The safety of Black Gold students and staff is the first priority for the Board of Education. November 25th, 2015, during their scheduled Board Meeting, the Board of Education “Deferred” approval of two International Field Trips, as a result of recent world events, involving terrorist acts and threats. The Board voted to defer their approval and seek further information from staff, parents, and travel insurance companies.

The Board wishes to take in account the opinion of the Black Gold Community on this matter.  To complete the survey, please click here.

This survey is your opportunity to provide feedback to the Board.Upon receiving your feedback, the Board will further discuss and consider international travel cancellation/opportunities for its students.  Safety and the risks associated with student travel will be at the forefront of this conversation.

The following survey will be available until 4:00 p.m., Thursday, December 3, 2015. 

 

—————-

Background Information for Survey

What do the Government of Canada’s Travel Advisories and Four Risk Levels mean?

Each Country Travel Advice and Advisories page contains a graph indicating the country’s overall level of security risk. There may be more than one graph if the risk level differs in a specific region.

The four risk levels are as follows:

• Level 1 – Exercise normal security precautions – There are no significant security concerns.
• Level 2- Exercise a high degree of caution – There are identifiable security concerns; travellers should be alert and vigilant to their surroundings

The following two levels constitute official Government of Canada Travel Advisories:

• Level 3 – AVOID NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL – There are specific security concerns; travellers should reconsider their need to travel at this time.
• Level 4 – AVOID ALL TRAVEL – There is an extreme risk to personal safety; Canadians should not travel at this time.

What are Travel Advisories?

Travel Advisories appear in the country travel advice and advisories page of countries where the security of Canadians may be compromised. They provide the Government of Canada’s official advice regarding travel to a specific country or region. A Travel Advisory either recommends that Canadians avoid “all travel” or “non-essential travel” to a country or region and, in some cases, that they leave that country or region.

How does the Government of Canada determine the risk level of a country or region?

The risk level is based on an overall assessment of the current security situation in a country or region. However, this assessment is not exhaustive.

When does the Government of Canada issue a Travel Advisory?

There are many events that can necessitate an official Travel Advisory, including the threat of terrorism, civil unrest, war, rebellion, a natural disaster, political instability, and health emergencies.

How often are Travel Advisories revised?

The Government of Canada closely monitors safety and security conditions abroad, particularly in countries for which travel advisories have been issued. As new information becomes available, the level of risk is reassessed, and a Travel Advisory may be issued, upgraded or downgraded.