Local School Divisions Suspend International Travel

Recent world events have resulted in two local school divisions, Northern Lights School Division (NLSD) and St. Paul Regional School Education Division (SPERD) suspending international air travel for students, staff, and trustees for the remainder of the 2015-16 school year.

SPERD released its board highlights stating that international travel would be suspended for students the current year. Any travel in the 2016-17 school year will be determined based on information provided at the time of the proposal to travel. International travel proposals must be submitted for approval six months prior to the planned trip.

In a statement released by NLSD, Board Chair, Arlene Hrynyk  says the decision was not made lightly.   “We    know    many    students    and    parents    have    worked    hard    to    plan    and    fundraise    for    trips    and    that    they    will    be    disappointed    that    they    are    cancelled.    The    safety    of    our    students    is    our    top    priority    and    given    the    uncertainty    that    exists    in    many    parts    of    the    world    today,    we    felt    this    suspension    was    necessary.”

In NLSD’s case, the suspensions will affect several school trips that were planned for 2016. There were also professional development opportunities and conferences that will be effected by the suspension. NLSD has stated that it is working with the schools to help access travel insurance refunds or explore alternatives.

LCN has contacted Lakeland Catholic School District (LCSD) regarding international air travel. LCSD says the district will have an update regarding this issue within a week’s time. LCN will keep you updated.