Emergency Situations

While we cannot always predict when a situation may require us to activate our safety protocols, we can ensure that our schools, staff, students, and families are prepared and understand how to respond.

Our schools regularly review and practice emergency procedures, including fire, earthquake, and lockdown drills. Equally important is our commitment to providing families with clear, timely, and accurate communication when an unexpected situation occurs. I know that in these moments, families want reassurance that their children are safe and information as quickly as possible. In any emergency, our first and immediate priority is securing the safety and well-being of our students and staff. From there, we are committed to sharing accurate information with families as soon as we are able. Our greatest strength in an emergency is a calm, coordinated response and a community connected by trusted information.

When an incident involves the RCMP or Port Moody Police, they are the leads and we must also respect their responsibility for public safety and any active investigation. This may mean there are times when the school district is unable to share specific details. While we understand that waiting for information can be difficult, we are committed to communicating what we can, when we can, while ensuring that safety remains at the center of every decision. Together, through preparation, calm responses, and trusted communication, we can help ensure our schools remain safe, caring, and prepared places for every student.

For more information on security threats, shelter in place, hold and secure, and lockdown, view the SD43 Emergency Procedures Poster. Further information may also be found in Administrative Procedure 313 Security Threats, Lockdown, Hold and Secure, or School Emergency Preparedness Information.

More information can be found on our website here: Emergency Situations

Permanent Daylight-Saving Time

Earlier this year, British Columbia adopted permanent daylight-saving time, with the final clock change taking place on March 8, 2026. As a result, the province now observes Pacific Time (PCT) year-round, eliminating the twice-yearly switch between Pacific Standard Time (PST) and Pacific Daylight Time (PDT). During parts of the winter, particularly between late November and early February, many children will travel to school before sunrise. Fraser Health is sharing information to support students, schools and families as they adapt to year-round Pacific Time and maintain healthy sleep habits and safe travel to and from school. While darker mornings may present some challenges, there are practical steps our schools and families can take to support healthy sleep habits and safe travel.

What families can do

Support healthy sleep and well-being by:

• Spending time outdoors during daylight hours whenever possible.
• Encouraging physical activity and social connection through after-school programs and activities.
• Maintaining consistent bedtimes and wake-up times.
• Turning off screens at least one hour before bedtime, as evening screen use can make it harder to fall asleep.

Support safe travel to and from school by: 

• Helping children choose well-lit routes with sidewalks and designated crossings.
• Encouraging children to wear reflective or high-visibility clothing and use a flashlight when travelling during darker morning hours.
• Reminding children to use designated crossings, scan traffic, and make sure vehicles have stopped before crossing.

If driving:

• Use extra caution when driving near schools, crosswalks, intersections and shared pathways.
• Be aware of one's surroundings and refraining from cell phone use, make eye contact, and shoulder check before turning or changing direction.
• Travel at slow speeds and stop completely at stop signs and crosswalks.

Read the full letter from Fraser Health: Permanent Daylight-Saving Time in British Columbia – Information for Schools and Families