On Monday, April 8th there will be a partial solar eclipse in our area. It is expected to begin at 12:01 pm, peak at 12:52 pm and finish by 1:42 pm. For many of our schools, this partial solar eclipse occurs over lunch hour.

The timing of the eclipse, over lunchtime, means students could be playing outdoors for lunch recess and may not take the precautions needed to safely view it.

Out of an abundance of caution, our elementary schools will be adjusting their schedules and activities that day to keep students indoors during the time of the eclipse.

Students in junior high and high school will follow a regular schedule and will be permitted to leave the school over lunch hour. If parents prefer to have their children in Grades 7 – 12 stay in the school building, we ask that you have that conversation with your child(ren). The school will provide a space indoors.

For more information about the eclipse: https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/in/canada/wood-buffalo?iso=20240408

For information from the Canadian Association of Optometrists: https://opto.ca/eye-health-library/solar-eclipse-safety