Bus cancellation & closing schools due to bad weather

During the winter months, we may need to cancel buses or close schools because of inclement weather.

Information regarding details of cancellations or closures will be announced on radio and television stations listed below andwill also be available on Twitter @Peelschools, Facebook at and or by calling

905-890-1010 or 1-800-668-1146.

VIRGIN RADIOFM99.9CHUM AM1050CFTR AM680

CFNY FM102.1/AM640CJCL AM590CHFI FM98.1

NEWSTALK1010 AMEZ ROCK FM97.3CJBC (FR) AM860

FM Z103.5FM93.1FM Q107

CHIN FM100.7/AM1540CBC99.1CITYPULSE

GLOBAL NEWSCTVBREAKFAST TELEVISION

One of the following messages will be announced (highlighted text only):

Peel District School Board buses are cancelled.

This means that schools remain open for students and staff, but buses are cancelled. Bus cancellations could occur in all or parts of municipalities. Buses will remain cancelled all day. All activities that require busing will also be cancelled. Permits, night school classes, child care and other activities in schools will operate as usual.

All Peel District School Board schools and board offices are closed.

This means that all schools and Board offices are closed to students and staff. All activities in schools and board offices are also cancelled, including child care, night school and permits.

All evening programs and permits at the Peel District School Board are cancelled.

This means that all activities in schools and Board offices are cancelled, including continuing education courses and events. The buildings will be closed.

All weekend programs and permits at the Peel District School Board are cancelled.

This means that all activities in schools and Board offices are cancelled, including continuing education courses and events. The buildings will be closed.

Time for school - A parent’s guide to regular school attendance

Elementary school is a wonderful time in the life of a child, a time of great strides in learning and in social and emotional development. Many things affect your child’s success, from the quality of his or her teachers, to the makeup of the class. One of the most important factors is your child’s regular and timely attendance.

Getting to class on time, and avoiding absences, are critical if your child is to get the most out of school. It seems obvious. But the fact is that elementary students tend to miss and average of eight or more school days during the year. What can you as a parent do to help ensure your child’s proper attendance?

Is your child missing more? Why does attendance matter?

First, understand that getting to school–every day and on time–matters at every level, perhaps even more so in elementary school. That’s because important learning occurs daily, right from the start of class. And because you establish patterns early on. By being punctual and responsible, children are acquiring positive habits about school attendance. Some other things to consider:

  • By being late, children miss important social time with their peers before school begins.
  • Students who are late often feel embarrassed or self-conscious.
  • Late arrivals can disrupt the routine of the classroom.
  • A last-minute rush can be stressful for the child, and get her to school in the wrong frame of mind.
  • Missing even five or 10 minutes of the day can make it harder for the student to understand the material being taught.
  • Frequent absenteeism leads to gaps in a child’s skills and knowledge base, cause the child to fall behind his peers and hurt his self-esteem.
  • Too many missed school days can increase isolation, as the child stands out from her classmates and misses opportunities to develop socially.
  • Absenteeism makes it tougher for the child to develop a good rapport with the teachers.

When Time is Ticking

Few homes run like clockwork. The morning routine, especially, can be a mad scramble. But there are effective strategies for getting your little one up and out the door on time.

  • Get your child to bed at a reasonable hour.
  • Set realistic and consistent schedules and rules at home. Getting ready for school should be part of the child’s overall routine, something that’s expected of him every day.
  • The night before school, do whatever is necessary to shave time in the morning, such as setting out clothes, packing lunch, and setting schoolbags at the door.
  • Have a set morning routine that the child can easily follow, i.e. washing hands and face, going to the bathroom, dressing, making the bed, brushing teeth, and eating a healthy breakfast.
  • Avoid any distractions that can slow the child down, like TV or games.
  • If you’re running late regularly, set your alarm to get up earlier.

Is it a sick day?

Children do get sick sometimes – they are still developing natural resistance to certain infections, their hygiene behaviours are still developing and germs spread more easily in a classroom. So some missed school is unavoidable, for the child’s own well-being, and the protection of her classmates. But there are ways to cut down on sick days.

  • Teach your child about proper handwashing, after going to the bathroom, playing outside or wiping his nose.
  • Follow other healthy habits, from eating nutritious food to getting enough sleep.
  • Some symptoms make school attendance uncomfortable, like a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea. But if you’re unsure whether your child is sick enough to miss school, talk to your doctor.
  • Some children pretend to be sick to avoid school. Ask yourself is the child’s symptoms are vague, (i.e. a headache, upset stomach, fatigue), if your child tends to miraculously recover just after school starts or ends, or if the illness is happening during stressful times at school or at home. Allowing your child to remain home when there’s no real illness sets a bad pattern.
  • If you decide to keep your child home, please report your child’s absence via the SafeArrival system quickly and conveniently in one of the three ways:
  • Call an automated, interactive toll free number – 1-855-209-6155
  • Report absences online by accessing the SafeArrival parent portal on pdsb.schoolconnects.com
  • Download the SafeArrival mobile application for Apple and Android devices
  • Once you have reported your child’s absence, keep the child in bed or doing quiet, low-key activities. A day off from school shouldn’t be a holiday, it should be a time to recuperate from illness, so the child can return as soon as possible.

Set the right example

Children follow the lead of their parents. If you place an importance on regular and prompt school attendance, so will your child.

  • Show interest in your child’s education by asking about the school day, celebrating school successes, attending school events and parent-teacher interviews, volunteering at school, and communicating with your child’s teacher. The more you value school, the more your child will.
  • Provide a home environment that encourages learning and curiosity.
  • Treat the school hours with respect. If you have to make an appointment for your child, arrange it before or after school or, if that’s not possible, at the very beginning or end of the day.
  • When it comes to planning family trips, some parents will factor in the schedule in the higher grades, but think little of pulling their child out of school. If anything, younger students can be affected more when they miss an extended period, finding it tough to relearn classroom routines and rejoin their peer group. Learning is cumulative, building on the skills and concepts that were introduced before. And this process is ongoing. Family trips can be wonderful learning experiences themselves. But if they must occur during the school year, please save them for scheduled breaks.
  • If your child resists going to school, for no apparent reason, talk to him or her about any possible problems with the school, teacher or other kids. However, don’t give in to coaxing, pleading or threatening and keep the child at home. That creates a bad precedent.

Need more information?

If you have any questions regarding any of the issues raised here about lateness or attendance, or if you’re looking for other tips on getting your child to school, please talk to us. By working together, we can help support a more successful school experience for your child. Visit our website at

Help your family stay warm this winter

Canada Safety Council recommends the following tips for staying comfortable and preventing hypothermia when working or playing outdoors:

  • Wear a warm hat—most body heat is lost through the head. Children should keep an extra hat at school.
  • Wear layered clothing. Layers allow warm air to stay trapped around the body.
  • Protect your feet and hands. Wear loose waterproof boots. If the boots have liners, carry an extra pair to replace damp ones or take an extra pair of socks. Invest in thick socks to keep your feet warm. Mittens are warmer than gloves. Carry an extra pair of mittens to school, on outings, etc.
  • Prevent dehydration and exhaustion, which can lead to hypothermia. Drink plenty of fluids and pace yourself when doing vigorous activities.
  • Stay fit by exercising and eating well—people who are fit are less susceptible to hypothermia.
  • If you stay indoors, avoid moving from a hot environment to a cold one. Excessive sweating caused from an extreme change in temperature increases the risk of developing hypothermia.
  • Eat high-energy food such as nuts and raisins. A balanced diet will also help keep you warm and healthy in the winter.
  • If you are travelling (on the road or in the wilderness) carry emergency supplies.

Winter bus safety

The following winter school bus safety tips will help to keep your child safe throughout the winter months.

  • Allow extra time to get to your bus stop.
  • Wear bright clothing so the bus can see you in the early morning and late evening.
  • Stand away from where the bus stops. Buses need extra room to stop when there is snow and ice.
  • Use the handrail when boarding or exiting the bus to prevent slipping on wet or icy steps or road surfaces.
  • Dress properly—winter clothing, hats, and boots will keep you warm.
  • Don't throw snowballs at the bus or other children waiting for the bus.
  • Don't slide on the snow or ice patches in driveways or on the street.
  • Don't push or shove around the bus. Someone could fall down on the ice and get hurt.

On very rare occasions, buses are late because of weather conditions or mechanical problems. Talk to your child about what to do if the bus is late. Here are some suggestions:

  • When possible, wait with your child for the bus.
  • Make sure your child knows a phone number where he can reach you or another trusted adult.
  • Teach your child how and where to get help. Talk to your child about what a "safe" stranger is.
  • Help your child set up a bus stop buddy system so your child has someone to wait with for the bus.

Special technology offers for Peel board students, parents and staff

Does your child need a computer or tablet for school? Equity of access to technologyis a key priority for thePeel board. That's why we've worked with a number of technology companies to offer discounted devices to Peel families and staff.

Renewed Computer Technology (RCT) offers low-cost, quality refurbished computers to families with a low-income. Qualified applicants can purchase:

  • desktop for $60​
  • laptop for $150

Prices include software, a two-year warranty and tax. For more information, contact RCT directly, call 905-795-0627 or visit their website at

Peel families now have access to the following exclusive offers from VIG Solutions:

Intel Dual Core, 2GB, 160GB computer with a 17-inch LCD monitor -- $110

10-inch netbook with 1GB ram, 160GB hard drive, Wi-Fi capability and Windows 7 -- $60.

Taxes and shipping will be applied to product costs, and all items come with a six-month warranty.To purchase products, visit and enter peelregion before proceeding.

Microsoft

Microsoft offers reduced pricing on select products.For more information, visit

The Peel board’s initiatives are part of the ongoing effort to create greater equity of access to technology for Peel students, parents and staff and do not represent an endorsement of any company or product. For all BYOD information, visit

Subscribe to receive news from the Peel board

Take advantage of our electronic subscription service to automatically receive updates from the Peel District School Board. Subscribing is easy  just visit our website at and click on the subscription link under "Quick Links."

During the winter months, we may need to cancel buses or close schools because of inclement weather. Information regarding details of cancellations or closures will be posted at and

You can also subscribe to receive:

News releases

Keep up with the news at the Peel board. Subscribe to receive Peel board news releases to learn more about board news and school events.

Board agendas

Learn more about Peel board meetings by subscribing to receive agendas. Meetings of the board are open to the public and are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month.

Board highlights

Briefing is a newsletter with highlights of decisions made by trustees at board meetings. It is sent out on the second and fourth Thursday of every month and immediately following any special board meetings.
Job postings for non-teaching staff
Learn about each new non-teaching job that is posted on the Peel board's Job Board.

It's time to register children born in 2013 for kindergarten

We inspire success, confidence and hope in each student…and it all starts in kindergarten! If your child was born in 2013, he or she can start kindergarten in September 2017. You can register your child at any time during regular school hours—just visit the school he/she will be attending to register.

What you will need to bring to registration

Proof of child's age (one of the following)

  • Canadian birth certificate
  • Canadianpassport
  • citizenship card/certificate
  • Permanent Resident Card
  • confirmation of permanent residence
  • work permit
  • refugee permit

Proof of address (one of the following)

  • Ontario driver's license
  • utility bill
  • bank statement/client slip (directly from financial institution)
  • credit card statement
  • federal government forms (e.g. Social Insurance Number, Service Canada documents)
  • purchase agreement

Proof of custody– children must live with their parent(s) unless provided documentation supports an alternate living arrangement

Proof of immunization– proof that your child has been immunized/vaccinated

Follow us on social media

Social media is the easiest and fastest way to stay connected to the amazing things happening in the Peel District School Board.

Follow @Peelschools on

Twitter to:

  • learn about our schools and programs
  • find out if buses are cancelled during bad weather
  • share the Peel smile