An image of 7 yellow school buses parking in the snow.

Parents

Inclement Weather Protocol

From time to time, it is necessary to cancel student transportation, classes and/or programs due to severe weather. On rare occasions, severe weather makes it necessary to close schools, administrative offices or sites. These decisions can have a significant impact on thousands of families across Toronto and are not taken lightly.

If Environment Canada forecasts poor weather conditions (including ice, significant snowfall, poor visibility, or extreme cold temperatures), the Toronto Student Transportation Group (TSTG), the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB), and the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) teams will assess and monitor the situation overnight and into the early morning in order to determine any necessary bus cancellations.

This decision will be made by 6:00 AM.

If Buses are Cancelled and Schools are Open

Schools will remain open since approximately 83% of TCDSB students do not use a school bus. Families must make alternative arrangements to transport their children to school. Students who receive bus transportation receive updates regarding their transportation via TSTG.

It is important to note that when schools remain open on days with inclement weather, parents and guardians make the final decision on whether to send their children to school, and they can keep children home from school if they choose.

If Buses are Cancelled and Schools are Closed

The decision to close schools (which would include childcare centres and Extended Day Programs) will be determined by the TCDSB and TDSB by 6:00 AM, in order for families to make alternative arrangements. Updates will be posted on our website and our X account.

To ensure the continuity of learning for students, teachers will prepare and post learning materials in their virtual classroom (Brightspace or Google Classroom). By logging into their online classrooms, students will have the opportunity to remain engaged in their learning asynchronously at home.

Weather Conditions

Families are encouraged to review the following information on wind chill, air quality warnings and heat warnings.

Stay Informed

Staff will continue to closely monitor inclement weather impacts on TCDSB students, families, staff, and operations. Adjustments will be made if necessary.

Visit the following websites to stay up to date on cancellations or closures due to inclement weather: