Cancellation of School and Board Administrative Operations
The decision to cancel School and Board Administrative Operations is often a difficult call to make. Please be assured that the decision to remain open or to close is always made with the safety and security of our students and staff in mind.
In the event of inclement weather, our Transportation Department advises our carriers to drive predetermined routes to assess the condition of the roads. This is done between 4:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. The drivers report back to the carriers and HWDSB begins to receive reports between 5:30 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.
In the meantime, our Transportation Department is verifying the weather forecast through our local media outlets as well as contacting the City of Hamilton Works Department to determine where possible what roads have been cleared or when they are expected to be serviced.
The decision to close our schools is made in conjunction with our colleagues at the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board based on relevant information at that time.
School Boards across Ontario have varying polices about the cancellation of schools. At HWDSB, the cancellation of transportation is linked to the cancellation of School and Board Administrative Operations. The cancellation of transportation immediately triggers the closure of our schools.
Please remember, as a parent/guardian you always have the choice on whether or not to send your child to school.
Hotline # 905.521.2535
HWDSB will NOT post a weather alert on its website to signal that schools are open.
For more information about this policy, please view Cancellation of School and Board Administrative Operations.
Cold Weather and Outdoor Play
Time spent outdoors is an integral part of the school day. Children need fresh air and exercise and time spent outside affords students an opportunity to break free from the structure of the classroom.
With the Canadian climate, time spent outside could mean anything from applying sunscreen to donning extra mittens and a hat, depending on the season. In the winter, it's important children come to school prepared for the cold. Boots, mittens or gloves and hats should be worn to school and it's a good idea to provide extra mittens, socks, etc. in the event they are needed.
As always, Principals can use their judgment in determining whether or not students remain inside during recess given the weather conditions. However, the City of Hamilton's Public Health and Community Services Department recommends individuals stay indoors when the temperature drops below minus 15 degrees Celsius without wind chill.
The Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board asks Principals to follow this recommendation and ensure children are not outside when it is that cold. Questions or concerns regarding outdoor activities in the winter should be directed to the school Principal.
