Director’s letter to families about cancelling international travel, March 11, 2020
Letter to families about cancelling international travel
Dear Parents, Guardians, Caregivers and Students:
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. The Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board is no exception. Due to the increasing concern about the spread of COVID-19, the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board is cancelling all international school trips effective immediately. The sole reason for this action at this time is the safety of students, staff and travelling chaperones.
This 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.
Our schools are working with the respective travel companies to investigate options for accessing refunds. Please contact your child's school if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Sean Monteith
Director of Education
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