Inclement Weather
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Extreme Weather Events
During the seasons when inclement weather may affect the safety and welfare of students and staff and, in particular, when extreme weather events have the potential to cause classes to be postponed or some Sunshine Coast School District 46 services to be suspended, current information will be continuously updated on the district website and Facebook page (@SD46SC).
We will also provide 91.7 Coast FM with information about the status of our facilities and transportation services.
In addition, families and staff will receive a direct email and phone message.
We will also contact families in the event of an emergency release of students during the school day.
Individual school closures or delayed starts due to unique circumstances (e.g., power outages) will be announced as early as possible through direct email, by phone, and on the district’s website.
There may be times when bus routes are not operating as usual or when schools in the district are closed. The following outlines how these decisions are made.
Bus Cancellations
The most likely reason for the cancellation of bus service will be extreme weather conditions, in which case one or more bus routes in the district may be cancelled. The decision to run school buses and school bus safety rests with our school bus provider, Standard Bus Contracting LTD. They will determine whether or not to cancel one or more bus routes after carefully assessing local road conditions after extreme weather warnings/events. The district then communicates to all families the decision made by the bus company regarding school buses through our phone and email systems, the district website, and social media channels.
It is very important that you take note of what route(s) your child(ren) ride(s) on.
When Buses are Operating During Extreme Weather
When road conditions are poor, some of the less maintained and more dangerous roads (i.e. winding, steep) may be determined unsafe to drive. Our school bus provider may indicate, and we will communicate a safer pick-up and drop-off location.
If buses are running more than fifteen minutes late, the school bus providers will advise the principals and vice-principals of the affected schools, who will then inform the families impacted.
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.
The closure of schools in the district may occur when we are experiencing extreme weather conditions, or when it is simply unsafe to ask families and staff to report to school due to hazardous road conditions.
If there is snowfall overnight and accumulating in the morning, we make every attempt to make a call about school closures/delayed starts prior to the morning pickup of children by the buses. We aim to determine by 7 a.m. whether or not to close or delay the start of schools in the district after assessing the situation.
The safety of students and staff is our first priority. Specifically, student safety is a shared responsibility. Parents/caregivers are responsible for their child’s safe travel to school. If for any reason a parent/caregiver feels that a child cannot travel safely to school, they should make other arrangements for their child(ren). Students will not be penalized for absences due to extreme weather events. The decision to attend school is the responsibility of each family. Please remember to contact your child’s school office to inform them of your child’s absence if you decide to keep them home from school when schools remain open.
Parents/caregivers are encouraged to establish an emergency plan for their children if schools are closed, the school’s start time is delayed, or students are dismissed early.
Please remember that all students need to dress warmly and appropriately for winter weather conditions.
We encourage families to review their own preparations for extreme weather events and ensure they are familiar with their town’s snow and ice response procedures. We request that you strictly adhere to parking restrictions in and around all Sunshine Coast schools.
With your cooperation and adherence to extreme weather procedures, we can help achieve safe conditions for students, staff and families travelling to and from school.
Please view Regulation 3130: Inclement Weather for more.
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.
