Solar Eclipse Information

A total solar eclipse is set to occur on April 8, 2024, between approximately noon and 3 p.m. Central Standard Time, spanning from Southern Ontario to Newfoundland and Labrador, with the rest of Canada experiencing a partial eclipse. Manitoba will experience an approximate 50 percent occlusion eclipse. 

Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning has, in consultation with Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care, developed the attached guidelines on solar eclipses. We have been advised that even a brief look at the partially eclipsed sun can result in vision damage. 

As a result, students in early and middle years schools will be kept indoors during this time so that they do not view the eclipse. Please note, there will be no street patrols during the lunch hour next Monday. Students who go home for lunch need to be in the supervision of an adult ensure that they follow the safety guidelines that have been attached.

Students in senior years schools will be provided with information about the risks involved in looking at the eclipse, as their movement will not be limited, due to variations in their individual schedules both in and out of school. However, we do recommend that students remain in the building during this time wherever possible.

On April 8^th all students who are not going home for lunch will be expected to stay in the school.  We will not be permitting students to leave to go to our neighbourhood businesses. Thank you for your co-operation. 

If you have any further questions, please contact me at lstachniak@retsd.mb.ca.