The Weather Network Forecast 

It is very important that students come to school dressed properly for the weather conditions. 

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.

Severe Weather Information

When weather conditions become severe and are deemed a potential threat to the health and safety of our students, changes to the school day may be necessary.

Transportation cancellation and school closure – morning

Large overnight or early morning storms may force the cancellation of student transportation and, in extreme conditions, close schools altogether. These decisions are made in the early morning. Local radio and television stations are alerted by 6:00 a.m. because they can provide the fastest communication of any cancellations to the community. Parents and students are encouraged to listen to their local media on bad weather days for transportation and school updates.

In the event transportation services are cancelled, schools will remain open unless otherwise noted.

Transportation cancellation and school closure – afternoon

Severe daytime weather may cancel or change afternoon student transportation and affect school closing times. Based on weather reports and conditions, decisions will be made by noon and communicated to local radio and television stations.

When this happens, students from JK to Grade 5 will remain supervised at the school until parents/guardians/caregivers can arrange to pick them up.

Parents/guardians/caregivers of students from Grade 6 to age 17 may give written permission to allow their child to be dismissed early. This is usually done in September, but can be done any time during the school year through the school office.

If a student’s medical condition requires further consideration due to weather conditions, parents/guardians/caregivers can speak to the school principal.


Severe Weather Letter from the Toronto District School Board

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