Your child(ren) spends 85 minutes outside every day at recess and lunch. As the temperature fluctuates from season to season, we ask that you properly prepare your child(ren) to be outside in all weather conditions. A hat, gloves, scarf, rain/winter jacket, sweater/fleece, extra pants, umbrella, rain/snow boots, extra socks, and change of indoor shoes are all things you can consider when planning for the next day's weather conditions. Please help your child(ren) to understand the importance of staying warm and dry during extended outdoor times.

 

Weather Guidelines:

The TDSB has specific policies in place regarding weather; hot, cold, snow or otherwise. Please see the links below for more information.

Inclement Weather Policy:

If your child is too sick to go outside for recess, for your child's safety, please keep your child home.  Supervision is only provided outside during recess time (unless weather falls under one of the conditions below).

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 temperature 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 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.

Severe Weather Policy:

The decision to close Board Facilities due to extreme weather is usually made early in the morning. The decision is communicated through the local Media and on the TDSB public website.