A celestial event will be keeping southwest students inside on Monday. 

The total solar eclipse is expected to be partially visible in Swift Current between 11:40 a.m. and 2 p.m. that day, prompting schools to consider their students safety.  

An email was sent out by Chinook School Division and Holy Trinity Catholic School Division late last week, advising families that children will be kept indoors during those hours. 

In the release, both school divisions asked parents to speak with their kids about the risks of the event. 

“During this partial solar eclipse on Monday, we would like to encourage students to remain at school during the lunch break,” they wrote. “Please send lunch with your child. If your child typically leaves the school for lunch, and you decide that your child will leave the school for lunch on Monday, please remind them that it is not safe to look directly at the sun and direct your child not to look at the solar eclipse.” 

Looking directly at the sun without appropriate protection can lead to serious problems such as complete loss of eyesight. 

Chinook School Division encourages parents, caregivers and teachers to use the links provided to safely view the eclipse as an educational opportunity for students and families.