Dear AES and SAA 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 become an additional pedagogical day for Arundel Elementary School and Sainte-Agathe Academy. The April 18 pedagogical day remains unchanged.
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 watch a solar eclipse: https://www.eclipsequebec.ca/en/observe-safely/
Canadian Space Agency: https://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/multimedia/search/video/18417
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
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