Canada Trip Canceled: What Happened?
March 6, 2014
By Kate Driscoll and Amanda LaRiverie |
When World Language teacher Mrs. Sunny informed our class that we would be taking a trip to Canada, the class was ecstatic. Asking a million questions about the trip, our freshman class couldn’t wait until March to go. We were told about going sledding, staying in hotels, and learning about the culture and how the language was used. About two months after this, I walked into class with a burning question, having heard from a senior that the trip had been canceled. When I asked Mrs. Sunny if it was true, she replied with a sad, “yes”. The class was furious. Why had this happened? Rumors floated around the school, but no one knew for sure. Some said that the Olympics in Sochi, Russia would cause terrorism among other countries such as Canada. Others said that the trip wasn’t approved on time. When asked, Mrs. Sunny declined comment.
Taylor Bernier a freshman who was looking forward to the trip, said, “I was very excited because I wanted to go, but then it got cancelled. I don’t know why it got cancelled but I was really sad.”
Mr. Zawadski, who has gone on the trip multiple times, said, “This was the first year it ended up getting cancelled. We originally went to Montreal one year, Quebec the next year. Then it changed to going to both cities every other year. I was disappointed it was cancelled this year.”
We asked Mr. Webb, assistant principal, what happened. He explained, “Because of the changes with the CAPT tests and junior portfolio, the dates were never set, and we couldn’t go on the trip”. Because the state was changing test types, the school could not confirm the dates, which did not give parents enough time to gather the money they needed or obtain passports for the students. However, he said that the trip will definitely take place next year.
Liz Bradley • Mar 10, 2014 at 8:03 am
I’ve never taken french before, but I’ve always taken spanish. I remember when Mrs. Luther was trying to get together our Puerto Rico trip and everyone was so excited, but they ended up canceling it due to lack of participation. It’s unfortunate that you guys cannot go this year, going to places like Montreal or Quebec would have really enhanced your learning. First hand-real world learning is something you cannot teach out of a textbook. I hope the dates get approved next year and you will all be able to go!
leahcampano • Mar 9, 2014 at 11:44 pm
I am really disappointed the Canada trip was cancelled this year because I had such a good time my freshman year! It was a great learning experience and exposed me to a different culture. However, I’m glad I still have the opportunity to go next year, and that you’ll be able to go as well!
erikarenkl • Mar 9, 2014 at 9:47 pm
It really sucks that the trip isn’t happening this year, especially since this is the last year I’ll be able to go. However, I know from my sophomore year that the trip is a lot of fun and a good learning experience for the French students, so I’m glad you will be able to go next year. Even two years ago they had trouble getting the trip approved with much time to spare and I know a lot of students had trouble getting it paid for on time. Enjoy it, hopefully next year the dates will work out!