Calgary Board of Education officials informed the Bowness High School community of a student death while on a school trip to Japan.
Right now, CBE students are on spring break in the city. They said when classes resume on April 3, their critical incident response team will be available at the school.
According to a parent letter about the trip circulated in May 2022, the trip was part of the Experience Japan tour with EF Educational Tours. The plan at that time was to travel to Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Takayama and Kanazawa.
The trip was described as being open to any students in Grades 10 to 12 and was connected to the social studies and English curriculum.
The trip dates were March 23 to April 1, according to the initial mailer to parents.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of a CBE student on a school trip to Japan,” read a statement from the CBE.
“Our sincere condolences have been extended to the family at this very difficult time and we are working closely with them.”
CBE officials said that due to confidentiality, they are unable to provide further details on what happened.
“Our focus now is supporting students and staff on the trip,” they said.
“Arrangements are also being made to have the group return to Calgary as soon as possible. We will continue to communicate directly with impacted families.”
They said that parents or guardians of students can contact the school directly when school resumes next week.
“The CBE follows a rigorous process for all international travel to support the safety and security of everyone involved,” they said.
