A total solar eclipse will occur across the southern regions of the school district on April 8, 2024. LDSB will be in the path of totality, which means that these areas, including Kingston and Napanee, will experience complete darkness at approximately 3:20pm.  This is a very rare solar event for the local area.  Maintaining a regular school day will present several challenges to staff and students in our schools with respect to transportation and safety.   

While adjusting the school day was considered for April 8, by shifting the day by 80-90 minutes at the start and end of the day to accommodate students in schools during the eclipse, two factors presented concerns: (a) given some employees, as well as bus drivers for Tri-Board, have other employment, shifting the day could result in staffing challenges; and (b) families would be having to adjust and accommodate two days of disruption in the same week (April 8 eclipse day adjustment and April 12 PA Day). 

As such, we consulted with our co-terminus school boards, Algonquin Lakeshore Catholic District School Board and Hastings Prince Edward District School Board, as well as Tri-Board Transportation, to propose moving the current Professional Activity Day scheduled for Friday, April 12, 2024, to Monday, April 8, 2024. The rational being that combining the PA Day with the date of the eclipse will likely provide the least amount of disruption to families.  

Please note that this change does not add an additional PA Day for the school year but adjusts the date of the previously scheduled April PA Day.  

In advance of the eclipse, school staff will provide some learning for students to explain the significance of this solar event and maximize safety for students. Once the calendar amendment is confirmed, we will communicate broadly to avoid confusion, and ensure community providers who offer PA Day activities are aware.