​Please note: SJASD families received an emailed letter from their child's school by October 30, 2026, with tips to support visibility when walking and commuting to school on darker mornings. Read letter or see below.

As caregivers are likely aware, Daylight Saving Time (DST) will become permanent starting on November 1, 2026, following an announcement by the Province of Manitoba in September.

The sun will rise one hour later from November to mid-March, and most students will be
walking or commuting to school in pre-dawn light for a portion of the fall and winter,
depending on school schedules. Start times range from 8:20 a.m. to 9 a.m. for most
schools.

For example, sunrise takes place at 8:21 a.m. on November 3, 2026, and is pushed to as
late as 9:26 a.m. on January 4, 2027, returning to 8:21 a.m. on February 24, 2027.

There are many actions caregivers and students can take to support visibility when walking
and commuting to school, including:

• Take note of sunrise.
• Chart a well-lit path to school.
• Use crosswalks whenever possible. Wait until vehicles have stopped.
• If sidewalks are not available, walk facing traffic to see oncoming vehicles.
• Look both ways before crossing the street and make eye contact with drivers.
• Be alert and avoid distractions (put away headphones/cell phones).
• Wear bright clothing.
• Place reflective strips on clothes or backpacks.
• Invest in LED walking gear, such as armbands or light clips.
  

We encourage caregivers to have discussions with their child about the risks of lower
lighting conditions and the measures they can take to stay safe.

We would also like to remind motorists to exercise caution in or near school zones. Slow
down, be aware of schools on your commute and their associated start times, drive to
conditions, be on the lookout for pedestrians on the side of the road or about to cross the
road, and please make eye contact with and yield to pedestrians at controlled intersections, crosswalks, and when exiting private driveways. Wait for pedestrians to fully cross before proceeding.

We want to assure caregivers that SJASD staff members have adjusted lighting timers to
ensure schools and buildings are well lit. Staff have also audited community bus stops for
streetlight conditions and are reaching out to a small number of families impacted by low
lighting levels.
 
We are continuing to evaluate the visibility of our patrols, and supervising staff will exercise
increased vigilance at drop-offs, bus loading areas, and street crossings during the first
week of permanent DST and as lighting conditions are reduced throughout the fall and
winter.

We will continue to monitor the situation and encourage caregivers with concerns to reach
out to school administrators.

For more information on driver and pedestrian safety, visit:
Manitoba Public Insurance – Pedestrians remain vulnerable on Manitoba roads.

Student safety remains our highest priority. Thank you for taking the time to review this
information and for speaking with your child about safe travel practices. We appreciate your continued support as we adapt to permanent Daylight Saving Time and the changing conditions that come with it.