Advisory for Cold Weather
During the winter months cold temperatures, wind chill and snow can make getting to and from school challenging.
Our school and other CBE schools rarely close due to snow or cold weather. Assume we are open unless you hear otherwise from us. Information regarding any school closures due to weather will also be posted on the CBE website, on CBE’s social media channels and shared with local news media.
If your child will not be attending classes please ensure you contact the school attendance line to report the absence.
During the winter season we remind parents/guardians of the following:
- Children should be well prepared for the weather and not left unattended at bus stops for any period of time, under any circumstances.
- Families should ensure that they have back-up care arrangements if transportation is delayed. Children should have a warm place to stay before and after school (i.e. with a neighbour or a nearby relative).
- All CBE schools will remain open to provide a safe, warm and secure environment for students
Learn more about Using Transportation in Cold Weather and Winter Weather.
Current Calgary Weather
The Calgary weather forecast that appears on our website is provided by Environment Canada through one of its two Calgary weather stations, and is not school specific.
The CBE has standardized the weather to use Environment Canada to create continuity for parents, employees and schools. We know that temperatures can fluctuate around our city and we want to ensure that we are all accessing and viewing the same information.
Guidelines are provided for students and cold weather, but if circumstances change, the principal has the final decision.
Outdoor Learning and Cold Weather
At Niitsitapi Learning Centre, we believe that outdoor learning and play are important parts of a child's development and well-being. Whenever possible, students spend time outside learning, exploring, and connecting with the land throughout the year.
Because Calgary's weather can change quickly, students are expected to come prepared for daily outdoor activities. During colder months, students should wear appropriate winter clothing, including:
- Winter boots
- A warm coat
- Mittens or gloves
- A hat or toque
- Snow pants, when conditions require
On rainy or wet days, students should wear weather-appropriate outerwear and footwear to stay comfortable outdoors.
Families are encouraged to send an extra set of clothing in their child's backpack, including socks, pants, a shirt, and underwear. Outdoor learning and exploration are an important part of our program, and curious young learners sometimes find themselves a little wetter or muddier than expected. While staff work hard to help students avoid puddles and muddy areas, hands-on exploration and learning through play occasionally lead to clothing that needs to be changed.
To help us return items to students quickly, families are encouraged to label outdoor clothing and extra clothing items. A simple piece of masking tape placed inside jackets, snow pants, boots, and other outdoor gear with your child's name can make a big difference.
Student safety is always our priority. As a general guideline, when temperatures reach -20°C or colder, including the wind-chill factor, students may remain indoors for recess and lunch breaks. At Niitsitapi Learning Centre, an indoor recess day is referred to as a Blue Day. Weather conditions are considered carefully each day, and decisions may be adjusted based on the specific conditions, activities, and needs of students. During periods of extreme cold, students will also be welcomed into the school before classes begin.
Being prepared for changing weather allows students to fully participate in the rich outdoor and land-based learning experiences that are an important part of life at Niitsitapi Learning Centre. Through all seasons, students have opportunities to learn from the land, observe seasonal changes, and build a deeper connection to the natural world.