KITCHENER -- The Waterloo Region District School Board said students won't get a day off if schools close due to severe weather this year.

Instead, they will shift to online learning until schools and bus routes are operating again.

School board officials discussed the plan for bad weather at a meeting on Monday night.

"They've had a lot of time at home this year and so to keep that learning going is a top priority for us," said Alana Russell with the WRDSB.

Officials said students and families will be informed about transportation cancellations by 6 a.m.

They will then shift to a "Weather Impacted Distance Learning Day," with all schools and sites closed.

Students will move to online classes, and all daycare programs will be closed, the school board said.

Grade 3 student Alanna Bryne said snow days are one of her favourite parts of winter.

"I just want to play in the snow while we've got it," she said.

But she won't get a day off this year when bad weather hits.

"I think it's a shame to be honest," her mom, Tracey Bryne, said. "Snow days are something we've all come to accept as part of the school year."