Centro Scuola Summer Credit Programs: Course descriptions

Classical Civilizations, Grade 12, University Preparation LVV 4U

This course allows students to explore the beliefs and achievements of the classical world, which have shaped Western thought and civilizations. Students will investigate such aspects of classical culture as its mythology, art, literature and philosophy, as well as elements of ancient Greek and Latin through a variety of activities such as dramatizations, audiovisual presentations and discussions. By reading classical authors in English and examining archeological evidence, students will enhance both their communication skills and their ability to think critically and creatively.

Prerequisite: English, Grade 10, Academic or Applied

2 – Beginner Italian, Academic, Level 2 – LWI BD1

This course provides students with the language learning experiences that will enable them to communicate in Italian. Students will continue to develop and apply their speaking skills in a variety of contexts, and will participate in activities that will improve their reading comprehension and writing skills. They will also continue to explore aspects of the Italian culture taking part in community – sponsored events and activities involving both print and technological resources. Although students will continue to expand their vocabulary and repertoire of language structures, the language they will use at this level will still be simple.

No prerequisite required. For students with ANY familiarity with the Italian language.

3 – Intermediate Italian, University Preparation, Level 3 LWI CU1

This course offers students opportunities to further develop their knowledge of Italian and to enhance their communication skills. Students will use increasingly sophisticated language in a variety of activities that will enable them to speak and write with clarity and accuracy. Students will also enhance their thinking skills through the critical study of literature, and continue to explore aspects of the Italian culture.

Prerequisite: Level 2 Italian LWI BD1

4 – Advanced Italian, University Preparation, Level 4 LWI DU1

This course prepares students for university studies in the Italian language. Students will enhance their ability to use the language with clarity and precision, and will develop the language skills needed to engage in sustained conversations and discussions, understand and evaluate information, read diverse materials for both study and pleasure, write clearly and effectively. Students will also have opportunities to add to their knowledge of the Italian culture.

Prerequisite: Level 3 Italian LWI CU1

• • Application Fee of $108 is 100% non – refundable
  • Academic Registration Fee of $ 750.00 is 100% non – refundable
  • Cancellations up to February 16, 2024 Full refund (less the Application Fee & Academic registration fee)
  • Cancellations February 17, 2024 – April 30, 2024 $1,000.00 penalty (less the Application Fee & Academic registration fee)
  • Cancellations May 01, 2024 – May 31, 2024 $2,000.00 penalty (less the Application Fee & Academic registration fee)
  • Cancellations June 1st to departure date no refunds will be given

Your Centro Scuola e Cultura Italiana Toronto Package includes:

• Round trip airfare (economy class) including all airport taxes, fuel surcharges
• Accommodation in safe 3 Star hotels with private bathrooms (based on double, triple or quadruple accommodation with same gender roommates)
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily (unless otherwise specified)
• Bottled water at meals
• Guided tours as per itinerary including entrance fees where required
• Services of modern air-conditioned motor coaches throughout 
• 24 hour supervision
• Credit courses taught by licensed teachers under the Ontario College of Teachers.
• Fully vetted supervisors throughout the tour 
• Night security at the hotels
• Fully comprehensive insurance package is published on Centro Scuola Website: Click here to access Insurance Package. Which will include Covid protection in Italy only.

Not included in your Centro Scuola e Cultura Italiana Toronto Package:

• Meals not specified (4 lunches)
• Expenses caused by airline cancellations, weather conditions re-scheduling of aircraft or any other factors beyond the control of Centro Scuola e Cultura Italiana of Toronto
• Processing of passports and/or visas

Travelling with a Group:

• Your price is based on departing and returning on fixed group dates.
• Deviations to the group dates will result in a change fee plus any additional change to the airfare due to the change of date, return point (city), seasonality and when the change is done. This is to be done through Ventresca Travel Agency Ltd (T.I.C.O. 1375988).
• One way travel can be a possibility but the credit is minimal.  The price will be established at the time of the request and based on what the groups department of the airlines quotes.

Flight Information:

• Centro Scuola e Cultura Italiana Toronto reserved seats with Air Transat Airlines through Ventresca Travel Agency Ltd  (T.I.C.O.  1375988)
• All flights are booked as non-stop services to and from the gateways in the Centro Scuola e Cultura Italiana Toronto itineraries (Rome – Venice and Lamezia Terme).
• Prearranged seat assignment is available at a cost. For fees visit www.airtransat.ca and go to advance seating.
• You will be able to pre-assign seats on your own through Air Transat’s Website.

DEVIATIONS: This year Air Transat will be charging $100.00/person up front for deviations plus any difference in airfare. The change fee plus the deviation are paid at the time of the change directly to the agency.

Passports and Visas

• Centro Scuola e Cultura Italiana Toronto suggests that you check your passports prior to or within 30 days after registration to ensure your documents are in order well in advance of the departure date.
• It is the traveler’s responsibility to ensure they hold a passport that has a minimum of 6 months validity beyond the re-entry date in Canada.
• For those who are not Canadian Citizens and are landed residents they also have the same minimum validity restrictions mentioned above but must also have a valid P.R. card (permanent resident card) to accompany the passport 
• Non Canadian residents may need a visa. Please inquire with the Italian Consulate [(416) 977-1566] if your country of citizenship requires a visa to enter Italy. (Canadian citizens do not require a visa to enter Italy)
• Centro Scuola e Cultura Italiana and Ventresca Travel Agency Ltd. Will NOT be responsible for denied boarding due to incorrect or travel documents not being valid.   

Student Behaviour

• Students and their parents will sign a behaviour contract before departure agreeing to observe the rules of the program and accepting the consequences of breach of the rules, including expulsion, at the expense of parents, for a serious breach.  
• There will be no refund for any student who is asked to leave the program as a result of the use of drugs or alcohol or breach of the rules of the program as determined by Centro Scuola in its sole, absolute, and unfettered discretion.  
• Students are expected to adhere to the laws of the country, curfew rules, attend classes daily, and treat all members of the staff and fellow students with respect.  
• Students are wholly responsible for any damage they cause.  Students must undertake to reimburse Centro Scuola for expenses due to damage.  
• Use and/or possession of illegal  drugs, alcohol, alcohol consumption, or use of motorized vehicles is not permitted.  
• Overnight stays not related to the program are not allowed without the express written permission of parents, and as determined by Centro Scuola in its sole, absolute and unfettered discretion and which consent may be unreasonably withheld. 

Payments ( E-TRANSFERS & CHEQUES):

• The “Application Fee” of $108 is 100% non – refundable, regardless if accepted in the program or not. If accepted the “Application Fee” will go towards the total cost of the trip.

• The initial NON-REFUNDABLE “Academic Registration Fee” of $750 (seven hundred and fifty) is made payable to Centro Scuola (This payment will only be required if you have been contacted by Centro Scuola confirming acceptance to the program).

• All subsequent payments will be paid in 3 instalments of . ALL PAYMENTS MUST BE PRESENTED BY POST DATED CHEQUES or E-Transfer by due date.

• Payment due dates are the following: Monday January 15, 2024, Monday March 4, 2024 & Monday May 6, 2024 payable to Ventresca Travel Agency Ltd

• CARD PAYMENTS ACCEPTED WITH 3% SURCHARGE (VISA/MASTERCARD) 4% (AMEX) all payable to Ventresca Travel Agency Ltd.

• E-transfers are accepted & encouraged.

Other costs related to trip (NOT included with total cost):

• $80 cash Gratuity Fee collected in May
• $30-50 Course Material Fee (collected at Pre – Departure Classes)

Overdue Payments:

• Centro Scuola e Cultura Italiana Toronto reserves the right to cancel the registrant’s reservation if payment is past due by more than 15 days beyond the required date as specified under payments and you will incur the Cancellation fees here with referenced below. This will be strongly enforced, and suggest that all post-dated cheques are given to Ventresca Travel.

Cancellation Fees:

• The cancellation fees take into consideration the costs incurred by Centro Scuola e Cultura Italiana-Toronto, well in advance of the departure date. Telephone cancellations will NOT be accepted. All cancellations must be presented in writing by the student’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s) and the date of cancellation will take effect on the date Centro Scuola e Cultura Italiana Toronto receives such written notice of cancellation.

Cancellation Schedule:

• • Application Fee of $108 is 100% non – refundable
  • Academic Registration Fee of $ 750.00 is 100% non – refundable
  • Cancellations up to February 16, 2024 Full refund (less the Application Fee & Academic registration fee)
  • Cancellations February 17, 2024 – April 30, 2024 $1,000.00 penalty (less the Application Fee & Academic registration fee)
  • Cancellations May 01, 2024 – May 31, 2024 $2,000.00 penalty (less the Application Fee & Academic registration fee)
  • Cancellations June 1st to departure date no refunds will be given

In order to confirm any student’s participation in the Summer Credit Program, Centro scuola will require, among other things, receipt of the necessary payment(s) and receipt of duly executed permission/authorization forms executed by the student’s parent(s) and/or legal guardian(s). 

Centro Scuola reserves the right to request additional documentation from the student and his/her legal parent(s) and/or guardian(s) as determined by Centro Scuola in its sole and absolute discretion. 

Q: What is the student to adult ratio?

A: There is a 10 to 1 student to adult ratio.

Q: How many students share a room?

A: Students will be in rooms of  2, or 3 based on the total number of students in a group and the number of rooms allotted by the hotel for our group.

Q: What is a regular day like?

A: Regular Day
-breakfast at hotel
-class (8.30am- 12.30pm),
-lunch (1pm-2pm),
-study hall (2pm-3pm),
-free time or local excursion, (3pm – 6:30pm)
-dinner (7.15pm-8.15pm),
-free time,
-curfew (approx. 10.30pm), room check and lights out.
Curfew depends on what the students are doing the next day and on behaviour.

Q: Does my child need to attend a TCDSB or YCDSB school to attend?

A : Students from ANY Ontario school board can participate and earn this Ontario Secondary School Diploma credit. They do not need to be enrolled in either of the above mentioned school boards. Credits are offered in partnership with the TCDSB and YCDSB which is why the forms have their logos on the top. Students who participate  in the credit courses offered by a school board different from their current day school will be placed where there is space for them.

Q: How will students receive their report card?

A: Students will receive report cards by the end of August, mailed to their home address. Credits offered through the TCDSB will have reports issued by the TCDSB and credits offered through the YCDSB will have reports cards issued by the YCDSB.

In the event that a student does not receive his or her report card by the time they return to school in September, he or she can make a request for a new report card from the board that administered the credit course. (Instructions will be on our website.)

Q: Are pre-departure classes mandatory

A: YES, pre- departure classes are mandatory for students to accumulate the required hours to receive a summer school credit. In the event of an absence a student will need to present a note to a teacher upon their return explaining the absence. Students cannot miss more than 3 days in total between the pre- departure classes and days of study in Italy or they risk not meeting the requirements for a credit.

Q: How do students do laundry?

A: Students have traditionally washed their own laundry in their rooms with hand wash soap. Students who wish to have goods laundered professionally can inquire about the hotel’s paid laundry service.

Q: What is the difference between the Level 1 and Level 2 Italian classes?

A: Both Level 1 and Level 2 Italian are beginner level classes and neither requires a prerequisite. Students who have NEVER been exposed to Italian can take Level 1 Italian. Students who have never formally studied Italian but who may have had some exposure to the Italian language in their home or in elementary school are encouraged to take level 2 Italian. Students will take a placement test their first day of class before departure to determine which level is appropriate for them.

Students who wish to take Level 3 Italian must provide proof of their completion of Level 2 Italian and students who wish to take Level 4 Italian must provide proof of their completion of Level 3 Italian.

Q: How do I extend my child’s trip?

A: Parents who wish to change the return date of their child will need to do the following:
It is a good idea to discuss an extension with a representative of Centro Scuola in advance to choose the best point for pick up.
1) Contact Ventresca Travel 416 745-1145 or  frank@ventrescatravel.ca with their child’s group date of departure and date of return and request a change of date.
2) Requests can be made until May 31,  BASED ON AVAILABILITY
3) Families who extend a student’s trip will pay any difference in cost for the change to Ventresca Travel directly.
4) Anyone who wishes to extend the trip will need to present a letter to Centro Scuola staff BEFORE departure explaining their intention to remain in Italy, and outlining who will be meeting the student for pick up, as well as when and where.

Q: Can relatives visit students?

A: Visits by a student’s relatives during the program are best arranged on  regular school days when the students will be on site and have free time. Parents will need to sign a form before departure indicating who the visitor is (name and relation) and when they will visit. If it is not possible to know an exact date for a visit before departure, the visitor is asked to call the hotel two days before they can visit to arrange a date directly with Centro staff while in Italy so that there is no conflict with a local trip. Students can visit with the visitor in the local town but are discouraged from taking long car trips to other towns. If there will be a car trip involved the letter from the parent must explicitly include permission for the student to get into a vehicle with that visitor. Students need to be back for curfew.

Q: Will students need computers?

A: Students who do not need a computer as designated by an IEP will not need a computer in Italy.

During the pre-departure classes in Canada students will be assigned their work and can print what they will need for projects from here and bring it over.
Most students do not bring computers to avoid the risk of damage to the computer during the course of the trip. If a student does bring a computer it should have a good anti-virus system, an appropriate plug for European outlets and voltage, and an appropriate case for travel. (Smaller computers are preferable.)
N.B. Most warranties for purchases in North America are not valid outside of NA.
Any NA warranty is voided if a computer is serviced outside of the warranty boundary.

Q: How can we stay in contact with a student?

A: Parents can call any of the hotels we will stay in using the numbers provided on the itinerary. Staff will also have emergency cell phone numbers which students and families can use in case of emergency.
Students can either receive calls at the front desk, in the dining hall or directly in their rooms.

As a courtesy to roommates, if you will be calling in the evening please do not call past 6:15pm Canadian time which in Italy is 12:15am. The same applies for students who will use Skype.

Students can buy calling cards which they can use from the hotel lobby or a public phone. These cards usually last 90- 240 minutes (depending on the card) when calling a land line in Canada and are the least expensive way to keep in touch by phone.

If students have an Italian cell phone it is free for them to receive calls on that number and we can help them put money on the phone. Text messaging is another option.

Students who bring Canadian phones should check with providers about roaming fees for calls and data. (This includes use of bbm)

Q: How can I send spending money over with a student?

A: It is essential for students to have some Euros with them before departure.  It is NOT advisable to have American or Canadian Dollars intended to change in Italy.  Traveler’s Cheques will NOT be cashed for minors in Italy so are not useful.
There will be occasions (pizzerias, markets, etc.) when cash is the only method of payment so students should be prepared. The hotels will all have safes if students wish to lock up money and “withdraw” from the hotel safe as needed. The safe will only be opened by a hotel staff member.

Q: What are the luggage restrictions?

A: Luggage cannot exceed 62” in total dimension so 24”x26”x12”
at no more than 23kg or 50 lbs + the included carry-on at 5 kgs.

*These restrictions are from the tour bus company. In order for everyone to have their bag fit we must follow these restrictions or we risk bags being left behind.
It is with these restrictions in mind we have included the cost of new luggage in the package price. Any excess weight charges incurred will be paid directly to the airline at check-in in the currency of the country in which they are incurred.

Families interested in extending a program participant’s trip may do so by contacting the travel agent Ventresca Travel and making arrangements for an alternative return flight directly with them.

**Any changes in itinerary from the group package will incur a fee from the airline to be paid directly to the travel agency.**

DEVIATIONS: This year Air Transat will be charging $100.00/person up front for deviations plus any difference in airfare. The change fee plus the deviation are paid at the time of the change directly to the agency.

Travel Agency
Ventresca Travel – 416 745-1145
frank@ventrescatravel.ca

Please communicate to this office that an extension has been made.

Extensions are an EXCEPTION to the group package; consequently,  family members must make their own arrangements to pick up their son/daughter when the Summer Credit Course ends.

Students can be picked up at their residence the day before the group’s return, OR directly from the airport on the day of the group’s departure.

For any trip extension, parents must indicate in a signed letter who will be picking up the student, the date and location of the pick up, and a contact number in Italy (if possible).

In the case of a pick up at the airport on the day of  the group’s departure, the student MUST be met at the time of the group’s check-in at the Air Transat counter. Family members must be on time at the airport to meet the student who is remaining in Italy. Centro Scuola staff are responsible for the entire group’s check-in and departure; they cannot delay their own check-in by waiting for a student to be picked up.

Thank you for your understanding. We look forward to full cooperation with these guidelines.