(Lead photo: Grounds crew members Cathy Beglau and Morgan Besant)
For most St. Michaels University School families, a snow day means staying warm at home, watching the snowfall, and enjoying a brief pause in the routine. But behind the scenes, a dedicated team of staff works tirelessly to keep the school running, even when classes are canceled.
Deciding to close the school due to snow or extreme weather is not taken lightly. Many factors come into play, including road conditions, campus accessibility, current and forecasted weather patterns, regional road reports, and guidance from local authorities across multiple municipalities. The decision-making process begins long before dawn.
Keeping Transportation Safe
By 4:00 a.m., SMUS Transportation Manager Jody Bright is already on the road, assessing conditions to determine whether school buses can safely complete their morning routes. Bright works closely with local school districts 61, 62 and 63 to discuss road conditions and share their perspectives on how safe it is for buses to travel. This ensures she has the most up-to-date information to make an informed recommendation for SMUS.
"We operate five buses with five dedicated drivers, each responsible for a specific route that covers the West Shore, Saanich Peninsula, Gordon Head, Royal Oak and Oak Bay," described Bright. "Each bus carries over 40 students every day, and we take that responsibility seriously. When it snows, we don’t just focus on keeping the buses running—we focus on keeping everyone safe."
At the start of the school year all drivers participate in training programs that include handling a variety of weather-related scenarios. Drivers are also well-versed in defensive driving techniques to ensure the safety of passengers, while the buses themselves are also well-equipped for winter weather with enhanced traction systems, winter-grade tires and reliable heating systems.
While the school closure means buses remain parked, their commitment to safety is a key consideration in the school’s decision-making process.
Preparing the Campus
Regardless of whether the school is open or closed, the facilities and grounds crew are among the first to arrive, often as early as 5:30 a.m. Grounds supervisor, Cathy Beglau, and her dedicated team clear snow and ice from bus lots, roads, pathways, and emergency exits, ensuring the campus is safe for everyone upon reopening. Armed with shovels, salt, and plows, buildings and grounds crews work tirelessly—even in the thick of a storm—to stay ahead of the weather and minimize disruptions.
Supporting the Boarding Community
For over 250 boarding students who call SMUS home, a snow day doesn’t mean a day off from daily life. Senior and Senior Assistant house parents remain on duty, ensuring students are safe, engaged, and cared for. Over the February 4 closure, the boarding community embraced the snowfall with sledding on the fields, hot chocolate from the Howard Cafe, and a special chapel service hosted by Winslow House.
With students and staff still on campus, dining services must also continue without interruption. Despite the challenges of inclement weather, the Sage Dining team was present and preparing meals, ensuring the boarding community had access to warm, nourishing food. While some menu items may have been adjusted based on available staff, the dedication of the dining crew ensured that meal service remained uninterrupted.
The Work That Goes Unnoticed
While a snow day offers a welcome break for many, it is a reminder of the tireless efforts of those who work behind the scenes to keep the school community safe and supported. From transportation and grounds crews to boarding staff and dining services, their dedication ensures that when the school reopens, it does so smoothly, safely, and ready for learning to continue.
To all those who make it possible—thank you.
