During a weather event 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.

Townsville Catholic Education (TCE) works closely with Education Queensland (EQ) in determining school closures and other appropriate actions to be taken to ensure student, staff and school safety during severe weather events.

If a decision is made to close schools due to severe weather, TCE will issue the below information to parents/carers where possible.

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

• The Principal will, where possible contact all parents/carers by note and/or SMS and social media. This information will also be posted on the TCE website and social media channels.

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

• TCE and EQ will issue advice to all local radio stations, which will broadcast this advice from 7:00am or earlier if possible. Updates will also be posted on the TCE website and social media channels.
• If a 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 circumstance.

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

• Information will be communicated to parents/carers wherever possible (SMS, social media, websites), local radio stations and school transport companies (bus and ferry).
• When severe storm/cyclone warnings are active, parents are urged to listen to their local radio station to keep informed.
• Please note, each Principal will ensure all students have a safe means of getting home and that appropriate supervision is available once they arrive home.

For more information about the policies and procedures around school closures during a weather event, visit: https://www.tsv.catholic.edu.au/cyclone-season-information/  

To keep up to date with current weather forecasts, and emergency updates, please visit your Local Disaster Management Group Dashboard. The dashboard is a point of truth for accurate and timely information before, during and after a high-risk weather event.

• Townsville - https://disaster.townsville.qld.gov.au/
• Burdekin - https://disaster.burdekin.qld.gov.au/
• The Whitsundays - https://disaster.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au/
• Hinchinbrook - https://disaster.hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au/ 
• Charters Towers - https://getready.charterstowers.qld.gov.au