P.A. Day Reminder – No School April 8, 2024
We are reminding families that Monday, April 8, 2024 is a Professional Activity (P.A.) Day for all Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board elementary and secondary schools.
This P.A. Day was previously scheduled for Friday, March 1, 2024. The change meant that students and staff attended school as a regular day on Friday, March 1. There is no school for HWDSB elementary and secondary students on Monday, April 8, 2024 while staff engage in professional learning.
Click here to read our previous April 8 P.A. Day message.
Click here to view the 2023-24 School Year Calendars.
Total Solar Eclipse – April 8, 2024
On Monday, April 8, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over southern Ontario. Shifting the P.A. Day was a proactive measure to support the safety and well-being of students, staff and families.
Hamilton Public Health Services has shared the following safety tips ahead of the solar eclipse:
- Use Solar Viewing Glasses: Always use approved solar viewing glasses to protect your eyes. Regular sunglasses are not sufficient.
- Avoid Staring at the Sun: Never look directly at the sun without proper eye protection, even during an eclipse. It can cause serious eye damage or blindness.
- Supervise Children: Ensure that children are using solar viewing glasses and are supervised to prevent them from looking directly at the sun.
- Drive Safely: If you’re driving during an eclipse, don’t look at the sun while driving. Pull over to a safe location if you want to observe the eclipse.
- Protect Cameras and Devices: Use solar filters on cameras and devices to prevent damage to their sensors. Don’t use a camera or smartphone without proper protection.
- Beware of Fake Glasses: Use only reputable sources for solar viewing glasses to ensure they meet safety standards. Counterfeit glasses may not provide adequate protection.
- Be Mindful of Pets: Keep pets indoors or ensure they are not looking at the sun during the eclipse. Their eyes can be sensitive to the intense light.
- Stay Informed: Follow local news and updates for any specific safety recommendations or events related to the solar eclipse in your area.
- Avoid Using Telescopes Without Filters: If using a telescope, ensure it has a solar filter. Never look through an unfiltered telescope at the sun.
- Protect Your Skin: While the sun is partially obscured during an eclipse, it’s still important to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Use sunscreen if you’ll be outdoors for an extended period.
Click here to find more information about the 2024 solar eclipse on the City of Hamilton website.
Updated on Thursday, April 04, 2024.