Cyclone & Severe Weather Event Emergency Procedures

INFORMATION REGARDING IMPENDING CYCLONE/SEVERE WEATHER EVENT

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/guardians 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 -

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

If a decision is made to close schools the following day, the College Principal will, where possible, contact all parents/guardians 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 College website.

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

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

Parents/guardians should listen to their local radio station and keep updated via the College website and/or social media on days where cyclones and severe storm warnings are active.

The College Principal will ensure all students have a safe means of reaching home and that appropriate supervision is available once they arrive home.

The College Principal will make arrangements for any student 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, this information will be reported to parents via SMS/social media/email. 

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.

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

Parents/guardians should collect their children IMMEDIATELY from the College. 

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

Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated.

In the event of an emergency/cyclone season, St Patrick's College Townsville will work closely with the Townsville Catholic Education Office 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 the Main Office on 07 4753 0300. 

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