Yellowknife (Mar 21/03) - With more than 50 students overseas, the Yellowknife Education District No. 1 is keeping a diligent watch over the war in Iraq.

"Of course I'm concerned," said superintendent Judith Knapp from her office, Wednesday afternoon. "I'll be very happy when they're back on Sunday."

This week, two groups left for Europe from Sir John Franklin School.

The 23 students in Roots and Wings are travelling through England and Brussels. Another 31 Sir John French Club students are touring France.

Only one family pulled out when it was apparent the war would come, Knapp said.

"I was thinking parents would change their minds," Knapp said. "But they wouldn't send their children unless they felt confident."

The benefits of travel far outweigh the concerns, said Richard Cracknell, whose son, James Cracknell is in France this week.

"I'm a little bit concerned, but not overwhelmingly frantic 'get them out of there' kind of concerned," he said Thursday.

"If he hadn't gone he could get knocked down by a bus here. You can't let these people dominate your life."

Sandra Bowden is also concerned, but is sure the attending staff will do the right thing to protect her daughter, Meghan, who is also in France.

Bowden spoke Tuesday with her daughter.

"Yes, I'm concerned, but she didn't talk about it at all ... I'm pretty sure she'll be fine," Bowden said.

Both parents are more worried about the trip home. The group goes through London's Heathrow Airport and the parents fear for terrorist attacks there.

Knapp is monitoring the situation online. The teachers are in constant contact with the Canadian Embassy and school principal Mieke Cameron.

As of Thursday morning no travel advisory had been posted for France or England by federal governments in Canada or the U.S.