quebec Futures Fund (TQFF). If there is something you think we have missed, please let us know at [email protected].
QUEBEC FAQ
What was the quebec trip?
The Quebec trip was an opportunity for all Tennyson students to travel to Quebec for a week in their grade 7 year and experience life in French speaking Canada. Designed as a cultural exchange, Tennyson families would then host a Quebec student in Vancouver for a week. Students traveled with Tennyson teacher and/or staff chaperones and stayed with Quebec families (“twins”). The Quebec students (“twins”) traveled to BC later in the school year and stayed with Tennyson families in Vancouver.
During the trips in both cities, students participated in outings and activities as a group during school hours, and were with their exchange families during evenings and weekends. The goal of the trip was to foster a deeper appreciation for Quebec culture, the French language, as well as personal growth and independence. Students re-affirmed their language skills and experienced French as a living language.
While most Tennyson families participated in the exchange, every year there were some students who, due to sports or family commitments, or for personal reasons, did not travel to Quebec. Those students were welcomed to participate in the locally hosted events and learn about Quebec culture from the Quebec twins when they travelled to BC. The outbound trip typically took place in January or February so that students could experience unique Quebec cultural events such as Carnivale, ice sculpture contests and/or ice hotels, maple sugaring etc.
During the trips in both cities, students participated in outings and activities as a group during school hours, and were with their exchange families during evenings and weekends. The goal of the trip was to foster a deeper appreciation for Quebec culture, the French language, as well as personal growth and independence. Students re-affirmed their language skills and experienced French as a living language.
While most Tennyson families participated in the exchange, every year there were some students who, due to sports or family commitments, or for personal reasons, did not travel to Quebec. Those students were welcomed to participate in the locally hosted events and learn about Quebec culture from the Quebec twins when they travelled to BC. The outbound trip typically took place in January or February so that students could experience unique Quebec cultural events such as Carnivale, ice sculpture contests and/or ice hotels, maple sugaring etc.
HOW MUCH DID IT COST?
The cost of the trip could vary from year to year depending on several factors. Using approximate values from around 2018, a trip cost might look like this:
$450 family contribution per student
$1143 fundraising target per student
$900 grant money or from The Tennyson Quebec Futures Fund, if grant application not successful
$2493 TOTAL COST of trip per student
More detailed information can be found
http://www.lordtennyson.ca/uploads/1/2/4/2/12421219/2018-05-08_ltquebecfutures_mission_structure_2017-18.pdf
$450 family contribution per student
$1143 fundraising target per student
$900 grant money or from The Tennyson Quebec Futures Fund, if grant application not successful
$2493 TOTAL COST of trip per student
More detailed information can be found
http://www.lordtennyson.ca/uploads/1/2/4/2/12421219/2018-05-08_ltquebecfutures_mission_structure_2017-18.pdf
HOW DID THE FUNDRAISING WORK?
The annual trip to Quebec required planning and fundraising by parents to subsidize costs. Parents and students fundraised in Grade 6 in preparation for their trip in Grade 7. Traditional Grade 6 fundraising activities included:
Welcome Back BBQ
Hot lunch program
Food at the Halloween Howl
Winterfest
Sports Day lunch
Purdy’s chocolate sales
In addition to fundraising, a grant was applied for each year to help subsidize costs. If the grant application was unsuccessful, the Tennyson Quebec Futures Fund would make up that funding shortfall. The TQFF also paid bursaries for any family unable to afford the family contribution portion of the trip ($450 noted in the above section)
More information is included in the Tennyson Quebec Exchange Manual.
http://www.lordtennyson.ca/uploads/1/2/4/2/12421219/tennyson_quebec_exchange_trip_manual_june_2015.pdf
Welcome Back BBQ
Hot lunch program
Food at the Halloween Howl
Winterfest
Sports Day lunch
Purdy’s chocolate sales
In addition to fundraising, a grant was applied for each year to help subsidize costs. If the grant application was unsuccessful, the Tennyson Quebec Futures Fund would make up that funding shortfall. The TQFF also paid bursaries for any family unable to afford the family contribution portion of the trip ($450 noted in the above section)
More information is included in the Tennyson Quebec Exchange Manual.
http://www.lordtennyson.ca/uploads/1/2/4/2/12421219/tennyson_quebec_exchange_trip_manual_june_2015.pdf
WHY WERE THE TENNYSON QUEBEC FUTURES COMMITTEE & FUND CREATED?
Due to the wide range of cost variables, the actual parent contribution had been a huge unknown, ranging from as much as $1800 to as little as $350. This uncertainty was a great strain on all participating families. Grants were not guaranteed (often only successful once every two years), which resulted in so many fundraisers that it put too much pressure on the school community, or created a huge financial burden on participating families who had to make up the funding shortfall.
In response to this, the Quebec Futures Committee was created to look at ways to make a more stable funding base. This resulted in the inception of the Tennyson Quebec Futures Fund (TQFF) to provide funding for years that did not receive a grant. The Quebec Futures Committee oversees the TQFF and was also tasked to transfer trip knowledge from one year to the next.
For further information about the committee - http://www.lordtennyson.ca/uploads/1/2/4/2/12421219/2018-05-08_ltquebecfutures_mission_structure_2017-18.pdf
In response to this, the Quebec Futures Committee was created to look at ways to make a more stable funding base. This resulted in the inception of the Tennyson Quebec Futures Fund (TQFF) to provide funding for years that did not receive a grant. The Quebec Futures Committee oversees the TQFF and was also tasked to transfer trip knowledge from one year to the next.
For further information about the committee - http://www.lordtennyson.ca/uploads/1/2/4/2/12421219/2018-05-08_ltquebecfutures_mission_structure_2017-18.pdf
HOW MUCH MONEY IS KEPT IN THE TENNYSON QUEBEC FUTURES FUND (TQFF)?
The Quebec Futures Committee’s goal was to be able to subsidize two consecutive Quebec Trip years that applied for, but did not receive, an exchange grant, as well as to cover bursaries.
The last deposit into the TQFF was on June 21, 2017 in the amount of $7,175. This would have been from the Quebec2017 group from money raised in the 2015/2016 school year. The balance in the account as of October 1, 2023 statement is $87,121.93.
The last deposit into the TQFF was on June 21, 2017 in the amount of $7,175. This would have been from the Quebec2017 group from money raised in the 2015/2016 school year. The balance in the account as of October 1, 2023 statement is $87,121.93.
HAVE I CONTRIBUTED TO THE TQFF?
The last deposit into the TQFF was on June 21, 2017 in the amount of $7,175. This would have been from the Quebec2017 group from money raised in the 2015/2016 school year. If you supported a Quebec trip through the purchase of hot lunches, Purdy’s Chocolates, wine raffle tickets, etc during the 2015/2016 school year or prior you have made some level of (probably small) contribution to this fund. As the fund was started around 2012, and the lion’s share of the fund was contributed in those first few years, the majority of the money was contributed by families who are no longer at the school.
I HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO QUEBEC FUNDRAISERS RECENTLY. WHERE IS THAT MONEY?
Any money raised for Quebec trips since the 2015/2016 school year has been spent first by each year’s grade 7s on approved activities, and then any excess money moved directly into the general PAC bank account to fund the annual PAC budget.
WHERE IS THE MONEY AND HOW DO THE ACCOUNTS WORK?
When Quebec was running, at the end of each grade 5 year, a new bank account would be opened in the name of “Quebec YEAR”. All monies raised for Quebec would flow into this account and be held separately from the general PAC bank account. The Tennyson Quebec Futures Fund is also a separate account. Each account has separate treasurers and bank signing officers. The PAC treasurer does not have direct access to the other accounts.
3 different PAC bank accounts:
General PAC bank account
The Tennyson Quebec Futures Fund
Quebec YEAR – there is currently only Quebec2023, which is in the process of being closed
At the end of each school year, the graduating year’s “Quebec” account would be closed and any unspent funds would flow first into the TQFF (if needed) and then into the general PAC bank account. Since the 2015/2016 school year, all excess funds have been deposited directly into the general PAC bank account.
3 different PAC bank accounts:
General PAC bank account
The Tennyson Quebec Futures Fund
Quebec YEAR – there is currently only Quebec2023, which is in the process of being closed
At the end of each school year, the graduating year’s “Quebec” account would be closed and any unspent funds would flow first into the TQFF (if needed) and then into the general PAC bank account. Since the 2015/2016 school year, all excess funds have been deposited directly into the general PAC bank account.
HOW CAN THE TQFF BE SPENT?
Because the TQFF was established to help fund Quebec trips and Quebec trips only, that is the way it was agreed and meant to be spent. As Quebec trips seem unlikely moving forward, the current Quebec Futures ? Committee is looking to revise the mission statement and guidelines around how this fund can be dispersed. Because this is a major change in PAC policy, it requires major engagement and participation from the whole school community. The committee’s current goals are to inform, then survey parent wishes, and subsequently vote on new guidelines for dispersing the fund.
While all possibilities are being considered, one idea could potentially be a different grade 7 French trip, possibly within BC. These decisions will need to be made by the full parent body of Lord Tennyson Elementary. Any school sponsored activities (as opposed to parent led) will need Tennyson staff support.
While all possibilities are being considered, one idea could potentially be a different grade 7 French trip, possibly within BC. These decisions will need to be made by the full parent body of Lord Tennyson Elementary. Any school sponsored activities (as opposed to parent led) will need Tennyson staff support.
HOW CAN THE TQFF NOT BE SPENT?
With respect to grade 7 trips and activities (and all activities) there is a distinction between school sponsored and parent led (not run by the school). There is currently discussion by the PAC around the liability and feasibility of funding parent led activities that are not overseen by school staff. Whether the PAC (and this means all Tennyson parents) determines this is appropriate is being worked out.
With respect to other big school projects, VSB policy doesn’t currently allow weather cover structures, due to people seeking overnight shelter on school property. There is no room on school property to build additional playground structures. The PAC has already set aside money for a school garden. A music program requires long-term VSB support. Other ideas are always welcome and encouraged, but we ask parents to keep in mind that the PAC is a DIY organization. Please don’t expect other volunteer parents to implement new ideas on your behalf. If you are unable to put in the time to make your amazing idea come to life, it may not get off the ground.
With respect to other big school projects, VSB policy doesn’t currently allow weather cover structures, due to people seeking overnight shelter on school property. There is no room on school property to build additional playground structures. The PAC has already set aside money for a school garden. A music program requires long-term VSB support. Other ideas are always welcome and encouraged, but we ask parents to keep in mind that the PAC is a DIY organization. Please don’t expect other volunteer parents to implement new ideas on your behalf. If you are unable to put in the time to make your amazing idea come to life, it may not get off the ground.
WHY DID QUEBEC TRIPS STOP?
The graduating class of 2019 was the last year to go on a Quebec trip. Many changes have happened since Covid, both in school policy and community attitudes. The VSB no longer allows billeting. Because of this, the existing format of twinning with a school and family in Quebec and the students staying with their twin family is no longer an option. Without this, the responsibility to manage the children 24 hours a day would fall to the teachers and chaperones. The current administration and staff are not comfortable with this added level of responsibility and commitment. Even if staff were ready to take on this type of commitment, a trip without billeting has a prohibitive cost structure.
Staff responsibility: Field Studies guide 15.4
https://media.vsb.bc.ca/media/Default/medialib/ap_260_field_studies.e38fa220617.pdf
Additionally, there have been changes to the rules around fundraising. We are no longer allowed to fundraise for events outside of the school year they fall in, making it difficult to plan for such a complex and costly trip.
Administrative Procedure 520: Fundraising Activities
https://media.vsb.bc.ca/media/Default/medialib/ap_520_fund-raising_activities.322dbe14573.pdf
.
Staff responsibility: Field Studies guide 15.4
https://media.vsb.bc.ca/media/Default/medialib/ap_260_field_studies.e38fa220617.pdf
Additionally, there have been changes to the rules around fundraising. We are no longer allowed to fundraise for events outside of the school year they fall in, making it difficult to plan for such a complex and costly trip.
Administrative Procedure 520: Fundraising Activities
https://media.vsb.bc.ca/media/Default/medialib/ap_520_fund-raising_activities.322dbe14573.pdf
.
Quebec 2023
Committee Co-chairs: Peter Bayliss, Michelle Plotkin, Sunita Sinha
Treasurer: Eric Lee
Secretary: Jo Gromadzki
Committee At Large Members: Heather Bishop, Barbara Arenson
Hot Lunches: Barbara Arenson & Lisa Seriosa
Apple Fundraiser: Bina Salimath
Purdy’s Chocolates: Lisa Yeates
Poinsettias: Heather MacRitchie + Patti Lawson
Wine Raffle: Shana Alexander & Michael Brittain
Social Pub/Trivia Night (TBD) : Jillian Frank, Mandana Namazi
Virtual Silent Auction: Lisa Yeates, Claudia Fuchs, Sarah Mallen, Christie Case, Patti Lawson
Treasurer: Eric Lee
Secretary: Jo Gromadzki
Committee At Large Members: Heather Bishop, Barbara Arenson
Hot Lunches: Barbara Arenson & Lisa Seriosa
Apple Fundraiser: Bina Salimath
Purdy’s Chocolates: Lisa Yeates
Poinsettias: Heather MacRitchie + Patti Lawson
Wine Raffle: Shana Alexander & Michael Brittain
Social Pub/Trivia Night (TBD) : Jillian Frank, Mandana Namazi
Virtual Silent Auction: Lisa Yeates, Claudia Fuchs, Sarah Mallen, Christie Case, Patti Lawson
Wine raffle
Watch this space for more info to come...
hot lunches
purdy's and poinsettias
quebec 2022
The Quebec 2022 committee consists of:
Here is the Quebec PowerPoint Presentation from the Oct 28, 2020 meeting.
For more information, contact [email protected]
Winterfest: December 7-11, 2020
Winterfest is organized entirely by Quebec 2022 families.
Procedures put forth by the Treasurers of the Quebec 2022 Team: re - handling of reimbursements, e-transfer requests and cash.
If, on behalf of the Quebec 2022 Team, you need to request an e-transfer for a vendor or be reimbursed for an incurred expense, please fill out the Reimbursement form.
- Co-Chairs: Open
- Co-Treasurers: Jackie Corlett, Tracey Shaw
- Secretary: Marc Nelitz
- Lunch Team: Jacqueline Crummey
- Volunteer Coordinator: Open
Here is the Quebec PowerPoint Presentation from the Oct 28, 2020 meeting.
For more information, contact [email protected]
Winterfest: December 7-11, 2020
Winterfest is organized entirely by Quebec 2022 families.
Procedures put forth by the Treasurers of the Quebec 2022 Team: re - handling of reimbursements, e-transfer requests and cash.
If, on behalf of the Quebec 2022 Team, you need to request an e-transfer for a vendor or be reimbursed for an incurred expense, please fill out the Reimbursement form.
