Solar Eclipse Information for Parents

On April 8th: pahki ewanitipiskipayik (partial darkness), a partial solar eclipse will occur. While this is an exciting occurrence, safety, particularly for our students, is our top priority.

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon moves between the sun and the earth, partially or fully blocking the sun's rays. The danger lies in the sun's radiation, which even during a partial eclipse, can cause significant harm to the eyes. Directly looking at the sun during an eclipse can lead to permanent damage to the retina's light-sensitive cells.

In our region, the partial solar eclipse will begin at 11:54 a.m., peak at 12:46 p.m., and end by 1:39 p.m. To ensure the safety of all students, we're implementing precautionary measures.

Here are the safety measures we will be implementing:

• Indoor activities: Students will remain indoors from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. It's important to remind students that looking directly at a solar eclipse, even briefly, can cause eye damage. Furthermore, viewing the eclipse through sunglasses or windows is unsafe. Classrooms equipped with blinds will have them closed during this time to prevent accidental exposure.
• Field trips and out-of-school programs: Any field trips scheduled for that day will be evaluated by school principals to determine if they need to be canceled due to transportation time or outdoor activities.
• Communication with older students: Parents/caregivers of older students, especially those who drive, are encouraged to reinforce the risks of driving and being outside during the eclipse. Students in grades 7-12 will be encouraged to remain indoors during this time.
• Preschool programming adjustments: Schools with preschool students will communicate with parents/caregivers and adjust programming as necessary to ensure families do not drop off or pick up children between 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Rest assured, these measures are being implemented with the utmost concern for the safety and well-being of our students. We strongly advise all families to follow the guidelines provided by the Canadian Association of Optometrists regarding eye safety during the eclipse.

For additional information, please see the following resources:
Click here for more information about the eclipse.
Click here for information from the Canadian Association of Optometrists.

Click here for the full letter (PDF) from Superintendent Tracy Swampy-Sylvester.