The Upper Grand District School Board and the Wellington Catholic District School Board announced they'll be moving an April Professional Activity Day up a week to coincide with the solar eclipse.
The PA Day originally scheduled for Friday, April 19 will now occur on Monday, April 8.
In a joint statement, the boards said the to reschedule is due to "potential safety and supervision concerns related to a rare total solar eclipse, set to occur during school dismissal hours."
“The safety and well-being of our students is our top priority,” said Michael Glazier, Wellington Catholic DSB Director of Education. “After reviewing the timing of this event, which will peak at the time of dismissal and while students are traveling home, and considering the potential risks to students and level of supervision of children at that time, the decision was made to move the April Professional Activity Day."
The boards add they consulted with both the Ministry of Education and Wellington Dufferin Guelph Public Health, considering all options prior to making this change.
“This rare event offers a great opportunity for learning with students,” said Peter Sovran, Upper Grand DSB Director of Education. “We will continue to work with the Ministry of Education and our local public health unit to provide safety education and learning opportunities about the eclipse in the lead up to the event.”
The Bluewater District School Board (BWDSB) and Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board (BGCDSB) have already announced a rescheduling of their April PA days, joining dozens of boards around the province.