Environment Canada has issued heat warnings that impact all schools across our district. During extreme heat conditions, staff are taking the following precautions where necessary, and following the guidance of our local health units (South East Health Unit and Eastern Ontario Health Unit:
- Outdoor activities and recesses are being adjusted as needed at the discretion of the school principal, based on conditions outside.
- Schools are making use of their shaded areas during outdoor times, if accessing the outdoors.
- Staff are encouraging students to stay hydrated and reminding students of the importance of drinking water throughout the day.
- At schools that have little to no air conditioning, classes are uses alternatives spaces in schools that are cooler (a gymnasium for example), opening windows (when it makes sense to do so) and using fans where possible.
- At schools where there is partial air-conditioning (one or two rooms or portables) these are often being used as “cooling spaces” on breaks if students need it.