Paris attacks: Winnipeg high school students on trip in Paris safe
7 students, 2 teachers from Vincent Massey Collegiate travelling through France on exchange
Students from Winnipeg's Vincent Massey Collegiate on a trip in Paris are all safe after a series of deadly attacks in the French capital Friday.
Three teams of assailants launched the co-ordinated deadly attacks in Paris that left 129 people dead and another 352 injured, 99 of them in critical condition, Paris prosecutor François Molins said Saturday.
Seven students and two teachers were travelling through France as part of an exchange and educational trip, said Ted Fransen, the superintendent of education for the Pembina Trails School Division.
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At the time, the students and teachers were sleeping a safe distance from the attacks, he said.
"They haven't told us the exact distance but they were not anywhere close to the events from yesterday and at no time in danger — they are safe and sound," Fransen said, adding the students were in touch with their families back home right after the attacks.
"This is the 21st century and quite honestly kids were in touch with their parents immediately. It was probably easy to assure parents their kids were safe because they were in touch with them."
Fransen said he initially had concerns about the students' safety as news of the attacks began to surface, but added he also "knew the teachers would keep our kids safe."
Fransen said the school division has been monitoring travel advisories closely, as it does in the case of every school trip.
The group inquired with Air Canada about booking a flight home early. They were assured by the company that due to the chaotic nature of the airport, and beefed up security in the streets, that they would be better off waiting to leave as the originally planned to on Monday.
