Extreme Weather Policy
When and how St Mary's College cancels or modifies sport, PE, carnivals and outdoor activities in extreme heat, Total Fire Ban days, storms and poor air quality, and how parents are notified.
Melbourne's weather can swing from a 38°C northerly to a hailstorm in the same week. This policy explains how St Mary's College decides when sport and outdoor activities go ahead, what happens on campus on very hot and Total Fire Ban days, and how you will hear about changes.
Purpose
To protect the health and safety of students and staff during extreme heat, bushfire danger, severe storms and poor air quality, while keeping the College open and learning continuing wherever it is safe to do so.
Scope
This policy applies to all students Prep to Year 12, staff, coaches and volunteers at all College-organised activities on and off campus: PE lessons, recess and lunch, Friday NDPSA interschool sport, CSSA Wednesday sport, before- and after-school training, carnivals, camps and excursions.
Policy statement
- The College follows the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) forecast and warnings, the Country Fire Authority fire danger ratings for the Central fire district, and EPA Victoria air quality reports.
- Sport, PE and outdoor activities are cancelled or modified when the forecast maximum for the day is 35°C or above, or on a declared Total Fire Ban or Code Red (Catastrophic) day for the Central district.
- St Mary's College is not on the Department of Education Bushfire At-Risk Register, so the College remains open on Catastrophic days, although bus routes may be altered.
- Sport continues in rain and cold unless grounds are closed by the council or lightning is present.
Procedures
The 9:00am check
Each morning the Director of Sport (Mr Luke Ferraro, Senior) and the Junior Sport Coordinator (Mr Daniel Ruiz, Junior) check the BoM forecast at 9:00am and confirm any decision with the Principal, Dr Helen Carmody.
| Trigger | Response |
|---|---|
| Forecast 35°C or above | Outdoor sport, PE and training cancelled or moved indoors; Hot Weather Timetable at recess and lunch |
| Total Fire Ban or Code Red (Central district) | All off-campus sport and outdoor excursions cancelled; on-campus activity moved indoors |
| Thunderstorm or lightning | 30/30 rule: move indoors if thunder follows lightning within 30 seconds; stay in for 30 minutes after the last thunder |
| Severe wind warning or hail | Students kept away from trees and open areas; outdoor activities suspended |
| Air quality "Poor" or worse, or heavy smoke | Outdoor exertion cancelled; students with asthma reminded to carry relievers |
Notifying families
- Cancellations are sent by Parent Portal push notification and SMS by 9:30am.
- For whole-day events such as the Junior Athletics Carnival (Friday 4 September 2026) or Senior Athletics Carnival (Tuesday 8 September 2026), the College aims to notify families by 7:00am the day before when the forecast is clear enough. Carnivals are rescheduled where possible.
- Check Extreme Weather and Cancellations for live updates.
Hot Weather Timetable
When triggered, students remain indoors at recess and lunch: Junior students in their classrooms with teacher supervision, Senior students in the Hall, Library and Sports Centre. Junior dismissal remains 3:20pm and Senior dismissal 3:25pm unless families are told otherwise.
Camps and excursions
The organising teacher reviews the forecast 48 hours out and again at 9:00am on departure day. Camps proceeding through hot or high-fire-danger periods have an amended program approved by the Deputy Principal – Wellbeing & Mission; a camp may be postponed if the venue is in a Catastrophic fire district. See the Excursions & Camps Policy.
Buses
On Code Red days College buses run, but routes may be altered on CFA advice; bus pass holders are told by SMS. See School Buses and Transport.
Responsibilities
Parents and carers
- Keep Portal notifications and SMS enabled and check them before 9:30am on hot or high-danger days.
- Send your child with a filled drink bottle, sunscreen and the compulsory navy wide-brim hat in Terms 1 and 4.
- Tell the College if your child has a heat-sensitive medical condition.
Students
- Follow staff instructions to move indoors promptly and drink water regularly.
- Carry asthma relievers on smoky or high-pollen days.
Staff
- The Director of Sport and Junior Sport Coordinator make and communicate decisions by 9:30am.
- Teachers on yard duty supervise indoor spaces under the Hot Weather Timetable.
- First aid staff monitor for heat illness and follow the Medication & First Aid Policy.
Related documents
- Extreme Weather and Cancellations
- SunSmart Policy
- Excursions & Camps Policy
- Asthma Policy
- Friday Interschool Sport
- CSSA Wednesday Sport
- Training Timetable
Review
Policy owner: Principal. Approved by the College Leadership Team October 2025; ratified by the College Advisory Council; next review October 2027.
Frequently asked questions
Is the school ever closed because of heat?
No. The College stays open on hot days. Classrooms are air-conditioned and the Hot Weather Timetable keeps students indoors at breaks. Only outdoor sport and activities are affected.
The forecast is 34°C. Will Friday sport go ahead?
Yes, unless another trigger applies. The cancellation threshold is a forecast of 35°C or above at the 9:00am check. Students still need hats, sunscreen and water, and coaches build in extra drink breaks.
How will I know if Wednesday CSSA sport is cancelled?
A Portal push notification and SMS are sent by 9:30am on the day. Students remain at school for supervised alternative activities until normal dismissal at 3:25pm.
What happens to swimming squad and cross country training on a Code Red day?
All off-campus training is cancelled, including the 6:45am swimming squad at Wattle Creek Aquatic Centre. Families are notified by 7:00pm the evening before whenever the CFA declaration is made in time.
Can I collect my child early on an extreme heat day?
Yes. Use the normal early-leave process: a Portal note or written request, then collect your child from the Junior or Senior office.