faq

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Band Tour? The concert venues will be four schools in the Southern Highlands, Nowra and Woollongong regions and one retirement village in Kiama - see the Itinerary for more details.  Accommodation will be at Chittick Lodge in Gerringong. You can view their website here: www.chitticklodge.org.au

My child is nervous about sleeping overnight. What do you suggest? Some nerves are normal! For some students, Band Tour may be their first night staying away from home, so there will understandably be some nerves. It is a very exciting experience and students will be well looked after. 

What are the rooms like on Band Tour? The dormitories at Chittick Lodge have bunk beds for up to eight people, and ensuite bathrooms. The year groups are divided into girl and boy rooms and room allocations are done by the school.

Are rooms allocated before the Tour starts or do they choose when they get there?  Dormitories are allocated prior to Tour in consultation with the school office and teachers. Students are not able to choose their room and we cannot take friend requests!

Can I make friend requests for rooms for my child? Unfortunately not. The room allocations are done by the school.

What recreation activities are there? On Tuesday afternoon, children will participate in a range of activities on the enclosed grounds of Chittick Lodge including basketball, giant chess, soccer and volleyball, or quiet activity in the shade of the verandahs and trees. If time and weather permits, we may also be able to take  a walk along Gerringong Beach (no water activities). In the evening there will be a games/trivia night organised by the Band Committee that will be lots of fun. 

Do I need to submit a dietary form if my child doesn't have any special requirements? Yes, all children and adults attending Band Tour are required to complete the Band Tour Medical/Dietary Form.

There are so many things to pack - what if they get lost?  Please label everything. We suggest a bag big enough to accommodate all clothes, pillow and sleeping bag, this avoids the smaller items getting forgotten and makes it easier to move the bags around.

What happens if it rains?  Never say never! If it looks like rain, your band manager will contact you in advance advising additional items to pack in your kit. Please no umbrellas! We have wet-weather contingency plans and will work closely with Chittick Lodge to utilise their indoor and outdoor recreation activities.

What happens if stuff gets lost?  Please label everything! To keep all luggage items together you may want to consider a larger bag that will accommodate a sleeping bag inside to minimise orphaned articles. Alternatively, tying the bags together will also help. Any lost property is collected and will be handed back to children where labelled, or at the end of Band Tour our Lost Property Coordinator will share pictures of all lost property.

Where can I get a band bag?  The TPS uniform shop sell TPS band bags - but you could use any music or band bag for your child. It is really useful to have one bag for children to put music, water bottle and hat into - it avoids items getting lost!

Where can I get a band shirt? The band shirt is a key part of the band uniform and will be used throughout your time in the band program, for any performance and the annual band photo. It can be purchased from the uniform shop. Second hand shirts are absolutely fine - if you are lucky enough to find one at the uniform shop! The students will wear their shirts on both days of the tour  with sports shorts or skort and sneakers. 

I don't have my WWCC? That's okay - you can apply now, and still have it before Band Tour! The turnaround for getting your WWCC is anywhere from 1 day to 2 weeks. If you do not manage to get it in time, you will need to complete a statutory declaration and provide 100 points of ID to the school office. Please ensure you allow enough time to complete this.

What if I change my mind, can I please get a refund? Unfortunately there are no refunds. The tour is budgeted to operate a cost neutral and we spread the fixed costs of the coach and Chittick Lodge across the number of students taking part in the tour.

What if my child gets sick / COVID and cannot attend? We all recognise that these are difficult times. In the unfortunate event you do have an ill child we will have compassionate grounds for your tour associated fees. 

What if my child gets sick the night before the tour so can't come? Please contact Alison Barnett at bandtour@tps-pandc.org.au  if there is a last minute change to attendance.

What if my child suffers from travel sickness? Children who suffer from travel sickness are encouraged to have a light breakfast of toast and fruit (no milk). Travel sickness tablets should be taken approximately 30 minutes prior to departure when leaving home. Please send extra tablets for bus travel on Day 2. These must be given to Mrs Neeves on Day 1 during check-in and must be accompanied by a permission note or included on your medical form.

What happens if my child gets sick during tour? We take care of all the children on band tour, and make every effort to avoid children getting sick! In the event your child gets sick during the tour, you will receive a phone call from our medical team. We do use our judgement and what the child wants! For example, a small blister with a bandaid will probably not generate a phone call, but a child vomitting definitely will. We deal with all of these on a case by case basis, but in some cases you will be asked to come and collect your child. Please be aware that this phone call could come at any time, and we use the Emergency Contact details you've provided to reach you. 

What happens if my child develops cold/flu/COVID symptoms while on tour? We will contact you using your Emergency Contact details. You child will be isolated from the rest of the band, under the care and supervision of two adults. We ask that you come and collect them as soon as possible after being contacted. 

Can I take photos during Band Tour? We do ask that our parents exercise common sense and consideration when taking photos of other people's children. If you have some great action shots of Band Tour that you'd like to share, please feel free to email them to bandtour@tps-pandc.org.au and they will be added to the Gallery page.

Am I okay to post pictures to social media?  We do ask that our parents exercise common sense and consideration when posting pictures to social media so it is best to not post images.  If you have some great Band Tour images that you'd like to share, please feel free to email them to bandtour@tps-pandc.org.au and they will be added to the Gallery page.