With the provincially mandated end of school COVID-19 restrictions, the Waterloo Catholic District School Board is returning to pre-COVID bus cancellation and school closure procedures.

Winter weather can be very unpredictable. So, it’s best to be prepared. Here are some key things to remember – because not every day with snow is a “snow day”:

During bad weather, schools and school board administrative sites may still be open, even if school buses are cancelled.

Between 5:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. on mornings when inclement weather has been forecast for Waterloo Region, Student Transportation Services of Waterloo Region (STSWR) — the arm’s length body that coordinates and operates student transportation for the school boards — assesses the current weather conditions, in consultation with local bus companies, if necessary.

If a recommendation to cancel transportation (including potential closure of schools) is to be made, the local school boards are contacted, and a joint decision is made between STSWR and the boards.

All reasonable efforts are made to announce any cancellation of buses or school closures by 6:00 a.m.

Please note that public announcements will only be made if buses are cancelled and / or schools are closed.

It is recommended that parents, guardians, staff and students tune in a local Waterloo Region radio station and also monitor the following online information sources for information about potential closures or cancellations:

STSWR Website: www.stswr.ca/

STSWR Twitter Feed: @STSWR

WCDSB Website: www.wcdsb.ca/

WCDSB Twitter Feed: @WCDSBNewswire