As New Westminster residents experienced their first snowfall of the season Sunday, the New Westminster school district issued a reminder about winter weather protocols for families.
Snow arrived in New Westminster on Sunday, Nov. 6 — heavier in some neighbourhoods than others, mostly wet, and not accumulating. With more "mixed precipitation" in the forecast for Monday, School District 40 sent out a reminder to families on Sunday afternoon.
"With the possibility of snow in the forecast, we want to remind you that all schools in the New Westminster School District will remain open, if at all possible, during the colder and potentially snowy or icy weather this winter may bring," superintendent Karim Hachlaf wrote in a letter to families.
Families are reminded that in the "rare instances" where a school closure is needed, the district will try to announce the decision by 6:30 a.m. or shortly afterwards. Parents and guardians can check in on the situation in a number of ways:
- via emails sent to parents caregivers who are part of the school messenger system;
- via notices posted on the school district website;
- through SD40 social media channels, via Facebook or Twitter; or
- through school closure announcements on multiple local radio and TV stations, including on CKNW (AM 980), CBC (AM 690/FM 88.1), News 1130-City News (AM 1130), Global TV, Fairchild and BC CTV.
"Student safety is our top priority, and we ask that if a parent/caregiver feels their child cannot travel safely to or from school, then they should make alternate arrangements for the day. Student absences due to unsafe travel during inclement weather conditions will of course be excused," Hachlaf said.
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