Mary Hopkins Reminder

Change of PA Day from March 1 to April 8, 2024

At the January 29, 2024 Board Meeting, HWDSB Trustees approved a change to the 2023-24 School Year Calendar. The Professional Activity (P.A.) Day previously scheduled for all elementary and secondary schools on Friday, March 1 has been moved to Monday, April 8. 

Total Solar Eclipse – April 8, 2024

On Monday, April 8, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over southern Ontario. The City of Hamilton is expected to experience a deep partial solar eclipse, with the timing of this event presenting a concern for school dismissal. The solar eclipse will begin at approximately 2 p.m. and end around 4:30 p.m.

A total solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and earth, completely blocking the face of the sun. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk. These events can pose potential risks and severe damage to eyesight if proper precautions are not taken. Viewing the sun directly during an eclipse can permanently damage the retina’s light-sensitive cells.

In addition to the physical risks associated with directly viewing the solar eclipse, a period of increased darkness will occur. The peak period of darkness (referred to as the mid-eclipse) will occur at approximately 3:20 p.m. This aspect of the eclipse can present safety concerns for students, staff and families during dismissal time.