Kirrawee High School: Coronavirus cancels New York trip
High school students who were due to go to the Big Apple have been told the trip has been axed - leaving them out of pocket to the tune of $6800.
St George Shire Standard
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Sutherland Shire students who shelled out thousands for a school trip to New York have been left devastated and out of pocket after the school cancelled the trip in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
A Department of Education spokesman confirmed Kirrawee High School’s New York excursion had been cancelled.
Each student and their family is currently out of pocket to the tune of $6800 – the full cost of the trip.
“In the current COVID-19 environment, all overseas excursions in Term 1 are on hold until further notice,” the spokesman told the St George Shire Standard.
“Schools have been asked, if possible, to reschedule planned overseas travel until later in the year.”
The Beauty Bank founder Jen Armstrong tweeted her 16-year-old niece was one of 60 students affected by the cancellation.
“Yes, it’s a first world problem, but these 60 kids have worked really hard to raise the money and there seems to be no recourse,” Ms Armstrong said.
“This one school trip alone kids are out of pocket $150,000 – how many other kids are being ripped off?”
Parents of the affected students were informed of the devastating decision at a school meeting on Wednesday night.
The Australian Government is yet to ban or limit travel between Australia and the United States.
“US authorities have confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19),” the SmartTraveller website stated on March 5.
“The US may deny boarding of any US-bound traveller showing signs of illness – expect enhanced screening procedures.”
The Department spokesman said neither the Department nor Kirrawee High School would retain any of the money paid towards the trip.
“Kirrawee High School is working with parents on the cancelled excursion to New York,” the spokesman said.
“The refund costs have not yet been finalised by the travel agent (but) some of the amounts already paid are expected to be held as credit.”
Students and parents across the state similarly affected by overseas trip cancellations have been advised to explore their travel insurance options.
“Parents should check the conditions of coverage of any travel insurance they have taken out to determine whether they can recover costs associated with an overseas trip being cancelled,” the spokesman said.
“The department is currently exploring options to assist parents who have been financially disadvantaged by the cancellation of an overseas trip.”
The spokesman said the health and safety of students and staff was of paramount importance.
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