Why were our schools closed Friday?

Posted February 23, 2015

The WRDSB has put in place a frigid temperature threshold in our severe weather procedure primarily for three reasons related to the safety of our students:

1. According to Environment Canada, at -35C exposed skin can freeze within 10 minutes. Environment Canada indicates that in temperatures between -28 to -39 there is a high risk of exposed skin freezing (frostnip or frostbite). This temperature is very unusual for our region and some students may not have the appropriate clothing to protect themselves.

2. Most students will take longer than 10 minutes to walk to school and the bused students may wait for an extended period of time should any bus be delayed.

3. We are unable to guarantee crossing guard service to our students as individual crossing guards have a right to maintain their safety given that they are exposed for extended periods of time in frigid temperatures.

The Education Centre remains open and is fully operational.

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February 20 – All Schools are Closed & Buses Cancelled

Posted February 20, 2015

Due to frigid temperatures, all schools are closed today and all buses are cancelled. All Extended Day Programs are also closed. The Education Centre remains open for those who can safely arrive to work.

When do Schools Close Due to Weather?

Posted February 19, 2015

Our procedure for severe weather  provides guidelines and expectations for school closings due to severe weather, and how this information is communicated to our families.

Severe weather refers to conditions such as ice, fog, rain, sleet, snow, wind and/or frigid temperatures and wind chills. We consider a frigid temperature to be -35C with wind chill, or colder.

The general manager of Student Transportation Services of Waterloo Region (STSWR) will monitor weather and temperatures in the region beginning at 5:30am, using Environment Canada’s wind chill index. If the temperature is forecasted to reach or exceed -35C with wind chill at 7:00am, buses will not operate and schools will be closed. The education centre will be open to those employees who can safely arrive to work.

How do we communicate cancellations or closures?

Decisions relating to cancellations and closures are made by 6:00am. Any cancellations and closures will be posted on our website and school websites. Information will also be available on our twitter account (@wrdsb). We encourage you to monitor our website and listen to local media for up-to-date cancellation and closures.

Parents have the option of keeping their children at home when concerned about weather conditions.

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2014 Director’s Annual Report

Posted January 27, 2015

The 2014 Director’s Annual Report is now available! Each year, the Director is required to submit a report to the Ministry of Education, highlighting the achievements of the past year. Our Annual Report gives the local community a snap shot at what students and staff have achieved. Awards, good news stories and  achievements in learning […]

January 9 – Transportation Cancellation

Posted January 9, 2015

Due to the current weather conditions ALL SCHOOL BUSES, TAXIS AND SPECIAL EDUCATION ROUTES in Wellesley, Wilmot, Woolwich and North Dumfries Townships are cancelled for the Waterloo Region District School Board

The following schools dependent on Transportation are Closed for the Day: Floradale, Linwood, WaterlooOxford D.S.S.
ALL evening RENTAL PERMITS at these schools are CANCELLED

TRANSPORTATION IN ALL OTHER AREAS IS OPERATING AND SCHOOLS ARE OPEN.

All Extended Day Child Care programs are OPEN.

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WRDSB Lowers Flags for Pakistan

Posted December 17, 2014

We are all saddened by the tragic events that took place at Army Public School in Peshawar, Pakistan. To show support for all those affected, we will be lowering flags at our schools, and our Education Centre, until the end of day on December 19.

WRDSB Observes National Day of Remembrance

Posted December 5, 2014

To mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women, flags on all Ontario government buildings across the province will be flown at half-mast from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, December 6, 2014. The education centre, and schools will lower their flags at close of business on Friday, December 5, 2014 and return them […]

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