Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board, in partnership with our transportation consortium and bus operators, prioritizes the safety of students and staff above all else during periods of inclement weather. Official announcements regarding bus cancellations and school closures are delivered via the Bus Planner Web notification system.
- Bus Cancellation Day (School Open): All student transportation is cancelled, but schools remain open for staff and students who can arrive safely. For those students not able to attend in person, the Always Learning hub offers both directed and self guided learning.
- School/System Closure Day (School Closed): A school or all schools are closed to both students and staff. On these days, all directed learning—both in-person and online—is cancelled; however the Always Learning website continues to provide optional curriculum-based learning activities.
To support families on these days, the Board has launched the Always Learning website (www.bgcdsb.org/alwayslearning), which serves as a central hub for various learning supports. These curriculum-based resources are designed for self-directed study and include:
- Online Directed Learning (D2L): Grade-specific content released through the BrightSpace (D2L) platform on Bus Cancellation Days. Students can log in with their board Google accounts to access these directed learning materials.
- Self-Guided Learning Activities: A variety of tech-enabled and "no-tech" activities across multiple subjects, including specific supports for special education and mental health.
- Hard Copy Packages: For families who previously requested them, these packages provide non-tech curriculum supplements for use during weather events.
"We recognize that the frequency of weather disruptions in our area can create challenges for our families," says Lori Di Castri, Chair of the Board. "Our goal is to provide high-quality options that maintain a connection to learning without adding undue stress to families".
Importantly, the Board clarifies that these inclement weather activities—including the Always Learning site/D2L content and hard copy packages—are optional. If they are interested, families may choose the options that best suit their circumstances.
To assist families with technical hurdles, the Board has established dedicated tech support for the "Always Learning" platform, available from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm via text at (226) 773-3556 or phone at (519) 364-5820 x903.
Looking ahead, BGCDSB plans to expand its support by offering optional, small-group online tutoring for literacy and math for elementary students after school hours. Secondary students can access support through the board’s Student Success programs.