Waterloo Catholic school board urged to change days off for eclipse safety
Posted Feb 12, 2024 05:15:59 AM.
Last Updated Feb 12, 2024 07:22:53 AM.
The Waterloo Catholic District School Board is changing the days off for students to help keep them safe during the total eclipse in April.
Director of Education, Tyrone Dowling, has a report coming up at a committee meeting Monday night, that proposes the students will get Apr. 8 off so they don’t have to risk going home from school during an event that can pose a health risk.
The total eclipse will be visible in Waterloo Region right around the afternoon school bell time.
Looking at an eclipse can be extremely dangerous for your eyes, possibly leading to blindness.
Dowling’s report said they’ll move P.A. day from Apr. 19 to the day of the eclipse.
Dowling also noted a communication plan will get that message out to all parents, caregivers and students.
Teachers will be given special resources about eclipses to make the event “a teachable moment.”
Dowling’s report adds, “Region of Waterloo Public Health is aware of the danger posed by this solar eclipse and is fully supportive of strategies being implemented to reduce risk.”
As for the public school board, their most recent communication to CityNews 570 said the WRDSB has considered the impact of the eclipse, and will monitor the situation until closer to the event.
