Inclement Weather District Procedures
During the late fall and winter months, severe weather may occasionally require the temporary closure of one or more schools. The Superintendent of Schools has the authority to make this decision. The decision is made after consultation with management and supervisory staff who have directly assessed road conditions, walking and sidewalk safety, building operations, and access to school sites. Factors considered include the safety of students and staff, road and bus route conditions, the state of school grounds, and the operational readiness of facilities.
All schools throughout qathet School District will remain OPEN, except under extreme circumstances. Any bus cancellations or alternate routes, school closures, or delayed school openings will be decided and communicated by 7am. If there is inclement weather or snow, but no changes to busing or schools, we will NOT send notices confirming everything is running and open.
Details and official announcements/updates are always distributed via the below channels:
- District/School websites (www.sd47.bc.ca); (sign up for the app which sends notifications anytime there is a new post made on our website)
- Principals will send out a direct email to families
- Facebook (qathet School District) & Instagram (@qathetschooldistrict)
- Updates will also be shared with local radio stations (timing will depend on their schedules)
New this year – pre-planned alternate bus routes!
To ensure student and staff safety during inclement weather we are developing modified bus routes to be used on days where the district determines inclement weather has made some roads in our service area unsafe for bus traffic. More information coming soon!
Winter Weather Reminder
If there is winter weather and schools remain open, it is the parent/guardians' decision as to whether their children attend school, based on their local conditions. Stay safe!
To read our Administrative Procedure 132 re. Emergency School Closures click here!