It's late September, but feels more like the start of "summer vacation" all over again at many of Montreal's elementary and high schools. Air conditioning isn’t a standard feature at schools across the region, so we checked in at a couple of them and with parents on Facebook to see what they were doing.
“The teachers are taking the students out more...into the shaded part of the yard to make sure that they get some air,” said Roslyn Elementary School Vice-Principal, Danica Lewington. “Everybody is drinking lots of water and a lot of our students definitely came wearing shorts and lighter clothing.”
The Westmount area school and others across the region have a number of tricks to try and keep school buildings and their students cooler.
Teachers and staff darken classrooms by closing drapes and blinds where possible and turning off lights that generate too much heat. Gym teachers don’t push students to overdo it in the heat and most staff are encouraging students to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
On Facebook, Antigoni Liapis said St-Laurent’s LaurenHill Junior Campus and Gardenview Elementary had both relaxed their dress codes.
“(It’s the) first time we get an email that the kids can wear gym uniforms all day,” said Liapis.
Carrie-Ann Pat McCambridge told CJAD 800 that HS Billings High School in Châteauguay has allowed students to wear their gym uniforms all day, from Monday to Wednesday.
“We got the notice Friday and today they just announced that there are no late buses,” said McCambridge. “All students must leave the building at the end of the day, so no after school activities.”
Before noon on Monday, Environment Canada issued a Heat Warning for the surrounding areas of Montreal, Châteauguay; Laval and Longueuil.
“Exceptionally warm and humid conditions will persist over Southwestern and Central Quebec through Wednesday with highs near 30 degrees and humidex values reaching 40,” according to Environment Canada’s website.
A return to seasonal values is expected to begin on Thursday.