Education minister slams WRDSB eclipse reversal
Ontario Education Minister Stephen Lecce says the Waterloo Region District School Board’s abrupt decision to close schools Monday during the solar eclipse is “entirely unacceptable.”
In a reversal of its earlier position, the board announced Wednesday that Monday would be an asynchronous learning day – giving parents just five days notice to find child-care.
“It is entirely unacceptable for school boards to drop this on parents only days ahead of time,” Lecce said in a statement to CTV News Friday.
Lecce said he had told boards across the province that children should be in school on Monday.
“It is not only indefensible to send kids home just days ahead of time, but it is insult to injury to do so without ensuring live access to their educator,” he said. “The board ought to reconsider this decision.”
In an email to CTV News, the school board confirmed it was aware of Lecce’s position but had not provided an additional comment as of publication.
Sudden reversal
Staring at the sun, including during an eclipse, can lead to serious eye damage.
In southern Ontario, the phenomenon will be at its peak around 3:18 p.m. – around the time students are being let out of class.
In response, earlier this year, numerous school boards across province moved their previously scheduled PD days so students would not be in class on April 8.
But in March, WRDSB announced it would not be following suit. In a statement at the time, it said students would take part in “once-in-a-lifetime learning opportunities during the total solar eclipse, with appropriate safety measures.”
Speaking Wednesday, Director of Education jeewan chanicka told CTV News they took numerous factors into consideration when making that decision, including safety, learning and access to childcare.
“We thought, you know, we could do this and make it work and make it be a really valuable experience,” chanicka said.
The board also made it clear to parents they could take their children out of class early that day if they wished.
chanicka said it was further feedback from staff and families that led the board to change plans Wednesday and announce schools would be closed.
The decision left many families scrambling.
“For that I’m deeply apologetic,” chanicka said. “That would not be something that we wanted. And like I said, it was part of our consideration for why we had the plan that we did.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Golf season a summer tourism driver in Canada
Golf is a sign of spring and summer and a major driver for seasonal tourism, experts say.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
The kids from 'Mrs. Doubtfire are all SUPER grown up now, and we're not OK
The adorable trio of child actors from the 1993 classic comedy 'Mrs. Doubtfire,' which starred the late and great Robin Williams, are all grown up and looking back on their seminal time together.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.