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
- Heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning, hail, extreme winds and extreme cold.
- 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 and lunch recess may be shortened to 20 minutes depending on local conditions. Children should be monitored closely for signs of frostnip, frostbite or difficulty breathing.
- 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 Website 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.
During extreme weather conditions, Before School: teachers will be advised to pick up their students 10 minutes earlier than the morning start time of 9:00 a.m. The Principal or designate will make an announcement over the P.A. system at 8:45 that students are to be picked up early.
Recess: Students will remain with the teacher they are with the period before recess. Any free staff should walk around to the classes to provide teachers with a few minutes of break time.
Lunchtime: Students are to remain in the lunchroom/gyms/game room with lunchroom supervisors. (Kindergarten students will remain in their classrooms) Teacher on duty will go down to supervise at the usual time on the Supervision Schedule.