Outdoor Recess Information

Cold Weather Guidelines

The Winnipeg School Division follows established guidelines to ensure student safety and comfort during cold weather. According to the Division’s Cold Weather Guidelines, indoor recess is required when the wind chill reaches –28°C.

When temperatures are cold but have not reached the –28°C wind-chill threshold, we may shorten outdoor recess. This allows students to get fresh air and movement while reducing the amount of time spent outdoors. Weather conditions are monitored closely throughout the day, and all decisions prioritize student safety and well-being.

For safety and supervision reasons, we are unable to keep only a select group of students indoors while others go outside. Therefore, either all students remain indoors or all students go outdoors, based on Division guidelines and school-based decisions.

Please ensure your children come to school with proper winter clothing—such as hats, mitts, scarves, snow pants, and boots—as this makes a significant difference in keeping students warm and comfortable during cold weather.

To view the WSD Cold Weather Guidelines in detail, please click here.