When winter arrives together we can ensure that your little ones are winter ready. Just follow these simple steps to prepare for Forest School each day:
1. Get on your winter gear so that children stay safe and warm - why not print out this handy checklist from Saskatoon Public Schools
2. Stay positive - reframe your mindset when talking about the winter or try this journey summary
3. Feed those tummies - a breakfast that sticks will allow your little ones to move, learn and play without barriers (great ideas for healthy breakfasts)
During the Saskatchewan winter, severe weather is a part of life. Severe weather may include very cold temperatures, wind chill, blizzards, heavy snow fall and ice storms.
Saskatoon Public Schools' guidelines state that students are to stay inside the school when the temperature with the wind chill is -27 degrees Celsius.
When the wind chill is -20 to -26, students are expected to dress warmly and go outside during recess and noon hour, for fresh air and exercise. We at Wild Sky plan to follow a similar temperature framework for our preschool and full-day programs. Children will eat in the warmth of our Winter Hot Tent and spend time there warming up, so that they are ready to head back into the fresh air and open spaces.
Wild Sky staff monitors the wind chill and temperatures throughout the day as the safety of both students and staff remains a priority on very cold days. We closely follow the weather forecast throughout the year and as such, when there is an official weather warning from Environment Canada, we will move indoors. Our preschoolers program location for these mornings will be the Nutrien Wonderhub. Please note, you will NOT be charged extra for these mornings.
Parents and guardians are reminded to ensure their children are dressed appropriately for the weather. It's very important to check that children are wearing mitts, a scarf, warm coat, boots and something on their head. On high wind chill days, all exposed skin should be covered. Parents are encouraged to make decisions about their child's attendance at Wild Sky based on current weather conditions and safe transportation to and from Wild Sky.
As primary care givers, parents and guardians need to decide what is best for their children. The option to keep children at home when weather conditions are extreme is at the parent's discretion.