Typhoon, Rainstorm and Bad Weather Warnings
For the safety of students during bad weather, it is necessary for teachers, parents and students to have a clear understanding of the procedures which will be put into effect.
1. Tropical Cyclones (Typhoons): If the School is not in session when a tropical cyclone is approaching Hong Kong, the Secretary for Education will, if the circumstances warrant it, make an announcement over local radio stations - especially RTHK 3 (English) - advising parents whether or not to send their children to school. The announcement will be made in the evening or early morning. It will be timed, whenever possible, before children set out from their home for school. The first announcement in the morning will be not later than 6.15 am. The announcement will be repeated at regular and frequent intervals. If in doubt, please err on the side of safety. It is our intention that our students should remain safe at all times.
Public Examinations: a separate radio announcement will be made regarding public examinations. The most comprehensive advice is broadcast on RTHK Radio 3, English Language Service (AM - 567 MHz). It is possible that even if schools are officially closed, public exams (GCSE, IGCSE, IB) will continue. If in doubt, phone the school or check the school’s website.
If school is in session and the situation is likely to deteriorate rapidly, the Secretary for Education will make a public announcement over all local radio and television stations advising us to immediately close the schools. In such instances, we will make arrangements for students to return home as quickly and as safely as possible. In the event of a typhoon 3 or higher signal being raised, all after-school activities are automatically cancelled.
2. Heavy Persistent Rain and Thunderstorms:
• When the amber rainstorm warning is issued before students have left home, listen to RTHK 3 (English) for Education Bureau instructions.
• When the amber rainstorm warning is issued and school is already in session, all after-school activities will be cancelled automatically. Students should leave school at the end of lessons (3.20pm) and go directly home.
• When the red or black rainstorm warning is issued before students have left home, parents should keep their children at home. Classes will be suspended. Under no circumstances should students attempt to get to school for normal lessons.
• When the red or black rainstorm warning is issued after students have left home, they should either get to school, or return home (whichever is the safer) as quickly and as safely as possible and stay there. Those arriving at school will be retained throughout the period that the red or black warning is hoisted, although normal lessons will not proceed. While the signals are in force, students will not be released to go home because of the danger of landslips or floods. The only exception to this would be to release students directly into the care of their parents. All after-school activities will be cancelled automatically.
• When the red/black rainstorm warning is issued and school is already in session, all after-school activities will be cancelled automatically. Students will be instructed of arrangements that will take place for their safe return home. Please note that no student will be allowed to leave school until the red rainstorm warning is lowered and students should NOT telephone parents to collect them, unless advised by the school. Normal lessons will proceed.
• If a rainstorm warning comes into effect during school day, the school will advise parents via SMS text message in case arrangements have to be made which differ from the normal procedure.
