As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the shift to online learning, some GTA school boards are using the new tool to avoid students losing a day of learning due to snowy, rainy and icy winter weather that may force bus transportation to be cancelled or schools to be closed.

Peel District School Board

Peel District School Board has changed its policy on “snow days” such that if buses are cancelled in affected municipalities, schools are now cancelled.

Instead, students will switch to virtual learning at home so school will no longer be missed due to snow days and inclement weather.

The board said previously that schools would remain open for staff and students who could arrive safely and classrooms would be combined. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, PDSB said this is no longer a safe option and does not align with COVID-19 guidance and direction from Peel Public Health and the Ministry of Education as different cohorts would mix together.

When buses are cancelled, child care programs will remain open and the school will remain open to custodial staff and other staff to perform essential duties, the board said.

Peel District School Board said decisions to cancel buses or close schools will be made by 6:15 a.m. and posted to various social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram).