Why were our schools closed Friday?

Posted February 23, 2015

The WRDSB has put in place a frigid temperature threshold in our severe weather procedure primarily for three reasons related to the safety of our students:

1. According to Environment Canada, at -35C exposed skin can freeze within 10 minutes. Environment Canada indicates that in temperatures between -28 to -39 there is a high risk of exposed skin freezing (frostnip or frostbite). This temperature is very unusual for our region and some students may not have the appropriate clothing to protect themselves.

2. Most students will take longer than 10 minutes to walk to school and the bused students may wait for an extended period of time should any bus be delayed.

3. We are unable to guarantee crossing guard service to our students as individual crossing guards have a right to maintain their safety given that they are exposed for extended periods of time in frigid temperatures.

The Education Centre remains open and is fully operational.

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February 20 – All Schools are Closed & Buses Cancelled

Posted February 20, 2015

Due to frigid temperatures, all schools are closed today and all buses are cancelled. All Extended Day Programs are also closed. The Education Centre remains open for those who can safely arrive to work.

When do Schools Close Due to Weather?

Posted February 19, 2015

Our procedure for severe weather  provides guidelines and expectations for school closings due to severe weather, and how this information is communicated to our families.

Severe weather refers to conditions such as ice, fog, rain, sleet, snow, wind and/or frigid temperatures and wind chills. We consider a frigid temperature to be -35C with wind chill, or colder.

The general manager of Student Transportation Services of Waterloo Region (STSWR) will monitor weather and temperatures in the region beginning at 5:30am, using Environment Canada’s wind chill index. If the temperature is forecasted to reach or exceed -35C with wind chill at 7:00am, buses will not operate and schools will be closed. The education centre will be open to those employees who can safely arrive to work.

How do we communicate cancellations or closures?

Decisions relating to cancellations and closures are made by 6:00am. Any cancellations and closures will be posted on our website and school websites. Information will also be available on our twitter account (@wrdsb). We encourage you to monitor our website and listen to local media for up-to-date cancellation and closures.

Parents have the option of keeping their children at home when concerned about weather conditions.

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Student Safety – Drop-Offs and Pick-ups

Posted February 13, 2015

Dropping students off at the front of the school or in the middle of intersections causes great safety concerns. As the intersection between Stewart Avenue and East Street is so busy, we remind parents and guardians to choose alternative locations to send off or pick up your children. Cars parked in restricted zones or areas […]

Chocolate Fundraiser

Posted February 6, 2015

Stewart Avenue’s annual chocolate bar fundraiser will be starting soon.  Chocolates go home Friday, February 13.  They sell for $2.00 each.  Fantastic prizes for top sellers!  More prizes daily and for top classroom sales.  Information will be going home Monday, February 9th.  Happy Selling. P.S. For safety reasons,  we do not encourage students to sell door […]

Wellness/Parenting Workshop at Southwood

Posted February 4, 2015

Parenting a Teen: Stressful at the Best of Times! Attend an hour-long information session for parents of teens and tweens. What’s “normal” anxiety (for you…for them!) and when/how to know when you might consider getting extra support/assistance. When: Wednesday, Feb. 25th; 6 to 7 pm. Southwood Secondary School’s Library Please RSVP to 519-621-5920 x 625. […]

Forest of Reading Library Program

Posted February 3, 2015

The 2015 Forest of Reading Program is up and running! THE FOREST OF READING® AWARD PROGRAMS… Where children and young adults pick the winner!  Readers choose a program that they would like to be a part of, usually based on their age or grade, and simply begin reading! They can read all ten of the […]

February 2 – All Schools CLOSED

Posted February 2, 2015

Due to weather, ALL schools are CLOSED today. All Extended Day Programs are closed as well. The Education Centre is open for those who can get there safely.

2014 Director’s Annual Report

Posted January 27, 2015

The 2014 Director’s Annual Report is now available! Each year, the Director is required to submit a report to the Ministry of Education, highlighting the achievements of the past year. Our Annual Report gives the local community a snap shot at what students and staff have achieved. Awards, good news stories and  achievements in learning […]

Bus Eligibility for 2015-2016

Posted January 19, 2015

Starting on Friday, February 6, 2015 the Transportation Eligibility data base for the 2015-2016 school year will be accessible. Parents and students will be able to enter their address to see whether they are eligible for Transportation in September 2015. To find your Transportation Eligibility for the 2015-2016 school year, please follow the instructions below; […]

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