Solar eclipse prompts more Ontario schools to shut their doors on April 8
Central Ontario school boards join the pack of those closed for this year's solar eclipse.
More than a dozen Ontario school boards will shutter schools in their regions, switching to a Professional Activities (PA) day on April 8, when the eclipse is expected.
On Monday, Bluewater District and Bruce-Grey Catholic District school boards announced they, too, were rescheduling their PA from April 26 to April 8.
The Simcoe County school boards have not announced a PA day change on their annual calendars.
A total solar eclipse is expected to occur between 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. on April 8. It should be visible across North America, including areas in Ontario.
The two school boards' joint press release stated, "The primary concern prompting this schedule change is the safety and well-being of our students and staff during the solar eclipse. As many students would be getting on the bus or walking home from school during this timeframe, their risk of looking directly at the solar eclipse would be significantly increased."
"While total solar eclipses, like the one set to happen on April 8, offer scientists and researchers a unique opportunity to gather valuable data that enhances our understanding of the sun's corona and behaviour, it is crucial for everyone to prioritize eye safety during this celestial event," said Georgian Bay Public Health physician consultant Dr. Rim Zayed.
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
"Directly staring at the sun, even during an eclipse, can cause severe eye damage. Grey Bruce Public Health (GBPH) urges parents and guardians to speak with their children about the potential dangers of staring at the sun, even for a brief period, during the eclipse," he said.
School boards in Ottawa, Renfrew, Algonquin, Hastings-Prince Edward County, and French school boards in eastern, central and northern Ontario, as well as Nippissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School and Near North Districts school boards have changed their PA days as well.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
W5 Investigates A 'ticking time bomb': Inside Syria's toughest prison holding accused high-ranking ISIS members
In the last of a three-part investigation, W5's Avery Haines was given rare access to a Syrian prison, where thousands of accused high-ranking ISIS members are being held.
Trudeau Liberals' two-month GST holiday bill passes the House, off to the Senate
The federal government's five-page piece of legislation to enact Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's promised two-month tax break on a range of consumer goods over the holidays passed in the House of Commons late Thursday.
Irregular sleep patterns may raise risk of heart attack and stroke, study suggests
Sleeping and waking up at different times is associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, even for people who get the recommended amount of sleep, according to new research.
California man who went missing for 25 years found after sister sees his picture in the news
It’s a Thanksgiving miracle for one California family after a man who went missing in 1999 was found 25 years later when his sister saw a photo of him in an online article, authorities said.
As Australia bans social media for children, Quebec is paying close attention
As Australia moves to ban social media for children under 16, Quebec is debating whether to follow suit.
Notre Dame Cathedral: Sneak peak ahead of the reopening
After more than five years of frenetic reconstruction work, Notre Dame Cathedral showed its new self to the world Friday, with rebuilt soaring ceilings and creamy good-as-new stonework erasing somber memories of its devastating fire in 2019.
Canada Post temporarily laying off striking workers, union says
The union representing Canada Post workers says the Crown corporation has been laying off striking employees as the labour action by more than 55,000 workers approaches the two-week mark.
Can't resist Black Friday weekend deals? How to shop while staying within your budget
A budgeting expert says there are a number of ways shoppers can avoid getting enveloped by the sales frenzy and resist spending beyond their means.
Montreal shopping mall playing 'Baby Shark' song to prevent unhoused from loitering
A shopping mall and office complex in downtown Montreal is being criticized for using the popular children's song 'Baby Shark' to discourage unhoused people from loitering in its emergency exit stairwells.