As a result, elementary school students “will no longer be provided school transportation at the end of the day,” according to a notice sent to parents and staff on Friday.
According to CSSBE schools, of which there are 52 primary schools, the last bell of the day rings between 2:40 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. Students will therefore be given between an hour and a quarter of an hour and an hour and 50 minutes longer in class this Monday.
The time of the total solar eclipse is expected around 3:25 p.m., 3:30 p.m.
Directly observing a total or partial solar eclipse without protection can cause eye damage.
A large part of the area covered by the CSS Beauce-Etchemin lies in the band where the eclipse will be total, including the schools of Saint-Georges and its surroundings.
“Since the eclipse will occur at the end of school, we are extending the elementary school day to give students the opportunity to experience this unique event in a unique and safe way,” said Joannie Demers, communications development officer in the school service center.
“It is a fantastic opportunity to teach science in a concrete context, which is in line with our educational mission,” says the general director of the CSSBE, Fabien Giguère, in the press release shared with parents and staff.
ISO-certified sunglasses will be distributed to students and staff, the release continued.
Parents who have their child in primary school must therefore pick them up at the end of the day, after 4:30 p.m. Information about the daily program and care options will follow shortly.
The timetable remains the same for secondary, vocational and adult education students at the Beauce-Etchemin school service center. As usual, students will be offered school transport.