Keeping students safe and comfortable during all types of weather is important to the KCDSB. This page outlines how recess, lunch, bus cancellations, and rare school closures are managed during winter weather.
Weather Guidelines for Outdoor Recess
Outdoor play is an important part of the school day. It gives students time to move, explore and socialize, and helps them return to class refreshed and ready to learn. At times, weather conditions may require indoor recess or lunch periods to keep students safe.
These guidelines help determine when students can safely go outside during the school day.
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Temperature
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Guideline
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26°C and warmer
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Regular outdoor recess and outdoor classes
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–27°C to –30°C
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Maximum 15 minutes outdoors
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–31°C and colder
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Students remain indoors
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Please note: Temperatures are calculated with the wind chill.
Principals make decisions based on weather conditions, safety considerations, and local forecasts. Student and staff well-being are always the top priority.
Families are asked to ensure students come prepared with warm, appropriate clothing. If support is needed, please contact your child’s school.
Bus Cancellations and Transportation Alerts
Bus cancellations occur on a regular basis for a variety of reasons, including extreme cold, road conditions in specific areas, mechanical issues, or staffing shortages. These decisions are made by the
Northwestern Ontario Student Services Consortium. In many cases, schools remain open even when buses are not running.
School closures are very rare and only happen in extreme situations where safety cannot be maintained. If a school closure is required, families will be notified as soon as possible through KCDSB’s communication systems.
Families can receive the most timely transportation updates by signing up for bus alerts directly through the Consortium.
Sign up for Bus Alerts:
Register for Bus Alerts –
Northwestern Ontario Student Services Consortium
School Closures
School closures are very rare and only occur in extreme situations where safety cannot be maintained. If a school closure is required, families will be informed as soon as possible through the KCDSB’s notification systems.
To stay informed, families are encouraged to sign up for KCDSB text alerts.
Receive important updates directly to your phone, including weather-related notices and school announcements.
Sign up for KCDSB Text Alerts:
Register for SMS Text Alerts - Opt-In for Text Alerts Text "Y" to 978338