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. ​​


Reminders - Weather

  • Students go outside to play twice a day
    • lunch recess - 20 minutes
    • afternoon recess - 15 minutes
  • Students need to have all their winter clothing at school ready to go outside for recess breaks
  • Please ensure that students have all their winter clothing including: a winter coat, snowpants, boots, mittens or gloves, a winter hat (toque)
  • Students who are not prepared for the weather will be cold when outside during the recess breaks
  • Students will not go outside if it is colder than -20C including the windchill; this is monitored throughout the day
    • ex: students may not go outside for lunch recess because it is colder than -20C including the windchill, yet by afternoon recess the weather may have improved, and students will go outside for afternoon recess
  • If it is colder than -20C including the windchill, a recess break will occur in the classroom; each classroom has various games for student use

Dressing for the Weather

As we look ahead, we are making plans for colder weather especially around extended periods of time outside like recess and lunch break. We encourage all of our students to dress appropriately for the weather with warm coats, hats, mitts, boots, scarves and snow pants. This will ensure that students are comfortable on days when they are expected to go out for fresh air and exercise. We know that students will be outside during the course of the day, even if it is only from the bus to the door and dressing warmly is something that must be dealt with at home. Thank you for your support.