Severe Weather Procedures: Blue Day
On days of severe weather we have special provisions to account for children’s safety and comfort. We call these “Blue Days.” Our school uses the Weather Network as the source for our cold weather information. Direct observation is the source for rainy day decisions. When winter temperatures of –20°C and below (including wind chill) are recorded at the school, or it is raining heavily, it is declared a “Blue Day” and:
- Signs are posted on student designated entry doors
- Children enter the school and go to their classrooms at regular supervision times (7:45 AM and 12:00 PM)
- Teachers greet children in classrooms at this time
If weather conditions improve throughout the day, we revert to our regular routines. Parents can help by ensuring your children do not arrive at school before the 15 minute supervision times and that they are dressed appropriately for the weather.
Advisory for Cold Weather
During the winter months cold temperatures, wind chill and snow can make getting to and from school challenging.
Our school and other CBE schools rarely close due to snow or cold weather. Assume we are open unless you hear otherwise from us. Information regarding any school closures due to weather will also be posted on the CBE website, on CBE’s social media channels and shared with local news media.
If your child will not be attending classes please ensure you contact the school attendance line to report the absence.
During the winter season we remind parents/guardians of the following:
- Children should be well prepared for the weather and not left unattended at bus stops for any period of time, under any circumstances.
- Families should ensure that they have back-up care arrangements if transportation is delayed. Children should have a warm place to stay before and after school (i.e. with a neighbour or a nearby relative).
- All CBE schools will remain open to provide a safe, warm and secure environment for students
Learn more about Using Transportation in Cold Weather and Outside Activities Guidelines for Cold Weather.
Current Calgary Weather
The Calgary weather forecast that appears on our website is provided by Environment Canada through one of its two Calgary weather stations, and is not school specific.
The CBE has standardized the weather to use Environment Canada to create continuity for parents, employees and schools. We know that temperatures can fluctuate around our city and we want to ensure that we are all accessing and viewing the same information.
Guidelines are provided for students and cold weather, but if circumstances change, the principal has the final decision.