Parents of pupils at the Belgian school Athénée Royal de Namur did not know what they heard when they were informed by letter about the price of the planned final exam trip for 2023. It is estimated at no less than 2000 euros.
While the graduating students of the Athénée Royal in Namur used to spend a week in the sun, the school decided to go to New York for 2023. ,,We were sure we could do better than a week in the sun during spring break. In order to give your child a lasting memory of the Athénée, the team of teachers and management decided to end it nicely: destination New York,” the school said in a letter to parents.
Cost for all this: a meager 2000 euros. A considerable amount, but the school thought of something. Parents were asked to deposit an amount of 180 euros per month for two years, so that the amount is together in 2023. A request that has gone down the wrong way with many parents.
thoughtless
Father Philippe (not his real name) contacted the Belgian RTL to express his displeasure with the plan. ,,It is totally thoughtless and inappropriate (…) Why so far? It is a huge amount for families with several children or with lower incomes. And it’s not good for the environment either.” He continues: ,,I’ve never been to New York. I don’t understand the purpose. As adults, we think twice about such a long journey.”
Other parents joined Philippe and complained en masse about the high amount and the trip in general. For that reason, the school eventually decided to draw a line. Géraldine Kamps, spokesperson for Wallonie Bruxelles Teaching: ,,120 students would come along. A dozen parents objected to this decision because they thought the trip was too expensive. The management therefore considered it wiser to reverse its decision and not organize a trip to New York. The management had not expected these reactions. They certainly realized that it might be very expensive for some families.”
A cheaper school trip is now being organized for the students of the Athénée Royal de Namur, a bit closer to home.
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