Ongoing restrictions for student overnight travel have led to a petition with hundreds of signatures to allow students to travel further for school activities.
The petition, which as of The Reminder’s press time has almost 600 signees, calls for a full lifting of restrictions on overnight travel for extracurricular activities, including for sports or cultural trips.
Rene Thompson, a Hapnot Collegiate student listed as the petition’s creator, called for the change after the Manitoba High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) changed its Return to School Sport Plan Oct. 27, lifting restrictions on authorizing overnight travel for people taking part in high school sports. Restrictions on overnight travel have not yet been lifted by any of northern Manitoba’s four school boards, including the board of trustees for the Flin Flon School Division (FFSD)
“Upon the recent lift of the overnight travel ban by MHSAA (Manitoba High School Athletic Association), we, the undersigned, respectfully request the [FFSD] reconsider their decision to continue the restriction on overnight stays for school activities such as field trips, band trips and tournaments,” said Thompson in the petition.
“Not only do overnight events and trips give the opportunity to show off what we have worked so hard to accomplish, but it also helps create lifetime bonds with friends. Some of the most fun and memorable moments of high school are created during overnight travels. I ask you to please sign this petition to support us students in this cause.”
The FFSD has not allowed overnight travel for sports or other activities, in accordance with the former MHSAA ruling, so far this school year. The latest change to MHSAA measures was announced one day after the FFSD’s last meeting, held back on Oct. 26.
A group of parents and students are also expected to appear at the FFSD’s Nov. 9 meeting to discuss the current rules and petition.
In a comment to The Reminder about the change and petition, FFSD board chair Leslie Fernandes said the division would try to act in the best interests of Flin Flon students and not reached a final decision about whether overnight travel rules would be changed or not.
“We (and the other northern divisions) were blindsided by the flip-flop of MHSAA. We need time to find out the way their change of heart impacts our role in student safety and to find out the way Manitoba education wants us to implement the changes. We are asking the right questions and when we get the answers we need, we can update the public,” Fernandes said.
“We all want the same thing. Every board member values high school sport and wants our students to be able to fully experience every opportunity that is presented to them. We can understand that students and staff are frustrated - we are frustrated too, but we have a responsibility to put the safety of everyone first.”
While the petition and community frustration threatens to make the issue into a larger debate on what is and isn’t safe for extracurricular activity mid-pandemic, Fernandes said she’s pleased to see public involvement on the subject.
“It is unfortunate that this provoked a petition, but we appreciate the passion for school sport. It has been a very difficult year for education, so seeing investment in all aspects of our school division is encouraging,” she said.
“Whether it is discussing everything from amalgamation and supporting student learning to mental wellness for staff and students and the importance of school sports, we are listening and appreciate the feedback.”
