Dear Parents and Carers,

As of this morning the Hong Kong Observatory has raised the T1 signal and the T3 signal is scheduled to be raised between 12 pm and 2 pm.  The Hong Kong Observatory further predicts that Severe Tropical Storm Ma-on will be closest tomorrow morning, Thursday 25th August.  Therefore the possibility of a T8 and /or extreme rainfall warning is likely. Please read the school procedures below so you are informed of the school arrangements across possible scenarios: 

What if a thunderstorm warning, the amber rainstorm or the T3 signal is raised before or during school?

School remains open and travel arrangements are unaffected.

What if a red/black rainstorm signal or a Typhoon 8 is hoisted before School?

• School will be closed for the day.
• Parents will be messaged on the parent app and website updated.
• Learning will be shared via an App message to all parents.  Y4 to Y6 students will also receive their learning via their email.  More detailed information to follow if this event occurs .
• If the signal is hoisted during your child’s journey to school we will be able to look after your child until you can collect your child.

What if a T8 signal is to be issued during school hours?

The Hong Kong Observatory may announce that a T8 will be hoisted within 2 hours,  the school will message parents and begin implementing the safe release of students and staff to travel home. 

What if a red/black rainstorm signal is hoisted during school up to 1:45 pm?

For their safety, students will remain in school and lessons will continue as normal. 

If the signal is lowered to amber before 1:45 pm  students will be dismissed as normal.  Please note that we must make a decision to cancel school buses by 1:45 pm at the latest.  

What if a black or red rainstorm signal is still in effect at 1:45 pm?

To keep everybody safe, ESF School policy is that all students will remain at school under our supervision until the red or black rainstorm is lowered to amber.

The immediate thought when an extreme weather warning happens at the end of the day is how and when students can get home. ESF policy states that nobody should travel and students can only be released to their parents or another person with their parents permission, ideally by a whatsapp message, that can be read easily by the school.

Please be assured we fully appreciate the disruption and complications this causes.  We work closely with our bus companies to delay the cancellation of buses.

How will my child get home when the extreme weather warning is lowered after 1:45 pm?

Buses will have been cancelled in this scenario so all collection of students will be by a parent or another person with their parents permission, ideally by a whatsapp message, that can be read easily by the school.

I fully appreciate the challenges inclement weather causes however be reassured that the safety of our students is the number one priority.  We will work with all families within our safety parameters to ensure your child is safe as a result of a severe weather signal raised.

Regards

Andy