On April 8, the school day across Eastern Ontario has been eclipsed…by an eclipse.
A total solar eclipse will take place that day. In the afternoon, the moon will align perfectly between the earth and sun, causing total darkness for most of the region for a few minutes, and partial darkness for a few hours.
Viewing eclipses with the naked eye is dangerous due to the brightness of the sun, and doing so can cause serious damage to one’s vision. Out of concern that children may look up to the sun and view the phenomenon during the school day, all four school boards in Eastern Ontario have decided to declare Monday, April 8 a Professional Activity (P.A.) Day. Students who attend schools operated by the Upper Canada District School Board, the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario, the Conseil Scolaire de District Catholique de l’Est ontarien, and the Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario will have the day off, but teachers and principals will still be at work.
However, nearby in Québec, it will be classes as usual on April 8. The Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board and the Centre de services scolaire de la Rivière-du-Nord are not canceling classes due to the solar eclipse.
