International student trips face cancellation

-The Chinook's Edge Board of Education will decide next month whether international student travel this school year should be cancelled following statements from its insurance provider they should be reconsidered due to recent escalating terrorism threats.

Members of the board met last week for its monthly meeting and will revisit the issue at its Jan. 13 meeting. Last week, the Edmonton Catholic School District and Calgary Catholic School District cancelled all international field trips for the rest of the school year.

Their decisions came following a recent bulletin from the Alberta School Boards' Insurance Exchange, an organization that provides insurance for provincial school districts, that recent terrorist attacks should prompt all school boards to re-evaluate whether planned or pending student international trips should go ahead.

“The unpredictability of ISIS as to where these extremists will hit next is a concern, as they have supporters throughout the world,” said the bulletin.

“The teacher in charge, the principal, and the school board have a legal obligation to ensure a safe and caring environment. Student, staff and chaperone safety should be first and foremost.”

Kurt Sacher, superintendent of schools for Chinook's Edge School Division, said he has been directed to inform schools and parents affected to make sure they check timelines on cancellations in the event the board decides to cancel pre-approved or pending trips. He said there is a real possibility that some of the 15 to 20 international trips planned for April could be cancelled.

“I think the possibility that some trips could be cancelled is real and we will know more in January,” said Sacher. “They (insurance exchange) are as concerned about travel to the United States as they are about travel to Europe when it comes to student travel. Essentially what they are saying is that they are not recommending student travel to the United States or Europe.

“Those decisions have not been made but they (board) are definitely concerned for student safety and they are in a difficult position when their insurance provider is not recommending that sort of travel,” he said, adding the issue is a potentially “heartbreaking” decision for everyone. “It is as heartbreaking for board members as it is for the staff and parents involved because we all know the tremendously powerful learning opportunities our students get from international travel.”

Meanwhile, the board for the Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools is waiting for more information before considering any international student travel cancellations. Paul Mason, the superintendent of schools, said there are three international school trips being planned for 2016, including to France, Italy and Greece. He said last week his board would continue to monitor global events closely.

“Student safety of course is our first priority. We consult with the Government of Canada with regards to travel advisories. We will make informed decisions as more information becomes known,” said Mason, adding there is also a trip planned to Boston.

Mason said his board has received calls from parents but they are about the processes that are in place for the planned trips, including how they will be informed. He added a plan has already been worked out if a global situation arises. “For example, the trip that is scheduled to go to the south of France and Italy, if things get difficult in France again then we will shift that trip so it is exclusively in Italy, and kind of bypass the France piece of the trip. That is an option we would look to utilize,” said Mason. We continue to monitor, and anticipating, if we do need to make any changes.”