On Monday, April 8, there will be a partial solar eclipse in our area. It is expected to begin at 11:54 a.m., peak at 12:46 p.m. and finish by 1:39 p.m. For many of our schools, this partial solar eclipse occurs over lunch hour.

The timing of the upcoming eclipse – over the lunch hour – means students would be playing outdoors for lunch recess and may not take the necessary safety precautions to protect themselves. Students are being encouraged to not look directly at the sun as this can lead to solar retinopathy, permanently damaging the retina’s light-sensitive cells.

Out of an abundance of caution, Black Gold elementary schools will be adjusting their schedules and activities that day to keep students indoors during the time of the eclipse.

Students in junior high and high school will follow a regular schedule and will be permitted to leave the school over lunch hour. If parents prefer to have their children in Grades 7-12 stay inside the school building, we ask that you have that conversation with your child(ren). The school will provide a space indoors during the partial solar eclipse.

Schools are still allowed to use this partial solar eclipse as a learning opportunity as long as it is under the direct supervision of a staff member, and all precautions are taken.

For more information about the solar eclipse, go to: https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/in/canada/edmonton?iso=20240408

For safety information from the Canadian Association of Optometrists, visit: https://opto.ca/eye-health-library/solar-eclipse-safety

Watch the solar eclipse online: Check out the NASA/Exploratorium livestream