School groups in Newfoundland and Labrador , like this volleyball team, were told Oct 29. that they won't be travelling while the spread of H1N1 is a concern. (CBC)

Travel plans for Newfoundland and Labrador school groups and teams were cancelled Thursday to prevent the spread of influenza among students and staff.

"I think it's important for people to understand that this is of the highest priority for us," Education Minister Darin King said at a news conference called to announce school travel is off for at least two weeks because of the flu.

King followed the lead of the organizers of a provincial volleyball tournament, Volleyfest, that had already decided to call off their competition because the H1N1 flu virus is spreading across the province this fall.

After consulting doctors, the volleyball association decided the risk of people becoming sick was too high. They said some schools with sick athletes were unable to put a team together.

St. John's Volleyball player, Jill Lynch, says it's disappointing that school travel has been canceled by concerns about H1N1 flu. (CBC)

It's disappointing for members of 159 volleyball teams that were scheduled to take part in the tournament in St. John's from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1.

"Everybody just comes in from all over the province to play. Everybody's always excited for Volleyfest," said high school player Jill Lynch. "There's already girls here from Corner Brook [in western Newfoundland]. So, they came in for nothing."

The volleyball group plans to reschedule Volleyfest for early January.

Students across the province have not been vaccinated yet.

They'll be moved up to the front of the line after health-care workers, who began receiving vaccinations Oct. 26, and individuals at high risk for developing complications, who begin getting shots Oct. 30.