Change of ped days due to solar eclipse on April 8, 2024

Dear SWLSB Families,
A total solar eclipse, which happens when the moon crosses paths with the sun and thereby prevents sunlight from reaching the Earth, will take place on April 8, 2024. As solar eclipses are exciting and rare events, people are often tempted to stare directly at the sun to watch this fascinating cosmic phenomenon. Looking at a solar eclipse without proper eye protection can cause permanent eye damage or even blindness, despite the darkness that one observes during the eclipse.

The solar eclipse will occur on our school board territory between 2:14 p.m. and 4:36 p.m., which is a period where most of our students will be on the bus or walking home. Since we cannot ensure close supervision during this time frame, we are concerned about the safety of our students who will be tempted to watch the solar eclipse without the proper eye protection.

Considering the safety risks for our students, we are cancelling classes for all students on April 8.

April 8 will be a pedagogical day in all schools and the pedagogical day previously scheduled for April 19 will be a regular school day.

Our school daycare services will be open on April 8 according to their regular pedagogical day schedules. Activities for the day may be organized around this event, and children will remain inside the school between 2:14 p.m. and 4:36 p.m. If you pick up your children between these hours, please make sure they do not look at the solar eclipse without proper eye protection.

For more information about the solar eclipse and how to safely watch this phenomenon, we invite you to consult the following websites:
How to safely view a solar eclipse: https://www.eclipsequebec.ca/en/observe-safely/
Canadian Space Agency: https://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/astronomy/eclipses/total-solar-eclipse.asp
NASA: https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/where-when/
Canadian Association of Optometrists: https://opto.ca/eye-health-library/solar-eclipse-safety

If you have any questions, please contact your child’s school.

Thank you for your understanding.

Regards,

The Legal, Corporate and Communications Team