School board cancels all international trips amid COVID-19 concerns

Sean Monteith

All international school trips have been cancelled by the Hastings Prince Edward District School Board in the wake of COVID-19.
In a letter to parents and students, school board director Sean Monteith announced the cancellations, effective today.

“Like many of you, staff and board administration have been watching the evolving events around the world as they pertain to COVID-19 (novel coronavirus), and the responding actions being taken by countries, governments and even school boards,” he said. “The Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board is no exception.”

“The sole reason for this action at this time is the safety of students, staff and travelling chaperones.”

The cancellation comes amid travel advisories for much of Europe and Asia to try to contain any further spread of the virus, and follows extensive conversations with local health authorities, the provincial government and representatives through the Ministry of Education, and school boards across Ontario.

“I recognize that this will be disappointing to our students, staff and your families; however, we are not prepared to risk illness for unnecessary travel and are equally unprepared to compromise safety in any way.”

Schools are working with respective travel companies to investigate options for accessing refunds. Parents are asked to contact their child’s school with any questions.