As the holidays approach, the school system is changing once again. Effective December 14, 2020, all Windsor-Essex elementary and secondary schools have returned to the online model, due to the alarming rise in case numbers in the area. More students, staff and civilians have contracted COVID-19, with new cases increasing into the mid to high hundreds.
This has led to closures in certain schools, as seen in W.J. Langlois Catholic Elementary School in Windsor.
“Since going back to work, [my] job has had a lot more nuance. Though there are fewer students (since some are fully online) there are more rules to enforce,” David Petro, a vice principal for the Windsor Essex Catholic District School Board, told The Kingsville Times.
The case count is growing, seeing numbers as high as 243 on December 18th, causing fears to also rise steadily. As Windsor-Essex progressed to the grey zone last week, limiting in-person retail, facilities and gatherings, families’ and students’ lives continue to be flipped upside down.
Some parents, like Stacey Jones, are less concerned with grades this year and are just trying to take things one day at a time.
“The focus for us is, of course, health but also mental health,” Jones, a Kingsville resident for over 20 years, told The Times. “The ups and downs of school since last March is a lot for these kids to try and wrap their heads around, so ensuring that our decisions make sense every day is what’s important. We want them to understand what’s going on without instilling a sense of dread.”
Social interaction has not been the same. The term “normal” may just be something we remember as the “good ol’ days” … at least for the time being.
One teacher, who chose to remain anonymous, told The Times that the classroom environment has definitely regressed in terms of authentic and creative learning.
“I find kids are not learning as much and are having trouble focusing. [They are not] excited to learn. They look forward to going outside for any semblance of ‘normalcy’ where they can ‘forget’ about the pandemic for 20 minutes at a time … if they even have the chance to have recess.”
These challenges are being seen across all facets of learning, including the post-secondary level.
“It is hard to make online learning interactive and encourage students to engage,” Dr. Kathryn Markham-Petro, a faculty member of St. Clair College’s Early Childhood Education department, told The Times.
As for the winter break, even teachers were in the dark. Plans for the winter break were not finalized until recently when the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit decided to close all schools down a week early.
Teachers and students are flying through uncertain turbulence without the proper tools.
“I heard a great line at an online workshop where someone said, ‘We are building the plane as we are flying it.’ I use this line often as things happen. No one, no institution was prepared for this,” said Markham-Petro.
Despite the growing disappointment, the upcoming holiday break will permit a bit of a breather, at least temporarily.
“Many are hopeful that this break will help slow the spread of the virus so we can come back a bit more recharged for the new year,” Petro said.
Some, Jones included, may see this as a blessing in disguise, a chance to start new traditions at a more relaxed pace.
“The holidays can be so busy that perhaps this is a good break! We try to not focus too much on what might be,” said Jones. “The education system can change on a dime, and we try to adjust as necessary. Trying to think of what ‘might happen’ can cause more anxiety than necessary.”
Our anonymous source, however, expressed concerns over the rising issues for students. “I see things getting worse. [Negative] behaviours are on the rise. I see more restrictions coming and unrealistic expectations on both teachers and students. Everyone is just fed up, especially the kids who are trying to survive and not necessarily thrive.”
One does not need to be an engineer to know it is easier to build a plane when it is on the ground. Will the holiday break be the buffer our education system needs to get our teachers ready for flight?
With a vaccine on the horizon, many have felt a surge of optimism in doing their part to stop the spread of the virus. So, let us enjoy the holidays, be safe, and be ready for takeoff come January. There may be some turbulence.
Image by Queven from Pixabay