Total Solar Eclipse
As you are likely aware, on Monday, April 8, 2024, there will be a total solar eclipse, which is a rare event that will not happen again for decades. Our Board will continue to hold classes on Monday, April 8, 2024, and is providing the following important information to parents, to support your decision-making.An educational opportunity
As we have pre-arranged commitments for our PD days and our eclipse is not the same intensity as other areas of the province, we are continuing classes on April 8th. We will be providing some curriculum information to Grade 6 teachers, as Gr. 6 Science expectations include topics related to the eclipse, as well as information that will be shared, during morning announcements, the week prior to, and the day of the eclipse in both elementary and secondary schools. If it is a sunny day on April 8th, children will therefore have some understanding of what is happening in the sky.
As we have pre-arranged commitments for our PD days and our eclipse is not the same intensity as other areas of the province, we are continuing classes on April 8th. We will be providing some curriculum information to Grade 6 teachers, as Gr. 6 Science expectations include topics related to the eclipse, as well as information that will be shared, during morning announcements, the week prior to, and the day of the eclipse in both elementary and secondary schools. If it is a sunny day on April 8th, children will therefore have some understanding of what is happening in the sky.
Plans at dismissal on Monday, April 8, 2024
In our area, the partial eclipse is expected to begin at 2:01 p.m. and to be at its maximum from 3:15 p.m. to approximately 3:18 p.m., with the partial eclipse fully ending by 4:26 p.m. Given this timing, please note the following:
Secondary Students:
Secondary students will be dismissed at their regular time. There are three secondary schools that dismiss between 3:00-3:10 p.m. and staff at those sites may implement a more structured, supervised dismissal to support the loading of busses.
Elementary students:
Elementary students will also be dismissed at regular time, which, for most of our schools is 3:30 p.m. Staff will support during dismissal, so that students are loaded safely into busses and may implement a more structured dismissal process. Students will be reminded, at dismissal, to avoid looking at the sun.
Parent/Guardian decision
Parents/Guardians, you know your children best. As always, if you determine that you are not comfortable with your child being at school at the end of the day or are concerned about their ability to walk home from the bus stop, you are welcome to pick them up early or at dismissal that day, or to meet them at their bus stop. We have heard that some families have plans to safely watch the eclipse together and therefore wish to pick up their children early, which again, parents are most welcome to do.
We trust this information is valuable to you and will help you make an informed decision. Below and attached to this email are some links to websites providing further information about the eclipse. If you have any questions about the eclipse day, please contact your child’s school.
Lucia Reece - ADSB Director of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a total solar eclipse?
The Canadian Space Agency advises that, “During a total solar eclipse, the path of totality is a narrow corridor approximately 100 to 115 km wide where the sun appears to be completely covered by the moon for a short period of time (between 2 and 3 minutes). This is the most spectacular part of the eclipse.” Total solar eclipses occur about once every 18 months, however, one must be directly along the eclipse’s specific path to see the full effect, and most Canadians haven’t had the chance to see a total solar eclipse since 1979.
The Canadian Space Agency advises that, “During a total solar eclipse, the path of totality is a narrow corridor approximately 100 to 115 km wide where the sun appears to be completely covered by the moon for a short period of time (between 2 and 3 minutes). This is the most spectacular part of the eclipse.” Total solar eclipses occur about once every 18 months, however, one must be directly along the eclipse’s specific path to see the full effect, and most Canadians haven’t had the chance to see a total solar eclipse since 1979.
Which locations are most impacted?
On April 8th, the ideal conditions to see the total eclipse are mainly in eastern Ontario. Ottawa is located close to the path of totality thus a deep partial eclipse is expected, with 98.87% of the sun being covered by the moon. The path of totality will pass south of Kemptville, Kingston, Brockville, Belleville, Cornwall, and eastern towns located along the Canada-U.S. border. The path of totality will also pass through the southern half of Montreal, but will miss Toronto, and be visible in Hamilton, St. Catharines and Niagara Falls. Some school boards in these areas, have opted to move a PD Day to April 8th, out of an abundance of caution. In northeastern Ontario, the visibility will be less, such that in Sault Ste. Marie for example, people will experience 83.74% coverage of the sun, similar to what we may experience during a day of thunderstorms.
Why the cautions?
The Canadian Space Agency warns that looking directly at the sun without appropriate protection during a total solar eclipse “can lead to serious problems such as partial or complete loss of eyesight.” If the sun is not completely eclipsed, you must always use ISO-certified eye protection (“eclipse glasses”) or a handheld solar viewer to watch the eclipse. Parents are reminded that eclipse glasses are NOT regular sunglasses, as safe sunglasses must comply with the ISO-12312-2 international standard.
The Canadian Space Agency warns that looking directly at the sun without appropriate protection during a total solar eclipse “can lead to serious problems such as partial or complete loss of eyesight.” If the sun is not completely eclipsed, you must always use ISO-certified eye protection (“eclipse glasses”) or a handheld solar viewer to watch the eclipse. Parents are reminded that eclipse glasses are NOT regular sunglasses, as safe sunglasses must comply with the ISO-12312-2 international standard.