​Print copy
Revised: September 25, 2001
Revised: November 26, 2003
Reviewed: March 6, 2006
Revised: May 28, 2008
Revised:  June 21, 2011

Policy

The Board recognizes the benefits of student field trips when such optional trips supplement educational programs for students. 

• Clear benefit to students
• Safety and security of all participants
• Risk assessment and management of off-site activities
• Protection of students, staff, volunteers, and the School District. 

Administrative Procedures 

• Detailed written description of the field trip
• Written informed consent signed by parent/guardian
• Student roster with home and emergency contact information
• Transportation information
• Detailed and full accounting of costs, expenditures, etc.

One-Day Field Trips
The principal is responsible for ensuring that the approval documents for a one-day field trip are completed prior to approving one-day field trips. 

• The safety, security, supervision, and well being of students must be the prime consideration when planning a trip 
• Principals must ensure that suitably qualified employees and approved volunteers are selected for supervisory responsibilities
• Arrangements must be made for students not participating in the trip and for the instruction of classes normally taught by teachers who will accompany students on the trip
• The teacher and school office must have a student roster list including home and emergency contact information for all participants
• At least one supervising adult will have a cellular phone or another radio communication device  available for emergency use
• The teacher must carry or have access to a first aid kit during the field trip
• A copy of each student's medical form must be available to staff on multiple-day field trips in case of medical emergencies
• Mandatory group medical/travel/cancellation insurance coverage must be in place for all out-of-province field trips
• Field trip itinerary must not include areas where the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade has published a travel advisory.  In the event that a significant security, safety or health issue arises before or during a trip, the trip will be effectively cancelled and participants will return home unless the Superintendent or his designate determines otherwise
• The Board is not responsible for any losses which may arise from cancellation or alteration of a supplementary or optional field trip itinerary
• Fund-raising activities for a supplementary or optional field trip must be approved by the principal
• Supplementary or optional field trips will operate at no additional cost to the Board
• The cost of teacher(s)-on-call shall be included in the cost of a supplementary or optional field trip
• Related expenses of the supervisor(s) may be included in the total cost of a supplementary or optional field trip
• Revenues and expenditures for the field trip are to be accounted for in a budget statement. 

Informed Consent

The written informed consent of parents/guardians is required for participation of students in all field trips. A full description of the field trip must be provided to parents/guardians in writing and must address:

• How the field trip supplements the educational program
• Notice that the field trip is optional, and that arrangements will be made for students who are not participating
• Notification of student/parent Pre-Trip meeting.  A Pre-Trip meeting is required for all Multiple-Day and/or Out-of-Province field trips
• Description of supervisors:  teachers, employees of the Board, and other adult volunteers, along with contact information
• Transportation and accommodation arrangements
• Itinerary consisting of date(s), departure and return times and schedule of planned activities
• Description of planned activities and levels of direct and indirect supervision
• Description of inherent risks and potential consequences
• Assessment of student skills and abilities as pertaining to the field trip activity (if applicable)
• Behavioural expectations of students plus rules and regulations
• Emergency Planning/Cancellation of Trip information, including cancellation provisions, collection/disclosure of student medical and personal information, first-aid arrangements, and the Emergency Communication and Return Plan
• Description of budget consisting of revenue (cost to student) and expenditures (cost of trip) (optional trips only)
• Parent/guardian responsibility to arrange student accident or liability insurance
• Parent/guardian responsibility to determine whether the student may participate in the field trip
• Student Awareness of Risk and Responsibility Form completed by student (if applicable).

A written informed consent form for the field trip must be obtained with a parent/guardian signature.

1. Day Trip Primary K-Grade 3 (activity has minimal inherent risk, e.g., walking field trip) -- one (1) teacher supervisor per class and one (1) approved supervisor. 
2. Day Trip (activity has minimal inherent risk, e.g., guided tours, museum, art gallery, public performance) -- one (1) teacher supervisor per class and one (1) approved supervisor.
3. Day Trip (activity has an increased level of inherent risk, e.g., skiing, kayaking, swimming, canoeing, and wilderness experiences) -- one (1) teacher supervisor and one (1) other employee of the Board and one (1) approved supervisor.
4. Day Trip (activity related to a Special Education Program) Special Education Assistant may assume sole or primary supervision responsibility to accommodate the out-of-school program needs of a student(s) with special needs -- adult to student ratio to be determined by principal or designate.
5. Overnight Indoor (activity has a higher level of inherent risk due to extended absence from school and home, e.g., secondary extracurricular activities, athletic, band, or club tours) -- one (1) teacher supervisor and one (1) other approved supervisor.
6. Out-of-Province, Out-of-Country (activity perceived as having a higher level of inherent risk due to increased travel complexity and distance, e.g., cultural exchanges, athletics, band tours) -- one (1) teacher supervisor and one (1) other employee of the Board.
7. Overnight Outdoor (activity perceived as having a much higher level of inherent risk due to nature of activity, e.g., wilderness hike, camping) -- one (1) teacher supervisor and one (1) other employee of the Board supervisor and one (1) other approved supervisor.