Students around the Campbell River School District (SD72) are excited about various upcoming field trips, including many which will see them leave the country.
But with recent changes in U.S. entrance policies and procedures, there have been questions about whether those particular trips are still on. Many school districts around the province – and the country – have been canceling trips to the U.S., concerned that some of their students will have issues crossing the border.
SD72 international students are currently scheduled to travel to Seattle next week and a group of Carihi students are scheduled for an arts trip to New York City from May 17 to 24. District Assistant Superintendent Nevenka Fair told the board at this week’s public meeting that there have been no changes to those plans as of yet, but they are certainly aware of the possible complications, and won’t hesitate to cancel a trip if there’s a possibility any student will have entry issues during any trip.
“We wanted to let you know, because there’s lots of stuff in the news right now about trips to the U.S., particularly, that the district is keeping abreast of any new information regarding travel advisories to all countries outside of Canada,” Fair said.
“I know the Victoria (school) board has put out a statement that said there are no trips to the U.S. because they’d like to see more clarity and certainty around exactly what those bans look like,” Fair said.
SD72 hasn’t gone to that extent, Fair said, “but at this point if there is any indication – any hint – that maybe a student will not be accepted, then there won’t be a trip,” and she urges parents to contact their child’s teachers or the school board if they have any concerns surrounding this issue.