Inclement Weather Procedures
Bus Cancellations
In the event of bus cancellations, all schools will remain open (unless otherwise noted) for staff and students who can get there safely. In these situations, parents should always assess weather and road conditions and make their own decision to send their child to school, or not.
The decision to cancel school transportation is made by STWDSTS after consultation with the Bus Operators and local school boards.
School Closures
If schools and board sites are closed due to severe weather or safety concerns (e.g., power outages), information will be posted to the board website, shared through local media, and communicated to families via School Messenger email or phone call.
School closures are determined based on a variety of factors, including:
- Extreme weather
- Road conditions
- Forecasted weather conditions throughout the day
- Consideration for the overall safety of staff and students
The decision to close school and board sites is made in consultation with transportation services, board administration, and local officials.
If schools are closed, students are encouraged to focus on reviewing current work and unfinished assignments. We recognize that emergency closures cannot always be anticipated, and some students or staff may not have access to all the necessary materials. Where possible, teachers will post information for review to their class D2L page or share information through other means by 10:30 a.m.
Extreme Weather During the School Day
During periods of extreme hot or cold weather, principals will assess local conditions and determine if it is necessary to keep students indoors during a portion or all of recess and lunch periods. The safety and well-being of students is always the top priority and a key factor in these decisions.
During extreme heat events, children are encouraged to wear light clothing, hats, and sunscreen outdoors. Students will be encouraged to drink water and stay hydrated throughout the day. Although all Wellington Catholic DSB schools are fully air conditioned, staff take additional steps such as reducing the use of indoor lighting and computers, where possible, to reduce the impact of heat events. As well, schools will limit strenuous outdoor physical activity and may reduce outdoor recess times during these heat events.
Extreme heat can pose health risks to everyone, particularly young children and those with special needs. Please remain alert for symptoms of heat-related illness, including swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Some health conditions may also worsen during extreme heat. For more information on how to protect yourself and your family during extreme heat events, please see Environment Canada’s resources.
In emergency situations where it is necessary to close a school during the day, school and board administration will work together to communicate this information to parents in the school community.
Fire Alarms and Extreme Weather
If a school must be evacuated due to a fire alarm or emergency, principals are to ensure all elements of student safety are prioritized including exposure to severe weather. Upon exiting the building, students are expected to wear shoes or boots and appropriate clothing for the present weather conditions.
School Crossing Guards
Parents and guardians should be aware that municipal crossing guards may not provide service in cases of extreme cold weather or temperatures. Please contact your local municipality if you have any questions.