1. What are the staffing arrangements at Sheldon? 

All staff are hired by the Toronto District School Board and are all trained in First Aid and CPR. 

• 1 site supervisor 
• 1 teacher 
• 2 outdoor education specialists 
• 1 woodsperson/maintenance 
• 1 full-time cook/1 part-time cook 
• 1 university intern

2. How many staff must attend from the visiting school? 

One of the responsibilities of the visiting school is to supervise the dorms. A minimum of two staff are required to accompany the class(es) to Sheldon. In the event that either the number of males or the number of females exceeds 20, a third adult must accompany the group in order to supervise students in the Casson House dormitories. In accordance with the TDSB excursion policy, overnight excursions involving students will be supervised by adults representative of the students on the trip. 

3. What do I need to do to prepare for my class’ trip to Sheldon? 

You will be contacted by a Sheldon staff 6 weeks prior to your trip with a google form outlining some tasks needed before your trip begins.    

4. What type of food is served at Sheldon? 

We here at the Sheldon kitchen pride ourselves in making excellent healthy food that can be enjoyed by all.  We serve food that will accommodate dietary concerns of vegetarians as well as any medical or religious dietary concerns (Eg. we can serve food that is Halal!). 

Parents of children with severe food concerns should call and talk to Sean or Chef John a few weeks before the trip to come up with a meal plan at (705) 435-4266. 

Breakfast might include: Cereal, Eggs, bagels, fruit, muffins or pancakes. Lunches might include: Soup and grilled cheese sandwiches, pizza, Burgers or wraps. Dinners might include: Chicken, potatoes, rice, mashed potatoes and corn,mixed vegetables, lasagna or spaghetti.  Evening snack might include: Crackers and hummus, cookies, pretzels or popcorn

5. Can students call home? 

Calling home is discouraged as it can lead to homesickness.  We encourage students that need to contact their parents to use email as this is an alternative that we do find helps.Check out our contact page for email addresses to use.  If required, we can contact parents. A phone call to the school will be made once the bus arrives at Sheldon. Please note that students will be out on program for the majority of the day in the forest and will not have cell signal or access to a phone line.  (Staff use radios to communicate for emergency purposes). 

6. Can students bring cell phones, iPods, MP3 Players etc.? 

We discourage students from bringing electronic devices to Sheldon.  We do acknowledge that some devices are necessary to some students (diabetes monitors, hearing aids, translators), but in general electronic devices here tend to get lost outside and do not receive cellular signal here in the valley. If students want to bring an electronic device, please let them know it is at their own risk and with permission from their teacher.  Also, cellular phones will not be allowed in dorm rooms for privacy purposes. As a FYI, since we have little to no cell signal here at Sheldon Valley, most cell phones will discharge their batteries completely within a few hours.  

7. What type of clothing should we bring? 

Bring old clothing suitable for the season. Clothing has been known to get dirty. Encourage students to refer to the packing list when preparing for their trip. We do have a selection of clothing available to borrow here at Sheldon should you need to borrow some.  We have seasonal rubber boots, gloves, rain jackets and some other warm gear if needed.  

8. Should students bring snack food? 

The only food that students should bring is a lunch for the first day. For students with complex dietary needs, food brought with them can be kept in our fridge. Snacks or food cannot be kept in their dorm rooms for safety (allergies) and sanitary reasons. 

9. What are my responsibilities as a visiting teacher at Sheldon?

• supervision of students during breakfast and certain free time periods 
• assisting during 2 of 4 day time program blocks (depending on program) 
• assisting with evening programs 
• dorm supervision 

10. Is there internet access for visiting teachers? 

Yes, there will be internet access for visiting teachers (not students due to bandwidth and safety issues).  

11. Will programs be modified for students with religious or health concerns? 

Program accommodations will be made for students with religious or health concerns. Please let us know of any modifications prior to the trip so we can plan accordingly.    

12. What if questions arise that I don’t know how to answer? 

If you are unable to address parental concerns please contact us for assistance in answering the question at (705) 435-4266.

13. What happens in the event of an illness or injury. 

In the event of illness or injury parents will be contacted. Depending on the severity, a student may be driven by staff to seek medical attention at the local hospital in Alliston. In the event that a student cannot continue with program parents or the principal will be expected to come and pick up the student. 

14. Can arrangements be made to pick up a student early or drop off a student late to allow the student to attend a special event? 

Parents must contact us prior to the trip to confirm directions and timing for pick up and/or drop off. A student still waiting to be picked up at the time the bus departs will be sent home on the bus. 

15. What is the practice for students that must return home early due to misbehaviour? 

Parents will be contacted and they will be given directions to come and pick up their son/daughter. In the event that a parent is unable to make the trip the principal will be expected to make the trip to return the student to the school.