On Monday, April 8, 2024, a full solar eclipse will occur, which will block the sun’s light in some areas.
In York Region, we will experience effects of the eclipse between roughly 2:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., which coincides with the scheduled dismissal times for our schools. We have heard concerns regarding the potential for students being outside and inadvertently looking at the sun, which may cause serious health problems, such as loss of eyesight. We have also heard concerns of traffic and students walking home during peak darkness.
Out of concern for student safety, on April 8, 2024, all students in elementary and secondary schools will be dismissed early. Your school will confirm and communicate the actual dismissal time. Student after school activities will also be cancelled for that afternoon.
Transportation services such as busing and taxis will be adjusted for the early dismissal. The schedule for student transportation in the morning of April 8 will remain the same. Transportation in the afternoon will be modified to align with the early dismissal time and will be communicated to families.
As families may have seen, some Ontario school boards moved a preexisting April PA Day to coincide with the eclipse on April 8. This is not possible for our board due to contractual obligations, prior commitments and because there is no preexisting April PA Day.
We are working with child care providers to determine their plans for the day. If you have questions about child care, please contact your child’s child care provider directly.
The Government of Canada website has additional information related to solar eclipses that you may review.
Please know that this decision was made with student safety at its centre. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s school.