Do children miss a lot of schooling?

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LAJOIE2007

Only in Dufferin Peel, Durham, and York Region area (just outside the GTA) are they more likely to close down schools - mostly because there is still quite of bit of rural area there that does not have regular winter maintenance on the roads. In Toronto proper the schools are more often than not OPEN for business, but school bus service can be cancelled. All closings and cancellations are announced on the major local radio and television stations (example 680 News and City TV).

As for Canadian winters...well you'll be in shock for the first few years like my parents were when they emigrated from Romania...but you will get used to them...Make sure when autumn comes that you buy a good down-filled coat or something with a polar fleece lining (fall is the time for winter sales), boots and gloves. In recent years, November and December have been relatively dry with little to no snow-fall - just bitter cold (average -20 degrees celsius)...In January, we start to see some more snow and then in February in March is when we get a little more severe weather (blizzards and the like). As well April has a few surprises to...but believe me...you and your family will manage. Let me say that winters can be quite beautiful here and it is often an excuse for us to party (We've got a winter festival in February with ice sculptures, performances, restaurant promotions, etc.).

Well...Welcome to Canada! Bienvenue au Canada!

Fritz D

I just came to Canada a years ago but I just went to school at 5 months ago and so far I have experienced bad weather only once..... but, most of the school in Canada will be closed in the winter if the temperature is below 40 degree celcius

sglmom

Like in the States, there are Winter Snow Days built into the School Schedules .. and these days are already calculated into the school year's length. IF there are any extra days that are required, then the extra days are provided for by either tacking them onto the back end of the school year, or holding lessons on a day that was originally designated a school holiday (or non-school day) during the rest of the year.

I grew up in the Chicago Area ... and it is definitely called the "Windy City" for a reason. With that area, the snow piled up for several feet .. and yes, it was blustery, bitter, cold, and could get nasty fast. But ... school was held most days -- the only days I remember school being closed where on 'white-out' days (very rare). Just make sure that they are dressed properly for the chilly conditions, and they will do fine.

bernel1403

They have occasional snow days maybe about 3 per school year. Only stop school for extreme weather or building problems.

FeatherHead

Schools in Toronto are hardly ever closed due to weather, sometimes the buses are cancelled, but the schools stay open. Winters here are not extreme -- some cold days, some snow...nothing unbearable.

ips2

I've barely ever heard of school's closing down during the winter season. I never experienced it during my time in schools.

High Schools almost never close. Even if its like -40 outside. I've walked to my HSc on many such occasions. The primary schools might get closed down occasionally, but honestly, last winter was the first time I heard of such a thing happening. That was due to a severe snow storm that lasted for 2-3 days and there were extreme weather alerts. It happens like once every winter. Definitely not more than that!

The winters can be harsh. Really, very harsh sometimes. But over the years you'll get used to it. It becomes a part of life. There are only a few days that feel almost unbearable. Winter is long, but not entirely unbearable. You might swear and curse the air blue during your first winter... but it definitely gets better over time. My first winter in Canada (Toronto) was one of the severest in several decades. The last few winters have been very, very mild compared to that one.

BTW, welcome to Canada. To Toronto. Its a great city. And its very friendly. Don't listen to what other people tell you about this city ;) They are just jealous!!!

The weather gets cold during winter and there can be an awful lot of snow or ice, however schools don't close down that often (both public schools and post-secondary institutions). York University doesn't even close during snowstorms.

misscountrylover777

yeah the winters can get bad sometimes. They have to go a lot longer too as my aunt tells me when they miss school. As it is, they go until June in their schooling. The US is a little shorter only going till May.

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