Two more Wolf Creek Public School international student trips have been canceled as the World Health Organization continues to update travel advisories due to the COVID-19 virus. 

WCPS Superintendent Jayson Lovell said they are hopeful that they will be able to reschedule at another date, but right now they feel they've made the safest decision for students and chaperones. 

"It's been extremely tough. As things have unfolded with the coronavirus we've absolutely been paying very close attention and tracking the developments around this outbreak and really held off on a number of decisions to see how it plays out, with advisories and understanding any risks students and chaperones might face," Lovell said. 

In early February, the school district announced they would not be sending students to China on a trip that was scheduled to leave March 12th.

Today, they announced a decision to also cancel both the Alix-MAC School and the Ponoka Secondary Campus' Europe-bound trips that were scheduled for the end of this month. 

"It was a very difficult decision but unfortunately we are in a place that with the concerns and risks, it was in the best interests of all involved to cancel," Lovell said.  

Two school trips still on the schedule:

"We also have two that are still scheduled to go. One is a Bluffton School trip to Washington D.C, and Phillidelphia, New York. That one isn't until April 20th. The other one is the Rimbey Junior/Senior High School that has a trip to Cozumel, Mexico scheduled as part of their scuba-diving program. That departure date is March 21st," Lovell said, adding that the school district, staff, and students are all watching closely. 

"Student and staff safety are paramount., we always want to make sure we're never sending students or staff where they are at risk. Erring on the side of caution is very important here."

As of now, WCPS has canceled the trips outright, but Lovell said there is hope that as the COVID-19 virus outbreak begins to settle, the students will be able to reschedule their excursions.

From Wolf Creek Public Schools:

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

“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 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.

Additionally, a significant development occurred on March 9, 2020 as the Government of Canada issued an active travel health notice for France and Germany. Both trips were slated to visit one or both countries.

The Alix-MAC School trip would have travelled to the United Kingdom, Ireland, Scotland and France between March 18-29, 2020. The Ponoka Secondary Campus trip would have travelled to the United Kingdom, France, Belgium and Germany between March 18-28, 2020. 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,” said Lovell.