guard.me Cyber Security Breach Incident

The Saanich International Student Program was recently notified that guard.me, the travel and medical insurance provider to international students currently and previously enrolled with the Saanich School District, has experienced a cyber security breach incident.

Students of the Saanich School’s international program purchase medical insurance to protect against medical expenses incurred while in Canada. guard.me collects information about students for the purposes of providing coverage and processing benefit claims. Personal information that may be impacted by this incident includes identity information, contact information, and other information provided to support submitted claims.

The Saanich International Student Program is following up with its past and present international students to ensure that students are aware of this incident. Information about this incident is also available at: Notice of Privacy Incident | guard.me

Any time personal information is exposed to potential misuse, it is important that individuals take steps to protect themselves against the risk of financial fraud and identity theft. At this time, we recommend that all affected students take the following steps to protect themselves:

  • Protect against the risk of fraud and identify theft by actively monitoring your financial accounts and statements regularly. You should notify your financial institutions and law enforcement authorities immediately of any suspicious activity.
  • If you had an online account with guard.me, ensure that you do not use the same login id or password with other online services. If you did, you should change such passwords immediately.
  • Contact guard.me about the availability of credit monitoring and other protective services.
  • Visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre for further information about how to protect yourself. https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm

This incident has been reported to the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for British Columbia. If you have questions or concerns about your information or how this incident impacts you, you should contact guard.me directly for more information.

Homestay Program Seeking Families

Saanich Schools International Student Program (SISP) is seeking new host families for the 2021-2022 school year. You will be supported by a full time Homestay Coordinator and the full international department of Saanich Schools. International Students from over 20 countries attend school in Saanich every year and are eager to have a Canadian cultural experience with you. 

  • Make life-long friendships, receive a generous allowance to offset expenses and share the beauty of your home and community
  • Apply Now
  • Learn More

COVID-19 Update

As new and returning international students begin arriving in Saanich this month, the health and safety of international students, host families and school communities are top priority. SISP continues to adhere to the guidelines and orders from Provincial and Federal Government, Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA) and the BC Center for Disease Control. Please reference these resources for more information:

Saanich Schools COVID-19 Updates

B.C.'s Back to School Plan

BC Self-Assessment Tool

Canada COVID-19 App

CDC Physical Distancing Facts

ArriveCAN App Instructions

Student Arrival Guide

Beautiful Saanich

The ideal setting to live and learn                                          

Featuring the perfect blend of rural and urban landscapes, Saanich is the largest municipality in Greater Victoria. Surrounded by ocean, Saanich has a long shoreline with many beautiful sandy beaches. Saanich also offers opportunities for nature hikes in its natural parks, along with two lakes for swimming, fishing and rowing.

The capital city of British Columbia is Victoria, and is located on the Saanich Peninsula on the southern tip of beautiful Vancouver Island. Study in Victoria and Saanich for a first class education and lifestyle. Victoria has mild, rainy winters and cool, dry summers. Daily temperatures rise above 30°C on an average of only one day per year and fall below –5°C on an average of only 2 nights per year. During winter, the average daily high and low temperatures are 8.2°C and 3.6°C, respectively. The summer months are equally mild, with an average high temperature of 19.6°C and low of 11.3°C.