Another overnight snowfall has shut down schools on Vancouver Island Tuesday morning.
Citing poor weather and road conditions that have disrupted services like transit, the Cowichan Valley School District (SD79) and Saanich School District (SD63) have closed schools, they announced.
Tues Feb 28 – Due to unsafe road conditions throughout the peninsula, all Saanich Schools will be CLOSED this morning. Please continue to check our website for updates https://t.co/0HYVbCH6st pic.twitter.com/FSkF1eZFJo
— SD 63 Saanich (@sd63schools) February 28, 2023
This includes before and after school care at our sites.
— Cowichan Valley School District (@CowichanSchools) February 28, 2023
The Sooke School District and Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District have also delayed the start of schools opening to noon, with both adding there will not be bus pickups.
“We will reassess road conditions for PM drop-offs from school for our bus services,” the districts each said on Twitter.
Meanwhile, schools remain open in the Victoria, with SD61 adding regular buses are running while thirdwave buses are not running.
Responding to criticism that parents can’t reasonably be expected to drive kids to school if buses can’t, Sooke School District said it is up to parents whether to make the choice.
“If you decide to keep your child home, please follow the attendance process for your particular school(s),” it said.
It is up to the parent/guardian to decide if they feel comfortable sending their child to school today. We support and respect your decision. If you decide to keep your child home, please follow the attendance process for your particular school(s). Thank you.
— Sooke School District (@SD62_Sooke) February 28, 2023
All schools are OPEN today (Feb. 28, 2023). Regular buses are running. Thirdwave buses are not running.
Please travel with extra care as roadways are slushy and may be slippery in areas. Flurries are expected to continue throughout the morning so please dress warmly. #sd61learn pic.twitter.com/LFezbQDlua
— Greater Victoria SD (@sd61schools) February 28, 2023
The Qualicum School District says schools are open and buses are running for the most part and parents will be contacted if their child’s bus route is cancelled.
Jeff Lawrence
