Rocky View Schools (RVS) has cancelled all eight scheduled student trips to Europe, citing safety concerns following the terrorist attacks in Paris in November.
“The discussion (as to whether to cancel) began shortly after some of the world events that overtook Europe,” RVS Superintendent of Schools Don Hoium said. “We’ve been engaged in looking at the facts associated with that and seeking advice from our insurance provider and legal advice.
“It was balancing all of the facts to determine what decision would be in the best interest of student safety.”
All trips to Europe scheduled from Dec. 11 through to June 30, 2016, have been cancelled. Hoium said meetings with parents of students affected are currently taking place, and alternative destinations for the trips are being evaluated.
“We looked at Europe as a continent. The way that the European Union operates, the borders are very fluid,” Hoium said. “So fluid that we were concerned if students were there, whether or not it was something they were involved in, if there was an incident and borders or airports were closed we were in a situation where we wouldn’t be able to get students home.”
But some parents, like Greg Wing, were disappointed to see the trips cancelled.
“It’s so important that we don’t cower in fear. As soon as we cancel all of those trips, the terrorists have won,” said Wing, whose son attends George McDougall High School. “The whole point of terrorism is terror. If you are afraid to live your life, that is what the terrorists are attempting to do. Are there risks? Yes there are risks.
“(But) would I send my son? In a second.”
Potential alternative destinations – and potential cancellation fees levied – will be finalized early in the new year.
“Each trip is different. They all go through different tour companies. Our schools are trying to find alternative sites,” RVS Director of Communications Angela Spanier said.
According to Hoium, the decision to cancel the trips “sooner rather than later” was made to minimize cancellation fees and avoid further deposits by parents.
International trips scheduled outside of Europe by RVS will continue as planned.
