School Closure/Student Transportation
In the event of severe weather, snowstorms and/or related adverse road conditions, the Superintedent may opt to close all or specific schools and/or discontinue bus service, if it is in the best interests of the children that such actions be taken.
Although circumstances necessitating the closure of schools are rare, there is a policy that outlines the procedures to be followed.
EBCD Procedures for Storm Closures, Bus Cancellations and Other Emergencies.pdf (sjasd.ca)
More common in the winter months, however, are instances of extreme cold and/or snowstorms that may require the cancellation of school buses. The following conditions will dictate the cancellation of school buses:
- When the wind chill reaches -45 C or greater
- Blizzard warnings
- Snow covered or blocked roads, or other hazardous road conditions.
In the event that the School Division opts to close schools or cancel school buses, all parents will receive an automated phone call by 7:00 am informing them of the closures and/or cancellations.
Indoor Recess
In colder weather, students will remain indoors for recess and lunch hour when the wind chill reaches -28C or greater. If the wind chill is between -25 C and -28 C, outdoor recess may be allowed but will be limited to 10 minutes.
For full details regarding the School Division's outdoor recess policy, please click here to view Policy JLIAB-R
POLAR BEAR CLUB
Brooklands School runs a Polar Bear Club, where students go outside to move and play, even on very cold winter days in Winnipeg. When it is -28 C or colder, students typically stay inside for recess. While this is done to protect children from frostbite, we know that it would be best if students still have an opportunity to be outside because outdoor movement and play have many benefits and help students to focus and learn. Every year, we have students who ask to go outside even on cold days.
The Brooklands Polar Bear Club is modelled on the Active for Life program and is spearheaded by grade 1/2 teacher, Shannon Siemens and will include other Brooklands staff and students that commit to dressing appropriately for extremely cold weather and continue to go outside for recess, even when the wind chill is colder than -28 C.
Only students that have permission forms signed and clothing appropriate for extreme cold will be allowed to participate. Appropriate clothing includes:
- Sweater/hoodie and pants
- Warm winter jacket and insulated ski pants
- Thick warm mittens
- Warm toque or balaclava
- Neck warmer or scarf that covers mouth, nose, and cheeks
- Warm insulated waterproof boots
Students will always have the choice whether or not they want to participate in the club. If they have their permission form signed, but then choose not to participate, their choice will be respected. Even if students get ready and go outside, but then change their mind, they will be allowed to go back inside.
Safety is our top priority. With this in mind, even if students are ready to participate, and have their permission form signed, the supervising teacher will always have the final say as to whether or not they feel the student is dressed warm enough to participate in the club.
When the wind chill exposure becomes “Very High Risk” (–40 C and colder as outlined by Environment Canada), the Polar Bear Club will be cancelled.
If you and your child are interested in having them participating in the Polar Bear Club, please see the school office for a permission form!
