Upcoming PA Day - April 8, 2024

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers:

Monday, April 8, 2024, is a Professional Activity (PA) Day for all Durham Catholic District School Board elementary and secondary students. 

As you may be aware, a total solar eclipse is taking place on Monday, April 8, 2024. In Durham Region, the eclipse is expected to begin at 2:04 p.m. and end at 4:31 p.m. The Government of Canada’s website, indicates that there are significant risks associated with viewing a solar eclipse. Directly looking at the sun, even during an eclipse, without appropriate protection can lead to severe eye damage or loss of eyesight.  

To support families, we have compiled educational activities and resources that you may wish to use at home to safely engage your child in learning about the eclipse on April 8:

• Where to See the Eclipse - An interactive and detailed map showing where the path of totality will be and how long the eclipse will last. 
• How to View the Total Eclipse Safely - Advice from NASA on essential precautions for eye safety during an eclipse.
• How to Make a Box Pinhole Projector - Using a cereal box, some aluminium foil and paper, this website includes instructions on how you can make a box pinhole projector to view the eclipse safely.
• Types of Solar Eclipses - The eclipse on April 8 will be a total solar eclipse. This NASA resource explains the different types of solar eclipses.
• Eclipse Chalk Art - Learn how to create a chalk drawing of the eclipse.

The agenda of staff professional development scheduled for the PA Day on April 8 has been posted to our website. Please note that Friday, April 19 (which had previously been a scheduled PA Day) will be a regular school day for all DCDSB elementary and secondary schools.

We remain committed to ensuring the health and safety of our students. We appreciate your continued partnership to support our Durham Catholic learning community.

Sincerely,
Durham Catholic District School Board