AMDSB Moves April 19 PA Day to April 8 Due to Solar Eclipse
As a result of the rare total solar eclipse occurring on Monday April 8, 2024, and out of an abundance of caution, the Avon Maitland District School Board (AMDSB) will be rescheduling the April PA Day.
The PA Day will now occur on Monday April 8 instead of Friday April 19.
According to Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH), while Huron and Perth are not in the Path of Totality, residents in the area will experience a partial eclipse starting around 2 pm and ending after 4:30 pm. HPPH explains that there are 2 significant concerns for this event:
- Individual damage to vision – It is not safe to look directly at the sun during a total or partial solar eclipse. Health impacts include retinal burns, blurred vision and loss of eyesight (immediate or delayed onset). Be aware that there are no nerve endings in the retina, so people looking at the sun will not experience pain as a deterrent and may not be aware that damage is occurring.
- Mass gatherings - residents gatherings, distracted motorists, etc.
“Due to the timing of this event and the possible risk to student and staff eye safety, we believe that rescheduling the PA Day from April 19 to April 8 will significantly reduce this risk. We are making this decision out of an abundance of caution and have consulted with our Huron Perth Public Health partners. We understand that this change has implications for our families but we hope that providing ample time to make arrangements for child care, etc. will help.” said Dr. Lisa Walsh, Director of Education.
Local daycare providers and other community partners who are providing PA Day camps and activities are being notified. Any other community organizations who are impacted by this change, will need to be aware.
For more information, please contact:
Chera Longston, Communications Manager
519-527-0111 ext. 132 (office) or 519-301-6363 (cell)
[email protected]