THUNDER BAY — As the temperatures continue to stay steady between -25 C and -30 C, kids in school are more likely to be staying inside during recess.
Students at both the Lakehead District School Board and the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board have a policy that if temperatures are colder than -25 C, students and staff will remain inside.
Antonella Lysak, the principal at St. Thomas Aquinas School, said sometimes it's necessary for students to remain indoors.
"We certainly prioritize the safety and health of our students and children, and keeping them indoors during extremely cold weather is simply a preventative measure to avoid potential health issues and accidents associated with harsh winter conditions.
"Indoor recess mitigates the risk of, of course, frostbite, potential slip and falls, aggravating respiratory conditions due to the extreme cold, and at times, inadequate winter clothing can be an issue with children, leaving them vulnerable to the cold and its associated health risks," Lysak said.
This policy is also in effect for students at the end of the day. Kids will wait inside until the buses arrive, as well for the parental kiss-and-ride. Children are sent outside when parents arrive to collect them.
While inside, students have a variety of activities to occupy them during their break times, Lysak said.
"I do notice students doing a lot of arts and crafts, knitting, artwork, reading, and traditional games, board games, cards, chess - those types of things," the principal said.
"I've even noticed classes doing yoga with their teachers, meditation, reading. Students are actually very appreciative to remain indoors during these extreme weather conditions and I know that parents are grateful as well."
According to Environment Canada, the coldest recorded temperature for Jan. 18 was in 1948 when temps dropped to -38.3 C, and the warmest happened in 1981 when it was a balmy 4.5 C.
