Weather Procedures

Occasionally, severe weather conditions may require the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) to cancel transportation and/or close schools. This may occur before the beginning of the school day or, if conditions become severe, during the school day. To ensure the safety and welfare of students and staff during school hours, the Board’s Severe Weather operational procedure (PR519) will guide decisions and operations.

The safety and welfare of students is a shared responsibility with parents/guardians/caregivers. It is important for everyone to understand how the Board operates under unusual weather conditions. Please familiarize yourself with the following procedures and communication plan so together we can ensure the safety of the students entrusted in our care.

School Closures or Bus Schedule Changes Due to Severe Weather

• The decision to close schools is made by the Director of Education. Should a cancellation or closure (occurring before or during the school day) be necessary, information will be posted on the TDSB website and shared through TDSB social media.

Child Pick-up

• Please be prepared to pick up your child or make arrangements for your child, if required, should schools close early or if transportation schedules change. Staff will provide supervision for all students whose parents or guardians have not been contacted or who have not previously indicated in writing their intentions during severe weather conditions. Students will remain inside the school until they have been picked up. The Principal or Vice-Principal will communicate to parents and remain at the school until all students have been picked up.

Arrangements for Students

• For students in JK – Grade 5, parents will be notified and suitable arrangements for the child’s safety will be made.

 

Weather Guidelines

Children need an opportunity to get exercise and free play time outdoors, however, weather conditions sometimes warrant that indoor recesses, lunch periods and pre-entry periods be considered necessary for student and staff safety.

Conditions warranting indoor recesses:

(a) Rain, thunderstorms, lightning, hail, extreme winds and extreme cold.

(b) Cold weather: When temperature and/or windchill factor indicates -28C or lower children will remain indoors due to risk of frostnip and frostbite. When an extreme cold weather alert is issued or when temperatures and/or windchill factor indicates –20 to –28C, recesses may be shortened to 10 minutes and lunch recess be 20 minutes depending on local conditions. Children should be monitored closely for signs of frostnip, frostbite or difficulty breathing.

(c) Humidity, Heat and Smog Alerts: The City of Toronto issues heat alerts and heat emergencies based on the daily forecast from May to September. Alerts are posted on the Web site www.toronto.ca/health or available by calling (416) 338-7600. Staff and students should be vigilant about their level of activity and should take frequent breaks for water in order to remain adequately hydrated.

Other conditions:

Weather conditions change during the day. When necessary and if the weather is questionable, the school principal will consult the Environment Canada’s www.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca or Toronto Public Health Web sites for information.