Important Safety Information - Solar Eclipse
A significant event is happening on April 8th - a partial solar eclipse. The eclipse in our area will start at approximately 11:54 a.m., reaching its maximum at 12:46 p.m. and end by 1:40 p.m.
To protect our students during these times, WRPS will observe the following safety protocols:
- Staying Indoors: All students will be kept indoors from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. We want to stress that even a brief direct look at the solar eclipse can harm one's eyes, and neither sunglasses nor looking through windows offers adequate protection. To ensure safety, we will keep blinds down in all classrooms equipped with them.
- Outdoor Activities Assessment:
We will carefully evaluate all scheduled outdoor activities, including field trips and academy programs, to decide if they should be canceled to prevent any risk during the eclipse. - Communication with Older Students: We encourage parents of students in grades 7-12, particularly those who might be driving, to discuss the importance of staying indoors during the eclipse and/or avoiding the temptation to view the eclipse without proper eye protection.
We are committed to the safety and well-being of our students and are taking these steps as a precaution. We also recommend that all families follow the eye safety guidelines during the eclipse provided by the Canadian Optometrists of Canada.
For more information on the eclipse and how to view it safely, please refer to the links provided:
- Partial Solar Eclipse - Wetaskiwin
- NASA