CALGARY – The Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD) announced Monday a moratorium on international trips, citing “recent global events” and matching the Edmonton Catholic schools’ decision to cancel such trips in the wake of recent terrorist attacks.
Eleven field trips involving high school students in the Calgary district have been cancelled. The board says it’s trying to work with tour operators to try to retrieve deposits and fees that have already been paid.
No trips within Canada will be impacted.
“We have made the decision to cancel any out-of-country travel for the remainder of the school year,” a statement on the CCSD website said. “We will monitor the situation and review this decision in September 2016.
“At the forefront of this decision was the safety of our students and our staff. While we believe in the educational value of international travel, we have an obligation to ensure a safe and caring environment. Due to fluctuating travel advisories and unknowns, we cannot risk the health and well-being of our students and staff.”
Meanwhile, a decision by the Calgary Board of Education on whether to stop international travel for public school students will be made before the winter break. It had announced a pause on international trip planning Nov. 26.
The last day of school before break is Dec. 18. Parents with children set to go on such trips are participating in an online survey to give the board feedback. The survey closes Dec. 10.
With files from Global’s David Boushy
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