Hamilton public school board reschedules PA day because of solar eclipse, following others in Ontario

The movement of the moon is prompting Hamilton's public school board to reschedule a professional activity day due to "safety concerns for students, staff and families." 

A total solar eclipse is expected on April 8 around the time school would be normally dismissed, so, at a board meeting Monday evening, Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) trustees approved rescheduling a professional activity (PA) day for that day in order to keep kids at home. 

The PA day was originally slated for March 1. 

The total eclipse is considered a rare occurrence and will only be visible in some parts of the world, including Hamilton, where the moon will pass between Earth and the sun, blocking the sun's light. 

The board's approved change means that on April 8, public school staff in Hamilton will be working, but there will be no school for elementary or high school students. 

Eclipse will occur place during normal school dismissal time

In Hamilton that day, the sun will be completely hidden for about two minutes starting at 3:18 p.m., according to the Canadian Space Agency. However, it will be at least partially covered from about 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

"This aspect of the eclipse can present safety concerns for students, staff and families during dismissal time," HWDSB said in an email to parents and guardians on Tuesday.

The message notes that even during an eclipse, looking at the sun can hurt one's eyes. It also said Hamilton Public Health Services supports the change, saying it "understands that there are significant risks associated with the unprotected viewing of the solar eclipse and is supportive of HWDSB's desire to mitigate potential risks."

Hamilton's public board is one of several in Ontario to reschedule P.A. days due to the eclipse, including the Peel District School Board, Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board, Halton District and Halton Catholic school boards and Limestone District School Board in Kingston, among others. 

Some parents in Peel told CBC News that keeping students out of class on April 8 is a missed opportunity to teach them about the eclipse. 

"The sky will be the same sky for children at home or at school," Tom Ellard said. He called the justification "nonsensical." 

It's rare that one will see multiple total solar eclipses from the same place. According to the Canadian Space Agency, one hasn't been visible in Quebec since 1972, and the next one won't be visible there until 2106.