Jayson Lovell, Superintendent, Wolf Creek Public Schools

By Troy Gillard

red deer districts watching closely

Wolf Creek, Chinook’s Edge cancel school trips due to coronavirus concerns

Mar 11, 2020 | 4:54 PM

Two local school districts are cancelling trips abroad due to growing global concerns over COVID-19 (coronavirus).

Wolf Creek Public Schools has cancelled March international student trips from Alix-MAC School in Alix and Ponoka Secondary Campus in Ponoka.

District officials say the decision was made based on evolving information from the World Health Organization (WHO), Global Affairs Canada, Alberta Health Services, Alberta Education and Wolf Creek’s insurance provider.

“This was a difficult decision, and one we did not make lightly. The safety of students and staff is paramount. The impact of COVID-19 is very serious and appropriate steps must be taken to ensure no student or supervisor is at risk,” said Jayson Lovell, WCPS superintendent.

The Government of Canada ‘s decision on March 9 to issue an active travel health notice for France and Germany affected both trips as well.

Prevention, Access, Recovery, and Coordination

Safe Harbour officially hands over shelter keys, establishes accessible navigation hub

15h ago

lacombe and sylvan lake

December 2025 (un)employment data released for Alberta sub-regions

16h ago

21 years with WCPS

Darcy Blum appointed principal of Lacombe Outreach School

17h ago

The Alix-MAC School trip would have travelled to the United Kingdom, Ireland, Scotland and France between March 18-29. The Ponoka Secondary Campus trip would have travelled to the United Kingdom, France, Belgium and Germany between March 18-28.

All parents were notified March 10, 2020 of the cancellations.

“International travel remains an important learning opportunity for WCPS students. We are disappointed in this change in plans and extend our sincere appreciation for the understanding and support through this challenging situation,” Lovell noted.

Chinook’s Edge School Division announced Wednesday that all Board-endorsed student and staff out of country travel will be canceled effective immediately until April 30.

Superintendent Kurt Sacher provided an email to all staff and parents on March 10, indicating that the school division is closely monitoring the unfolding global situation and is taking direction from Alberta Health Services.

The Chinook’s Edge Pandemic Plan has been updated and is on standby should it be needed, district officials note.

Red Deer Public Schools spokesperson Bruce Brurma says no final decisions have been made regarding upcoming trips scheduled to France, Dominican Republic and Peru over the Spring Break.

Buruma says the current risks vary considerably for each trip.

“We are definitely on top of the situation knowing the potential and increasingly likely impact on international travel,” Buruma says. “This is a very dynamic situation, therefore cancellations and rescheduling of trips are possibilities.”

Buruma says Red Deer Public will be following local, national and international directives in making decisions with the health and safety of students being the very highest priority.

Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools says its Board of Trustees is meeting at 3:30 p.m. Thursday to decide on the status of trips that are scheduled for March 19.

“Please know student and staff safety is of paramount concern in all decision making,” Interim Superintendent Kathleen Finnigan says in a letter to parents. “Our trip coordinators, school administration, senior administration and the Board of Trustees have been working together to gather information and to monitor the situation.”