As part of our Israel trip, all students participate in a “Shabbos Off” or “Free Weekend.”
No alternative accommodation or supervision arrangements are made by the school for this weekend, something that has been clearly communicated to parents from the outset of the trip’s planning.
Each year, parents are asked to nominate a responsible adult who will personally collect their child from the program. This handover process provides peace of mind for parents and safeguards students by ensuring they are accompanied by a mature, capable adult of the parents choice who can handle any situation that may arise while travelling to their Shabbos host.
Once a student has been collected by the nominated adult, parents assume full responsibility for the student’s welfare until they join the group again on Sunday morning.
We understand that some parents are finding it difficult to arrange a nominated person to collect their child. We have listened to you and after much discussion and consideration we are able to confirm that for those parents, the school has established a process that allows a student to self-dismiss - meaning the student is released from the group and travels independently to their Shabbos host.
This document explains the risks of that choice and sets out the agreement required should parents wish to authorise independent travel.
Please read carefully. The paragraphs below outline some of the risks but cannot cover every situation. Parents must consider the suitability of this arrangement for their own child.
By completing and signing this form, you acknowledge and accept these conditions and agree to release and indemnify the School from responsibility for your child’s welfare after self-dismissal.
Risks of Independent Travel and Self-Dismissal
We acknowledge that by allowing our child to leave the group without direct supervision from School staff or a nominated responsible adult, we are authorising a self-dismissal.
We understand that independent or unsupervised travel carries inherent risks, including the use of public or private transportation such as buses, trains, trams, taxis, rideshare services, bicycles, travel on foot, or other forms of transport.
We recognise that during such travel our child may encounter risks including, but not limited to:
- Becoming lost or disoriented in an unfamiliar area or where language barriers exist;
- Taking the wrong bus, train, or other form of transport within an unfamiliar transport system;
- Unreliable, delayed, or unsafe taxis or rideshare vehicles;
- Temporary periods without adult supervision; or contact with members of the public who are not familiar to the child;
- Cancellations, changes to timetables, or missed connections;
- Other unexpected events that could delay, inconvenience, or endanger our child while travelling to or from their Shabbos host.
We accept full personal responsibility for any injury, illness, loss, delay, inconvenience, or incident that may occur while our child travels independently, regardless of the mode of transport or cause.
We understand and agree that:
- The School and its staff cannot supervise, control, or intervene in travel arrangements once our child departs their care.
- The School, its employees, agents, and volunteers are not liable in any circumstances for any accident, injury, loss, damage, delay, negligence, or other event that may occur while our child is travelling independently.
- This includes incidents caused by transport providers, hosts, drivers, members of the public, or by our child’s own actions or decisions.
- We accept full financial responsibility for any additional costs or consequences arising from such incidents, including medical treatment, lost property, accommodation, missed transport, or replacement travel.
- Once our child has left the supervision of the program, we understand that it is our responsibility as parents to manage any financial, logistical, or emergency matters that may arise, and to coordinate any assistance or support our child may require. We will communicate directly with our child regarding any changes, delays, or unforeseen circumstances, and ensure that appropriate arrangements are made to keep them safe and supported throughout their independent travel.
Parent Indemnity and Assumption of Risk
By authorising self-dismissal or independent travel, we accept that this is a personal and voluntary decision involving inherent risk.
Accordingly, we:
1. Assumption of Risk
Accept and assume full responsibility for all risks (as outlined in the paragraphs above) dangers, and hazards associated with our child’s independent travel or stay, including (without limitation) injury, illness, accident, delay, loss, damage, theft, natural disaster, civil disturbance, or actions of third parties.
2. Release and Discharge
To the extent permitted by law, we release and discharge the School, its board, principal, staff, employees, volunteers, and agents from all actions, claims, demands, liabilities, losses, and expenses arising out of or connected with our child’s independent travel or absence from School supervision.
3. Indemnity
We agree to indemnify and keep indemnified the School and its representatives against any loss, damage, claim, liability, or cost (including reasonable legal costs) arising directly or indirectly from:
our child’s acts or omissions while travelling independently;
injury or damage to any person or property caused by our child; or
any claim made by a third party in connection with our child’s conduct or circumstances during this period.
4. Financial Responsibility
We agree to bear and promptly pay any costs, damages, or expenses that may arise as a result of our child’s independent travel, including medical treatment, transport, accommodation, or return travel.
Declaration
By signing below, we confirm that we have read and understood the above terms, accept them in full, and agree to be bound by this agreement.