Procedures

The Division believes that off-site activity and field trips can enhance the learning opportunities for students. Therefore, the Division authorizes such activities when these activities have educational value and are curricular-based. While field trips and excursions have positive educational value, care must be taken to ensure that trips and excursions are organized in a manner that maximizes the educational benefit and ensures the protection and safety of students.

Scope of Procedure

1. This procedure governs all field trips, excursions or community-based activities that take place off school grounds. This also includes travel by individual students in connection with student exchanges, student conferences/competitions, and any other off-site school-sponsored activities.
   The primary reference for safety expectations and precautions shall be School Physical Activity, Health & Education Resource for Safety, or the most updated version as posted on the Alberta Education website. In the case of a  difference between guidelines set out in that document and  Palliser School Division procedures, the guideline that requires the closest supervision of students shall take precedence.
2. This procedure does not apply to:
1. Any student trip or activity planned and organized outside of the school program by a parent, parent group or any other out-of-school organization. Such activities are not considered to be "school or Division sponsored", and are therefore the responsibility and liability of that parent or organizing group; 
2. Student off-campus work experience placements, registered apprenticeships and dual credit programs; and
3. Student programming based on an Individual Program Plan. Please contact the Associate Superintendent of Learning Services for these situations.

Educational Goals

All field trips, off-campus activities and student travel shall have:

1. Educational goals established which are compatible with the provincial programs of study and the school's instructional program;
2. Sufficient educational value to outweigh any loss of instructional time from the regular school program; and
3. Participation is restricted to include only students who are enrolled in Palliser School Division.

Student Safety

All field trips, off-campus activities and student travel shall be planned in such a way as to maximize student safety.

1. The teacher-in-charge or designated Division employee is responsible for acquiring sufficient awareness of and information about the proposed site(s) of the activity to make a safety assessment for the activity. If possible, a pre-trip visit to the site is highly recommended.
2. Competent instruction and supervision for off-campus activities are mandatory. Competence may be established by virtue of a certificate from a governing body for an activity, or where certificates are not issued, competence may be recognized by virtue of experience and demonstrated expertise in the activity. It is the responsibility of the teacher-in-charge or designated Division employee to ensure that a contracted service provider holds the appropriate certification or training.
3. The teacher/Division employee-in-charge of any field trips, off-campus activities or student travel shall be responsible for carrying a list of student participants, including telephone contact numbers, Alberta Health Care numbers, medication and medic-alert needs.
4. Students shall not be required to walk to an off-campus venue in circumstances where extreme weather or temperature exists, or where a student is improperly dressed for the weather conditions. Students must have appropriate attire for the weather conditions.
5. The use of alcohol or drugs by any participant, including staff members and volunteers, is strictly prohibited during all field trips, off-campus activities and student travel, regardless of the circumstances, the age of the participants, or local laws and customs.  Refer to Administrative Procedure 356 – Prohibited Substances.

Supervision

1. All field trips, off-campus activities and student travel must be under the direct supervision of at least one Division employee or agent of the Board.
2. Supervisors must have sufficient and appropriate qualifications to ensure proper supervision based on the nature of the trip or activity.
3. Both male and female supervisors are required for situations where both male and female students are present.  Refer to Administrative Procedure 316 – Student Supervision.
4. An adult supervisor must always be available to students (24 hours per day) for the entire duration of the trip or activity.
5. For activities or events where students might travel alone, such as during student exchanges, responsibility for ensuring adequate supervision shall rest with the parent.
6. Before, during, or after field trips and off-campus activities where students might travel alone in a motor vehicle with a supervisor, it is recommended that another adult be in attendance.
7. Supervisory personnel including parents and other volunteers are agents of the board for the purpose of this guideline.  Refer to Administrative Procedure 316 – Student Supervision and Administrative Procedure 470 - Volunteers
8. The Principal is responsible for the level and quality of supervision on each field trip and is authorized to approve details regarding supervision, giving consideration to the following factors:
   1. The recommended minimum student-to-supervisor ratio, unless in the Principal’s or Superintendent’s opinion the circumstances allow for a higher ratio;
   2. The number of participants;
   3. The age, maturity, and competency of the participants;
   4. The distance involved;
   5. The duration of the field trip;
   6. The nature of the venue(s) being visited;
   7. The type of vehicle(s) being used for transportation;
   8. The nature of the activities to be undertaken and the risks associated with them;
   9. The extent to which the teacher supervisor is familiar with the venue(s); and
   10. Other factors which, in the judgment of the Principal, are important to the successful and safe implementation of the field trip.
9. Principals are responsible to ensure that supervisors are trained in the appropriate level of first aid for the chosen activity and that appropriate safety equipment is available during the field trip.
10. Principals must be satisfied that teachers and/or supervisors have sufficient and appropriate qualifications to carry out specialized activities (e.g. canoeing, backpacking in remote areas, activities undertaken in subzero temperatures). Refer to School Physical Activity, Health & Education Resource for Safety.
11. All students participating in field trips must have health care coverage.

Notification, Permission and Waiver Forms

Parents/Guardians:

1. Notification shall be provided for all field trips, off-campus activities and student travel. Notification must include but not be limited to:
1. The purpose and educational objectives of the off-site activity;
2. The name of the teacher-in-charge and a contact telephone number;
3. The date(s);
4. The destination and, where possible, a map of the area;
5. A detailed itinerary, setting out the general nature and number of activities;
6. Departure and return times;
7. Mode of transportation;
8. Financial arrangements;
9. Safety precautions;
10. Level of supervision;
11. The date of the parent meeting, if one is being held;
12. Any special risks associated with the activity;
13. A reminder that parents or guardians must inform the teacher-in-charge about any relevant medical conditions of the student;
14. Emergency procedures to be followed in the event of injury, illness or unusual circumstances;
15. The need for additional medical coverage for out-of-province or out-of-country trips;
16. Any other relevant information about the trip which may influence the parent's or guardian's decision to withhold permission, such as a controversial museum exhibit; and
17. The standard of conduct expected of students and that a student may be sent home from activities at the parent's or guardian’s expense if the behavior of the student is unacceptable.
2. Permission shall be obtained in advance of travel outside the community.
   1. Permission and signed waiver forms shall be obtained in advance of out-of-province travel for overnight events and/or for high-risk activities.
   2. One permission form is acceptable for a series of annual off-site activities within the town, as long as all activities meet the requirements of Parent Permission 1) above and parents are notified of the activity within a reasonable time prior to the activity taking place.
   3. One permission form is acceptable for a number of distinct activities within the community such as trips to the park, fire hall, etc., as long as the school Principal is confident that the activities meet the critical requirements of Parent Permission 1) above and parents are notified of the activity within a reasonable time prior to the activity taking place.
3. When an off-site activity includes students from two or more schools:
   1. The Principal of each school involved must approve the participation of their students; and
   2. Students from all the schools are accountable to the teacher-in-charge.
4. Students are prohibited from participation in any activity or trip when notification has not been provided or when permission or waivers have not been obtained.

Cost and Participation

1. Every effort shall be made to ensure that all students are provided with equal opportunities to participate in field trips, off-campus activities, and student travel, however:
1. The demands of the activities shall not exceed the capacity of the students (i.e. fitness, skills); and
2. Extenuating circumstances may require an opt-out option by the parent/guardian. Non­ participants shall be provided meaningful alternative activities.
2. Costs associated with field trips, off-campus activities, and student travel, including substitute costs, shall be borne by the school, the club or organization, the student, the individual supervisor or some combination of the above, as appropriate, however:
   1. Where course requirements make off-campus travel necessary, transportation shall be provided free of charge;
   2. The ability to pay should not unduly limit a student's opportunity to participate. Fundraising in accordance with Division policy/procedure may be used to help defray costs; and
   3. The responsibility for the cost of trips by individual students in connection with programs available through the school (e.g. student exchanges, student conferences) shall rest with the parent.
3. Teachers and other staff members traveling with students, as approved supervisors, shall be paid their regular salary for those days that are part of the designated school year.

Transportation

1. Transportation of students may include commercial (airline, bus, taxi etc.) or private vehicles. 
   1. Where it is necessary to use private or leased vehicles, Administrative Procedure 554 – Volunteer Drivers, shall be followed.
   2. Students must return to the school at the end of an off-campus activity unless parent/guardian consent in writing has been obtained for alternate dismissal procedures.

Itineraries

1. For any out-of-province or overnight, trip a detailed itinerary shall be provided to parents, the Principal and Superintendent or designate.
1. Deviations from the itinerary shall occur only after receipt of approval from the Principal or Superintendent.
2. Unplanned changes (such as flight delays) should be reported to the Principal, Superintendent or designate as soon as possible.

Insurance

1. All staff and authorized supervisors shall be protected by the Division's liability insurance when acting within the scope of their duties as approved by the school and/or Division administration.
2. Liability coverage is normally effective only for activities held within Canada or the continental U.S.A. Contact should be made with the Associate Superintendent, Learning Services for advice concerning insurance coverage beyond these borders.
3. Students shall be required to carry approved insurance coverage for all travel outside of Alberta. The minimum insurance requirements for Category III and IV travel are set out below:

Accident & Sickness - Minimum Coverage

Baggage & Property  - Minimum Coverage

Baggage & Property Minimum Coverage

Tour Cancellation Minimum Coverage

**Important Note: It is the responsibility of the Principal to ensure that insurance coverage is in place prior to travel.

Reporting Accidents and/or Incidents

1. In the event of delays in transporting students home such as a school bus accident or road conditions, the division employee in charge shall notify the school's administrator. Upon receiving this notification, the school administrator or designate shall:
1. Notify the Superintendent or designate if the delay will be extensive, or if an accident has occurred. In the case of an accident, a list of participating students shall be provided to the Superintendent or designate;
2. Notify parents if the delay causes the students to arrive back to the school significantly later than expected; and
3. Remain at the school to answer parent inquiries until the students arrive.
2. Any incidents in which an injury occurs shall be fully documented using the Palliser Student Accident Form.

Approval Process

The Division reserves the right to deny or cancel any off-site activity if it deems that it is in the best interest and safety of the students to do so. Therefore, it is incumbent on the teacher-in­-charge and the Principal to consider all inherent risks and to ensure that all policies and procedures of the Palliser School Division are followed.

1. Palliser employees must consult with and obtain the approval of the Principal before any planning for the off-site activity occurs.
2. In the case of International Travel, a description of the trip and a request form, signed by the school Principal must be submitted to the Superintendent for review prior to any commitment being made to students, parents, airlines, travel agencies, etc. It is preferred that this information be submitted at least 10 months prior to the date of the trip and not less than 6 months prior to the date of the trip.
3. Palliser employees as approved by the Principal must:
   1. Consult with the Principal during the planning for any off-site activity;
   2. Consult the School Physical Activity, Health & Education Resource for Safety
   3. to plan for having appropriate safety equipment, transportation and student expectations in place to maximize the welfare of students;
   4. Where practically possible and if it would enhance the welfare of students, have visited the location of the off-site activity prior to the trip and be familiar with the seasonal conditions at the time of the trip;
   5. If bus transportation is not used, consult and meet the regulations; 
   6. Ensure that one of the supervising adults or resource persons has the training and/or knowledge appropriate for conducting the trip;
   7. Select appropriate volunteers for the activity, and provide volunteers with direction as to the requirements of the trip and their responsibilities, before the departure of the off­-site activity;
   8. Ensure that the appropriate trip documentation, such as trip itinerary, supervisor and student responsibilities, telephone contacts, etc., accompanies the teacher-in-charge and other trip supervisors, and that a copy has been filed with the Principal;
   9. Advise students regarding trip hazards and appropriate safety procedures; and
   10. Ensure that a precise attendance count is taken at all points of departure on the trip.
4. No trip may proceed unless it has received the appropriate approval. Before approving an off-site activity, the Principal must be satisfied that:
   1. All inherent risks have been considered and there is a minimum of risks to student welfare. If there is any doubt, the Principal shall contact the Superintendent for a second opinion;
   2. The teacher understands policies and procedures defining the teacher's responsibilities and duty of care;
   3. The current Safety Guidelines (See 3(2) above) have been met or exceeded;
   4. The students, teachers, staff, volunteers and parents/guardians will receive the appropriate information about  the trip; and
   5. Arrangements are in place for covering all the financial matters, including a refund procedure, a contingency fund, and an accounting for all expenditures.
5. The Principal has the authority to approve any off-site activity that is a day trip or that involves one overnight accommodation or that involves two overnight accommodations and is in conjunction with a school competition or activity. Approval for all these trips must be obtained one month prior to departure, and the Principal must forward a copy of the application form to the Superintendent.
6. Approval for all other overnight trips (i.e., those involving more than 1-night accommodation, or in the case of school competitions, those involving more than 2-nights' accommodation) will be obtained from the Superintendent two months prior to departure.
7. In exceptional circumstances, the Principal or the Superintendent, as the case may be, may reduce the approval time for off-site activities.
8. In exceptional circumstances, the Principal or the Superintendent, as the case may be, may approve trips where the teacher-in-charge has not visited the site.

Emergency Planning / Response

1. All employees involved in field trips shall be familiar with the common-law doctrine of in loco parentis (in the place of a parent), which requires that employees act as a reasonable and prudent parent would act.
2. The staff member in charge of a field trip is authorized to change field trip plans in the event of an emergency and in consultation with the school Principal.
3. The staff member(s) responsible for planning and supervising a field trip shall ensure that, where necessary, a first aid kit is available for use in response to an emergency medical situation.
4. The staff member(s) responsible for planning and supervising a field trip shall have the contact information for the Principal as well as a designated alternate contact in the event that the Principal is unavailable.
5. If an accident occurs during a field trip, the staff member in charge shall assess the situation and, if injuries have occurred:
   1. Attend to the immediate medical concerns, and call or make arrangements to call for rescue, assistance or ambulance, as required;
   2. Determine whether or not the trip will continue based upon all the circumstances;
   3. Notify the Principal or designate at the earliest opportunity if serious (requiring medical attention) injuries have occurred, so that the Principal or designate may inform the Superintendent and parents/guardians; and
   4. Complete an accident report within 24 hours of the incident.

Student's Responsibility

Each student participating in an off-site activity must:

1. Comply with the rules of the school and the requirements of the school's student Code of Conduct;
2. Fulfill all the preparatory requirements at an appropriate level of performance;
3. Dress appropriately according to the type of off-site activity;
4. Cooperate fully with everyone authorized by the Board to provide education programs and other services;
5. Participate in a responsible and cooperative manner during the trip;
6. Hold themselves accountable to the Supervisor in charge for their conduct; and
7. Respect the rights of others.

Volunteers

1. Volunteers are expected to know the details of the off-site activity and their specific duties and authority prior to departure.
2. Volunteers must:
   1. Support and follow the school Code of Conduct;
   2. Report any inappropriate  conduct to the teacher-in-charge;
   3. Adhere to the schedule or itinerary;
   4. Dress appropriately according to the type of off-site activity; 
   5. Fulfill their duties during assigned time; and
   6. Provide the school a valid Criminal Record Check as outlined in AP 470 - Volunteers.

International Travel

1. The supervisor for any off-site activities outside of North America is responsible for contacting the appropriate recommended health authority in Alberta to determine immunization for supervisors and students for travel to the area. 
2. All students participating in the international trip must have their vaccinations up-to-date as recommended by Alberta Health Services. Students are to submit copies of these records to the teacher-in-charge.  Upon return, the copies will be returned to the student.
3. The Government of Canada offers a registration service for all Canadians traveling abroad which all students and supervisors attending must register for. In the event of an emergency in a foreign country, they are able to contact and assist you. It is also strongly encouraged that international field trips be organized through reputable organizations established for student travel. Documentation of the organization's emergency response plan is required. The link to the Government of Canada website and registration services is as follows: https://travel.gc.ca.
4. Approval of any travel may be suspended if the situation is later deemed to pose an undue risk to students. The Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs website, https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories is to be monitored to ensure travel conditions are safe for the excursion.
5. Only Palliser School Division staff, students, and approved volunteers are authorized to participate in school international educational travel programs. Supervisor numbers should follow guidelines and not exceed the number of students participating.

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References:

• Administrative Procedure 316 Student Supervision
• Administrative Procedure 340 Student Code of Conduct
• Administrative Procedure 356 Prohibited Substances
• Administrative Procedure 470 Volunteers
• Administrative Procedure 554 Volunteer Drivers
• Transportation - Division Provided
• Transportation - Option
• Transportation - Self Arranged
• List of Risk Activities - ARMIC Insurance