Dear WCDSB Families, 

Please be advised that the Professional Activity (PA) Day originally scheduled for April 19, 2024, will now be held on April 8, 2024. This change is being made to ensure the safety and well-being of our students and staff during the Total Solar Eclipse expected on April 8, 2024. 

Looking directly at the Sun causes serious eye damage, especially during a solar eclipse.  

To watch a solar eclipse safely, you need eye protection that has been designed for watching a solar eclipse (i.e., meets the ISO 12312-2 standard). Sunglasses are not sufficient to protect your eyes. In addition, viewing any part of a solar eclipse through a smartphone camera, a camera lens, binoculars, or a telescope without a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the optics will cause serious eye damage. 

Total Solar Eclipse Safety Tips 

A total solar eclipse is a rare and exciting natural phenomenon. However, it is crucial to view it safely to prevent any damage to the eyes. Here are some tips for safely experiencing the solar eclipse: 

  1. Use Proper Eclipse Glasses: Regular sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not safe for viewing the sun. Special-purpose solar filters, such as “eclipse glasses” or handheld solar viewers, must be used. Ensure they meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard. 
  2. Adult Supervision for Children: Ensure that children are supervised when using solar filters or eclipse glasses. Teach them the importance of not removing the glasses while looking at the sun. 
  3. Alternative Methods: For those who do not have eclipse glasses, using a pinhole projector is a safe way to view a projection of the eclipse. This can be a fun and educational activity to do with children. 
  4. Avoid Unsafe Methods: Do not look at the sun through a camera, a telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device while using your eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewer — the concentrated solar rays can damage the filter and enter your eyes, causing serious injury. 
  5. Check the Weather: If it is cloudy, you may not be able to see the eclipse. Use online resources to watch it live if the weather does not permit outdoor viewing. 
  6. View it Safely via Livestream: The eclipse can be viewed via livestream broadcast through the NASA Exploratorium. 

We hope these tips are helpful for you and your family to safely experience this spectacular event.  

Your child’s safety is our top priority. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in adapting to these changes in our school schedule. Let us all experience this cosmic event safely and responsibly. For more safety tips and information, please visit https://opto.ca/eye-health-library/solar-eclipse-safety.