Update from the School - November 22nd

Hello again parents and guardians

We hope that everyone had a great fall break.  We have come back this week to a big change in the weather, especially with the snow falling yesterday!  We hope that you will take some time to read the information about cold weather and bussing at the end of this letter.  

A reminder to elementary parents that they should be ensuring their child comes prepared with the winter wear they need to head outside for recess each day.  Students should expect to go outside as long as the temperature is warmer than -25°C.  

For Junior and Senior High students, hats, mitts, and good quality coats are also a great idea!  We also really appreciate it if junior and senior students can ensure they have a pair of indoor shoes to change into during this time of year, as it helps keep the hallways clean and dry.  

Please have a look at some of the following upcoming events:

Nov 26-28th -  Our theme days at the end of the month of October were such a big success, some of our senior high students asked to have some more this month and planned the following ones!

• Tuesday - School Colours Day (Black and orange)
• Wednesday - Jersey Day
• Thursday - Crazy Hair/Hat day 

Friday, November 29th - Students in Grades 3 to 7 will be attending the ECCHS production of “Wonka”.  Students must have a permission form filled out to be able to attend, and there is a $10 fee for the price of the ticket.  Bussing to the event will be provided by the school.    

December 6th - PD Day - No school for students

December 17th - School Christmas Concert 

• There will be an afternoon concert at 1pm and an evening concert at 7pm.  Students in grades 1-6 along with our Junior and Senior Band programs will perform a selection of Christmas music.  
• Tickets for the “Best seat in the House” will be on sale to support our band program.   

December 20th - Last day of school before winter break.

January 6th - First day of classes for 2025. 

Basketball Practice Schedule for this week:

Here is some winter information we want you to know:

• If the outdoor temperature or wind chill reaches  - 25°C, we will keep the students indoors. 

• We would ask that you ensure that your child is prepared and dressed appropriately for the weather.  For our younger students, we encourage independence when preparing to go outside. 

• BRSD’s transportation procedure can be found on the BRSD Website  - Admin Procedure 555

Route Cancellation

In the case of extreme weather or unsafe conditions, bus drivers or the Transporation department will make a decision whether to cancel some or all bus routes serving a school.  This decision will be communicated to parents using the School Messenger system by the transportation office.  

Temperature

Bus routes will be cancelled when the air temperature, or air temperature plus wind chill, reaches -40 degrees Celsius. If bus routes are cancelled for the day due to extreme weather conditions or extreme cold, the school will often remain open.  If parents are able to safely bring their children to school, they are encouraged to do so.  Students should arrive no earlier than 8:30 on these days to ensure that someone will be available to let them enter the school.  Students will need to be picked up at 3:10.  

On any days buses are cancelled, any students not present and not excused by parents will be marked absent.  This will be done in the interest of safety of any students who may walk or drive to school on their own, the parent will be alerted by the automated absence call that their child didn’t make it to school.  

Fog

During foggy weather, the driver shall make an effort to determine the severity of the fog and whether it is widespread or localized.  Drivers may choose to begin their route later.  In the event of a cancellation due to fog, drivers can still run their afternoon route if the fog lifts during the day.  

Other Weather Issues 

When a morning bus route has been cancelled due to any other weather related issue such as a winter storm or poor road conditions, bus drivers are not expected or required to run their afternoon route.  Parents who have delivered their students to school are expected to pick them up at dismissal.

Have a great weekend everyone!