April 8, 2024 - Total Solar Eclipse - Schools will be closed
Posted on 02/16/2024
On Monday April 8, 2024, there will be a total solar eclipse. Ottawa, located in the Northern Region, will experience a partial solar eclipse. During a total or partial solar eclipse it is not safe to look directly at the sun without appropriate protective eye wear. Doing so may result in permanent eye damage.
The eclipse occurring on April 8 will last for 2 hours 23 minutes, beginning at 2:11p.m. and ending at 4:35 p.m. with the maximum point of the eclipse at 3:25 p.m. Virtually all school and program dismissal times occur during that window. To ensure student safety, many school districts, including those in Ottawa, have rescheduled a Professional Activity (PA) day to April 8, allowing students to stay home. Regrettably, the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) does not have a PA day that can be moved.
After exploring several options and consulting with key stakeholders, a local operational decision has been made to close all OCDSB schools on April 8th. Transportation will also be cancelled. In addition, OCDSB operated Extended Day Programs will not operate.
Please note:
The OCDSB Toddler Preschool programs will operate as usual.
The OCDSB EarlyOn Child and Family Centres will operate as per usual.