Polar Bear Recess

I’m a Polar Bear!!

I bundle up and play outside when it’s cold.

I learn better when I’ve had fresh air and playtime.

I am resilient! I am Canadian!

With the winter months upon us, we will no doubt face the prospect of indoor recesses. The Elk Island Catholic School Division procedure on inclement weather recommends that if the temperature is -25C or colder, with or without the windchill, that students stay inside for recess.

We have found that when colder weather persists and students are inside for several days, their ability to focus and complete academic work suffers.

Recess is a very important time for students as it allows for play, social-emotional regulation, fresh air, and exercise. It also provides an mental break from academic work, and allows for processing time in the brain so that what is learned sticks more.

This year we are going to pivot on cold weather recesses and help raise resilient kids with a focus on their overall wellness - important focal points for our school.

We will do all we can to support daily outside play so we are starting a Polar Bear Recess. Students will be able to go outside for recess below -25 C, provided they have proper winter clothing. Proper winter clothing includes: Winter jacket, snow pants, socks, mitts, toque, face covering/scarf, and boots. Students will learn the importance of dressing in layers and what is appropriate for weather conditions so that they can enjoy their time outside in a safe manner.

Our EICS Division Administrative Procedure 134 provides guidelines for us at St. Luke for responding to the winter months:

Decisions regarding outdoor activities are to take into consideration inclement weather that may result from the following conditions or combination of conditions: continuous rain; extreme wind, and/or extreme cold
The suggested guideline is that students do not go outside if the temperature is - 25 C or colder. The suggested guideline above is at the discretion of School Administrators and staff as part of their consideration for determining whether recess will be inside or outside. Outside time is sometimes shortened or withheld to accommodate winter conditions. Factors such as temperature, conditions, duration of time are all taken into decision making.
When temperatures or wind chills are below -25 Celsius, outdoor recess play may continue with reduced play times outside.

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In order to support the important balance of learning and play, we will have three responses to recess breaks to respond to Alberta weather:

Regular recess outside: Temperature and weather conditions not an issue

Inside Recess: Extreme cold and/or weather conditions that are deemed unsafe for full duration of outside playtime