When the temperature is warmer than -20, all students go outside for all recesses. The Calgary Board of Education recommends that

students remain indoors if the temperature is -20 (with windchill) or colder.

Our school has alternate plans during these cold days. Students can choose to colour, watch a movie, play board games, play with Lego, participate in a yoga session or read quietly in the Learning Commons. However, we know that extended periods indoors without the opportunity to run and play in fresh air can have an adverse effect on students’ abilities to regulate, learn and focus on academic tasks.

It is for those reasons that we have decided to continue with the Polar Bear Club at McKenzie Towne School. This club will allow students to go outside during lunch, under the supervision of a lunch supervisor or teacher, when temperatures are colder than -20, if we have signed guardian permission.

The following conditions must be met before your child can go outside:

-they must be fully dressed for cold weather (hat, warm mitts or gloves, scarf or neck tube to cover their face, warm coat, warm snow pants,

socks and winter boots)

-a staff member has verified the student is appropriately dressed

-signed guardian permission must be in place

-they choose to go outside

Please note that if students decide to go outside, they will always be allowed to enter the school to warm up on these Polar Bear Club days. Staff on supervision may decide to bring all students in earlier should the weather become colder than -25. Students who are not dressed appropriately for the weather and/or do not have guardian permission will not be permitted to go outside on these days and will partake in alternate supervised activities in the school.

There is significant research pointing to the benefits of outdoor play in the cold. It boosts the immune system, encourages imaginative play, builds stamina, improves physical fitness and improves mental health.

Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.