The purpose of a policy on field trips/outings is to facilitate their planning for the school year and set a safe environment for teachers and parents. Guidelines for teachers are based on past experience and future requirements, and are intended to give them a variety of choices and flexibility in planning.

Objectives of field trips/outings

Field trips/outings should:

• complete the academic curriculum;
• increase the student’s understanding;
• educate youth about appropriate attitude and behavior in groups, by experiencing recreational activities adapted to suit their age;
• develop awareness and sensitivity to cultural and humanitarian aspects of the student’s environment;
• develop a team spirit;
• reinforce topics covered in class;
• enrich the teacher/student relationship.

General rules governing school field trips

Parents should receive a standard form of the type “Parental Permission” for any school outing. This form should include the following:

• The field trip’s/outing’s purpose;
• The cost;
• The time of departure and return;
• The signed authorization of the parent and/or guardian.

Safety during field trips/outings

• The school staff will assume the organization and safety of students;
• The school first aid kit on the bus, as well as a cell phone should be included for each field trip/outing;
• Parents/supervisors will be informed of the requirements, tasks, safety measures and emergency procedures before the departure (the assignment of parents to a group of children for whom they should be responsible). Parents/supervisors do not have the right to take children who are not part of the school’s group.

Medications to bring during school trips

The teacher will ensure that the student has his/her medication or EPI-PEN. The EPI-PEN should be brought to school in a container, clearly indicating the name of the student and the teacher, as well as the dosage required by a doctor’s prescription.