Delta School District

Update for January 11, 2012

The long range weather forecast indicates that a cold spell should be expected starting next week, bringing with it some snow.

As a reminder, student safety is the first priority of the School District.  Parents/Guardians are responsible for their children's safe travel to and from school.  If, for any reason, a parent/guardian feels that a child cannot travel safely to school, then they should make other arrangements. Schools will be kept open except under extreme circumstances to provide the option of attendance for all, but the decision to attend is the responsibility of each family.

During extreme weather conditions it is also common for police and other authorities to advise citizens to avoid unnecessary travel.  Parents should take this advice as well. Students will not be penalized for lack of attendance under such poor weather conditions.

Schools provide an important public service to the community. We recognize that school closure can have a significant impact on many families and understand arrangements for alternate childcare when schools are closed unexpectedly can be difficult. Consequently, schools will rarely be closed due to weather conditions or other circumstances.

As the winter season is upon us, the possibility of inclement weather increases, please note that all schools in the Delta School District will remain OPEN, if at all possible during winter weather conditions, including snowfalls.

Any closure or delayed openings will be decided by 6:30 a.m. at the latest and will be announced via CKNW AM 980 radio, News AM 1130 radio, CBC AM 690 radio, Fairchild AM 1470 radio, CHQM FM 103.5 radio, CBC television, BCTV, City TV and CTV BC.  Announcements will also be on the district website at web.deltasd.bc.ca.

Schools may have a delayed opening to allow schools and routes to schools to be made safer for the arrival of students.

Individual school closures or delayed openings due to unique circumstances (e.g., power outages) will be announced as early as possible in the same manner.

Please note that no announcement will be made stating that schools are open. Only closures and delayed openings will be announced. This is also a reminder to all students to dress warmly and wear appropriate clothing. Sidewalks and roads can be extremely slippery and so students walking to school are advised to take extra care.

Bussing

Regular and Special Needs school buses will attempt to operate on their normal schedule during a snow day. Significant changes to the bus schedule as a result of weather conditions will be reported on the district web site. Should the condition of side streets require a change to the operation of Special Needs school busses, or any cancellation of service, affected families will be informed.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during the winter months ahead.

For more information, please contact your Principal.