School closures on the day of the eclipse shock and disappoint teachers in the area. Some have been preparing for this event for nearly two years.
Magdalen Island students will only benefit from the activity of observing a total solar eclipse in a school setting. The Centers for School Service (CSS) in Gaspeci chose to suspend classes for half a day in response to the logistical challenges posed by the event.
A science teacher at Du Rivière Primary Secondary School in Matapedia, Serge Denis, posted a message on social media on Thursday evening. As is the case in some service centers where they make it a real event, I believed in it. Silence of the leaders [au CSS] On this subject, I think René Lévesque is sensitive…and reasonable. But again I was disappointed.
“, he says in his post.
He denounces the lack of consultation with the teaching staff to make the decision, even though many teachers have been preparing for this event for a long time. But instead of consulting those who know the matter on a scientific level, because that is the issue, they allowed us to work for free and in the end made a unilateral administrative decision.
He adds in his post.
These glasses will allow you to safely observe the eclipse. (archive photo)
Photo: Radio-Canada/Amy Lafortune
At the René Lévesque School Service Center (CSS), the decision not to distribute the special glasses needed to observe the eclipse increases discontent. The height of absurdity, we are now asked not to distribute the glasses that were received in order to avoid encouraging students to observe the eclipse without supervision since they will be at home.
Serge Denis adds.
If I understand correctly, I will explain to my students the fascinating aspect of the event that I will recommend them not to watch because the service center refuses to give them the basic tool, for fear of being blamed for not providing adequate supervision
confirms the science teacher.
Late and confusing directions
The director general of the Quebec Science and Technology Teaching Association, Camille Turcot, denounced the exaggerated description of the risks by school administrations as well as the late and confusing guidance.
The teachers were ready to experience this extraordinary teaching event, immersing the students in a tremendous experience of awakening to scientific culture. They have been preparing for this for months, even years for some, and they are angry.
The information published by the Ministry of Health about the risks associated with observing the eclipse may have frightened some school service centers. We analyzed it with our astrophysicists and astronomers. Clearly, the risks are exaggerated
“, declares Ms. Turcotte.
It indicates that CSS des Chic-Chocs simply conveyed risk information to employees without attaching the Education Ministry's directives, according to which the ministry recommended keeping schools open. It's a bit annoying
Says.
The association, which documents the decision-making process at each school service center, confirms that the document sent last February to the Shake Chuks School Service Center was complete.
In an email, Communications Advisor for the Chic-Chocs Schools Service Center, Nadine Cotton, brought to our attention that in the letter to employees, the last sentence indicates that other information will be sent later.
She also confirms that she shared a link to a website to make preparing for the solar eclipse easier. As for the recommendations of the Ministry of Education, they will be published when the time comes.
Ensures writing CSS for Chic-Chocs.
At that time it was the Education Workers' Union of Eastern Quebec (A new window) He has not yet responded to our interview requests.
Expected event
Camille Turcotte testifies that he summoned the Minister of Education in January 2022, in order to quickly circulate his recommendations. She also suggested touring school service centers to be well informed [les enseignants]. But hey, we were always throwing the ball at each other in the ministry. I was told to wait for the Ministry of Health's directions.
She also wanted the ministry to purchase observation glasses for all students in Quebec. Our teachers are great and, as you know, they have a lot of interesting educational ideas and activities related to the eclipse, but we knew that getting glasses could become an issue.
She declares, referring to the hundreds of millions of observers of this phenomenon among our American neighbors.
Camille Turcotte, director general of the Quebec Science and Technology Teaching Association, notes that the Ministry of Education recommended that schools remain open. (archive photo)
Photo: Radio-Canada
To help parents and daycare providers, the association has included a range of free educational resources on its website. We made a small batch Eclipse basics. […] We explain what an eclipse is, what to expect on April 8, and how to observe it safely.
She acknowledges that transportation, in a region like Gaspésie where distances are enormous, can be a more important issue here than elsewhere. This is certainly a problem, but we still find that it deprives an entire generation of students from an exceptional experience.
“, laments Camille Turcotte.
She confirms that CSS The regions of Appalaches, Saint-Hyacinthe, des Laurentides, des Navigateurs, des Chênes and de la Région-de-Sherbrooke were able to find solutions and confirm their opening on April 8.
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