Severe Weather Events

For the latest school closures, please go to:
https://www.tsv.catholic.edu.au/newsandevents/latest-advice/school-closures/ 

For the latest weather advice, please go to - http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/warnings/

During the cyclone season (typically January - March) it is very important for parents/carers to be aware of school procedures in the event of school closures or affected access due to floods, cyclones or severe weather.

Issuing advice to Parents - THREE POTENTIAL SITUATIONS:

1. If a decision is made THE DAY BEFORE to close Catholic schools the following day:

If a decision is made to close schools the following day, the Principal will, where possible, contact all parents/carers by note and/or SMS and social media, advising that the school will be closed the following day/s and/or giving alternative arrangements.

This information will also be posted on the Townsville Catholic Education Office website www.tsv.catholic.edu.au and facebook and twitter (links to these are available from our home page).Some schools will also provide updates via SMS.

2. If a decision is made OVERNIGHT to close CatholIc schools the following day:

If a decision on school closure is made overnight, the Executive Directors of Townsville Catholic Education and Education Queensland will issue advice to all local radio stations, which will broadcast this advice from 7.00am or earlier if possible. If this information is delayed, it may because of difficulty reaching the radio station or the availability of information. Parents are advised to keep listening to their local station until advice is communicated. In these circumstances it is advisable to keep watch on the Townsville Catholic Education website and social media.

Updates will also be posted on the Townsville Catholic Education Office website www.tsv.catholic.edu.au and facebook and twitter (links to these are available from our home page).

If the decision IS made to close schools  in a particular area, then all schools in that area (both Catholic and State) will close, irrespective of their individual circumstances.

3. If a decision is made DURING SCHOOL HOURS to close Catholic schools IMMEDIATELY:

If a decision is made during school hours to close schools immediately, information will be communicated to parents/carers wherever possible (SMS, social media, websites )and also to local radio stations and school transport companies (bus and ferry).

Parents should listen to their local radio station and keep updated via our website and/or twitter/facebook on days where cyclones and severe storm warnings are active. Some schools will also provide updates via SMS.

Each principal will  ensure all children have a safe means of reaching home and that appropriate supervision is available once they arrive home.

Each principal will make arrangements for any child who does not have a safe means of reaching home or appropriate supervision to be cared for at the school.

If a decision is made to keep Schools open:

If a decision is made to keep schools open, but an individual Principal is aware of circumstances indicating that the school should be closed, that information will be reported to parents (wherever possible - SMS/social media/websites) and local radio stations.

This information will also be posted on the Townsville Catholic Education Office website www.tsv.catholic.edu.au and facebook and twitter (links to these are available from our home page).

Parents of course should make their own judgments on whether it is safe to send their children to school on the day.

It is possible for example, for it to be safe for the school to open, but unsafe or inappropriate for particular students to attend because of individual circumstances.

Some schools will also provide updates via SMS.

What should Parents do when advised the School is closing during the School day?

Parents should collect their children IMMEDIATELY from schools, kindergartens, early learning centres and outside hours school care.

Immediate collection of your child will assist the school in an efficient closure process and will give school staff the opportunity to collect their own children from other schools/childcare.

Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated.

In the event of emergency/cyclone season, Catholic Education Office works closely with Education Queensland in determining school closures and other appropriate actions to be taken to ensure student, staff and school safety.

For further information on these procedures, please contact your school or call Catholic Education Office on 4773 0900.

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