Although a huge disappointment for students, ‘Iolani School was right to cancel musical performances planned over the holidays at two churches in Rome and in New York City near Times Square.

There was careful contemplation by school officials after the Nov. 13 terrorist attacks in Paris; warnings from the FBI about possible terror strikes in Italy at the Vatican, Rome and Milan; and the U.S. State Department travel warning.

“It’s just a real shame that the world is in the shape that it’s in,” said Tim Cottrell, ‘Iolani’s head of school.

‘Iolani is setting aside funds to soften the financial blow for families who cancel or change flight arrangements.

While it’s an unfortunate set of circumstances, in this case it’s better to be safe than sorry.