Keeping you informed on Weather Updates and School Closure Procedures
As we prepare for the winter season, we want to share some essential information about how we handle inclement weather and potential bus and taxi cancellation and/or full school closures.
Guidelines:
- Stay Informed: Parents/guardians are responsible for confirming that schools are open during severe weather. Check the Board’s webpage, social media and local news before sending your child, as staff will not be available if schools are closed and the travel conditions are too hazardous.
- Unique Situations: There are times when schools may stay open even if buses/taxis are cancelled. Consider your neighborhood's situation and decide if it is safe for your child to attend. Parents/guardians, you have the ultimate say in deciding whether to keep your children home when buses have been cancelled.
- Transportation Cancellation: If transportation is cancelled but schools are open and you decide it is safe for your child to attend school, please ensure they can enter the school and arrange for their safe return home.
- Childcare Centres: If HWCDSB schools are closed, all school-based childcare centres are also closed.
- Community Use of Schools: Weekday evening rental bookings are automatically cancelled when schools are closed during the day due to inclement weather. For weekend bookings, school closure and subsequent rental cancellations are at the discretion of the HWCDSB and announced by 7am.
When and How We Announce: If there is a need to cancel buses/taxis and/or close schools due to snow/ice, announcements will be made on the HWCDSB and HWSTS websites and communicated to local media by 6:30 a.m., or earlier when possible.
See attached poster to check out our inclement weather (snow day) visuals & learn where to find snow day updates or visit our Inclement Weather page.
