Inclement Weather

In the interest of student health and performance, the Board supports students being outdoors during recess periods and whenever possible. Schools will, however, take appropriate measures to keep students safe during inclement weather. This determination is based on information received from Environment and Climate Change Canada, Durham Region Public Health, and local conservation authorities. 

When temperatures drop, we take extra care to keep everyone safe and warm. You can find additional information on how to stay safe in cold weather at the Durham Region website and from Environment and Climate Change Canada. 

What We Do

  • Keep an eye on weather alerts and conditions
  • Provide warm indoor areas for work and breaks.
  • Watch for signs of cold-related illnesses
  • Adjust outdoor activities or schedules when needed.
  • Encourage warm, layered clothing that covers exposed skin and appropriate footwear.

Outdoor Temperature and Windchill Guidelines 
When cold weather alerts are issued, schools will decide to reduce time spent outdoors or keep students indoors to prevent risk of frostbite or other cold-related injuries.  
•    Temperature of -15°C or windchill of -20: The length of time spent outdoors may be shortened, or students may be kept indoors. 
•    Temperature of -28°C or windchill of -28: Students will be kept indoors due to the risk of frostbite or other cold-related injuries.

As temperatures rise, schools will implement measures to keep students cool and prevent heat-related illnesses. For additional information on heat safety visit the Durham Region website at durham.ca/heat


What We Do
•    Remind students and staff to drink water and stay hydrated. 
•    Make indoor cooling areas available.
•    Watch for symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
•    Adjust outdoor activities to reduce heat exposure. 
•    Increase rest periods and re-locate activities to cool shaded areas where possible
•    Open windows and doors to allow air to circulate where effective and applicable
•    Use blinds, curtains, or reflective coatings on windows to reduce direct sunlight
•    Encourage lightweight, loose, breathable clothing.
•    Promote sun safety: shade, hats, sunscreen, sunglasses.


Outdoor Temperature Guidelines 
•    Heat Warning: If, for two consecutive days, temperatures are expected to be at least 31°C during the day and overnight temperatures are at least 20°C or Humidex is at least 40. 

The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is a tool designed to communicate the health risk associated with the current air quality. It measures common air pollutants known to cause health problems and provides an AQHI rating from 1 to 10+, depending on the potential health risk of the air pollution level. .

You can find additional information on how to safe during periods of poor air quality at the Durham Region website.
Safety Guidelines
•    AQHI 7-10: Strenuous outdoor activities are reduced or rescheduled for at risk individuals and for those experiencing symptoms such as coughing or throat irritation.   
•    AQHI above 10: Strenuous outdoor activities are reduced or re-scheduled. Children should avoid outdoor physical exertion. 


Additional precautions may be taken to manage wildfire smoke including:
•    Adjusting school ventilation as required
•    Keeping windows closed

If Buses are Cancelled and Schools are Open

Schools will remain open. In Durham Region, Durham Student Transportation Services (DSTS) provides transportation for approximately 30,000 students across the region. Families whose children rely on bus transportation will need to make alternative arrangements to get their children to school when buses are cancelled. 

On days with inclement weather, while schools remain open, parents and guardians have the final say on whether to send their children to school. You may choose to keep your children at home if you prefer.

If Buses are Cancelled and Schools are Closed

The decision to close schools—including child care centres and Extended Day Programs—will be made by the DCDSB at approximately 6:00 AM, allowing families time to make alternative arrangements. Updates will be posted on the DCDSB website and official social media platforms.

Additional Information on Cancellations Due to Inclement Weather

  • Weather conditions can be variable within the large geographic areas across the GTA and the communities served by the Durham Catholic District School Board. Therefore, decisions may be specific to some or all areas of the board.
  • Transportation decisions are not made lightly. They are made by both school boards, Durham Student Transportation Services (DSTS) and bus company representatives who consult with and collect information from municipal road maintenance crews and weather monitoring authorities.
  • These decisions are made in the best interest of student safety, which includes making every effort to keep schools open for students.
  • We aim to keep schools open as regularly as possible as we recognize the tremendous impact a school closure has on our families. Parents and guardians entrust schools to provide services for students.
  • School closures also affect child care and family centres in our schools.
  • As always, parents make the ultimate decision as to whether or not their children should attend school during inclement weather conditions.
  • Student absence due to inclement weather will not negatively affect attendance records or academic assessments.

Bus Cancellations and Delays Subscribe to DSTS Parent Portal

 

Stay Informed

Staff will continue to monitor inclement weather impacts on DCDSB students, families, staff, and operations. Adjustments will be made if necessary.

Visit the following websites to stay up to date on cancellations or closures due to inclement weather: