THUNDER BAY – Children attending school in Thunder Bay will be sent home early on April 8 due to safety concerns of damaging their eyes.
Thunder Bay is set to experience a solar eclipse on April 8 at 3:10 p.m., which coincides with dismissals from many schools in the district and, with safety in mind, all school boards will be dismissing students early.
Conseil scolaire de district catholique des Aurores boréales, Conseil scolaire du Grand Nord, and the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board, have made the decision to dismiss students at roughly noon with the Lakehead District School Board sending their children home 11:30 a.m.
Parents and guardians are advised to arrange for student transportation and childcare ahead of time and the school boards have said they will communicate more details prior to the event.
Parents and guardians are also advised to monitor the Bus Planner App and Student Transportation Services of Thunder Bay website for any busing schedule adjustments, including route times and cancellations for April 8.
Eye safety is exceedingly important to consider during a solar eclipse. Direct eye contact can result in severe eye damage or blindness.
The Canadian Association of Optometrists said it's important to educate children about eye safety and provide proper filters or alternative safe-viewing methods.
To find out more about solar eclipse safety, visit the Canadian Association of Optometrists website.
