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Cold Weather Guidelines

Winter weather can get in the way of our belief that children need to go outside for exercise and fresh air during our breaks at school.  With the recent dip in temperatures, we have been monitoring outside conditions to help with decisions about whether to send children outside. To be safe, we may keep children inside for part or all of the break times because of a combination of low temperatures and windy conditions.  It is critical that students arrive at school each day prepared for cold weather.  Parents should check the local forecast for up to date weather information.  Students must be dressed appropriately so that they remain safe and comfortable during the following times:

  • Outside playtime before and after school
  • Lunchtime playtime
  • Fire Drills (at all temperatures)
  • Bus breakdowns
  • Outside breaks and learning experiences

We do not have a school or district policy for cold weather procedures.  However, the following guidelines are in place at BHE:

BELOW FREEZING (-1 C TO -15 C)

Students are expected to go outside. Parents should ensure that their child brings the following items needed to stay warm and comfortable when outside:

  • Warm Coat
  • Gloves/Mittens
  • Head/Ear covering
  • Boots
  • Waterproof snowpants

Students will be expected to go outside providing the wind is calm and the students will be able to stay dry.  The Environment Canada website (https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/bc-48_metric_e.html ) will be used to check weather conditions.  The same clothing items as noted above should be worn.  If the wind starts to pick up, we will ring the bell early and allow students to come inside to their classroom for the remainder of the outside play time.

TEMPERATURE REACHES -160C

If the temperature reaches -160C, and the grounds are dry and the wind is calm, students will go outside for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, the bell will ring to allow students to come inside to their classroom for the remainder of the outside play time.

TEMPERATURE REACHES -200C (with windy conditions)

If the temperature reaches -200C, students will stay inside during break times.​

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school @ 250-870-5114.
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