Inclement Weather
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Inclement Weather Procedures
During times of inclement weather, the safety of our students and staff is our top priority.
Inclement weather events—such as snowstorms, windstorms, or heat waves—may result in class postponements or temporary suspension of some district services. When this happens, we will provide timely updates through the following channels:
- District Website & Facebook (@SD46SC): The most up-to-date information will be posted online.
- Direct Communication: Families and staff will receive email and phone notifications.
- Local Radio Station & News Outlet: Updates about school closures, facility status, and transportation services will be shared on:
If a power outage affects our ability to update online channels, we encourage you to tune in to the radio station for the latest information.
Timing of Announcements
We aim to announce school closures or delayed starts by 7 a.m. whenever possible. If weather conditions are uncertain, we will also issue an update to confirm that schools are open. If an emergency release of students is necessary during the school day, families will be notified directly.
Individual School Closures or Delays
Schools may close or delay opening due to localized conditions, such as power outages or storm impacts in specific areas. These decisions will be communicated as early as possible through the same channels.
School & Bus Route Decisions
The district endeavours to keep schools open on all regular instructional days, including those with snowfall. However, in some cases, severe weather may require school closures or adjustments to bus service. These decisions are made based on road conditions and weather forecasts.
The final decision to send a child to school during inclement weather rests with parents and caregivers. If schools remain open, parents and caregivers may choose to keep their child home and report the absence to the school as usual. Students will not be disadvantaged for absences due to inclement weather conditions.
Bus Cancellations
In the event of inclement weather, one or more bus routes in the district may be cancelled. The decision to run school buses is made by our transportation provider, Standard Bus Contracting Ltd., which carefully assesses local road conditions following inclement weather warnings or events.
School buses operate differently than regular vehicles. Due to their size, they navigate side roads and winter conditions differently, so the bus company may decide to cancel routes during inclement weather—even if roads remain passable for other traffic.
School buses serve about one-third of our students, so when routes are cancelled, schools remain open whenever possible to support in-person learning for all students.
If a bus route is cancelled, the district will notify families.
We encourage families to be aware of the specific bus route their child rides to ensure they receive accurate information when cancellations occur.
When Buses are Operating During Inclement Weather
During inclement weather, some less-maintained or higher-risk roads—such as winding or steep routes—may be deemed hazardous for buses. In these cases, our school bus provider may designate an alternate, safer pick-up and drop-off location, which we will communicate to affected families as soon as possible.
If buses are running more than 15 minutes late, the bus company will notify school principals and vice-principals, who will then inform impacted families.
School Closures
Closing any of our schools is never a decision we take lightly. We understand that it not only results in lost learning time, but also affects families who rely on the services schools provide, from education to essential supports, particularly for our most vulnerable students. These disruptions are not just logistical; they have a deep impact on the broader community. For all of these reasons, we make these decisions with careful consideration, using the information available at the time, and understanding that each situation is unique.
Schools may be closed when inclement weather makes it unsafe for students and staff to travel due to hazardous road conditions. If snowfall occurs overnight and continues into the morning, we make every effort to announce these decisions by 7 a.m., following a thorough assessment of conditions.
Planning Ahead
We encourage families to establish an emergency plan in case of:
- A school closure
- A delayed start
- An early dismissal
For more details, please see Regulation 3130: Inclement Weather.
When Schools Are Open During Inclement Weather
The safety of students and staff is always our top priority. However, student safety is also a shared responsibility. Parents and caregivers are ultimately responsible for deciding whether they send their child to school during inclement weather.
- Students will not be disadvantaged for absences due to inclement weather.
- If schools remain open but families choose to keep their child home, they should notify the school office of the absence.
When schools remain open during inclement weather, students and staff should dress appropriately for winter conditions, including warm clothing and proper footwear.
We encourage families to review their preparations for inclement weather and have a plan for safe travel to and from school. Please adhere to all parking restrictions in and around Sunshine Coast schools to help maintain safe access for students, staff, and emergency vehicles.
With your cooperation and attention to inclement weather procedures, we can work together to create safe conditions for everyone in our school communities.
Power Outages
When would schools stay open during a power outage?
When it comes to power outages, schools are typically able to remain open without power. If a school loses power while already in session, the safest place for students and staff is to stay at school, as there is running water, working toilets, ambient light, and a supply of flashlights. While not ideal, we are able to adapt when we prepare and plan for these instances.
When are schools not able to stay open during a power outage?
If power has been out for an extended period (e.g., overnight) with no clear restoration time, additional factors such as heating are carefully considered and a closure may be required.
Snow and Ice Slip and Fall Prevention Tips
During the winter season, weather conditions can vary greatly throughout our region. Staff, students and visitors to our schools should expect to encounter icy conditions at facilities. Please wear proper outdoor footwear appropriate for the conditions and walk carefully to and from the building.
