Students look back on COVID warped school year: ‘It was this feeling of finality’
Global News
Many Canadian students cautiously returned to class this fall under strict pandemic protocols, such as mandatory masking and social distancing.
The final bell is about to ring at the end of a topsy-turvy school year warped by the COVID-19 crisis.
Many Canadian students cautiously returned to class this fall under strict pandemic protocols, such as mandatory masking and social distancing.
As younger kids became eligible for vaccination late last year, it seemed like schools were settling into new routines. That was soon upended by the rampant spread of the Omicron variant, which saw some provinces extend winter breaks or switch to remote learning.
Following the winter surge, public health measures were eased, allowing students to ditch their masks and gather together for school events.
The Canadian Press periodically checked in with students throughout these twists and turns. Here are their reflections on a pandemic-altered school year.
After finishing her final day of high school, Maitri Shah said she and her friends stood in a circle talking and crying, reluctant to say goodbye for what could be the last time.
“It was this feeling of finality,” Shah said. “All the sadness hit, because we’re never going to see each other again.”
Still, the Calgary student said she’s glad she got to say a proper goodbye to Grade 12, because that wasn’t always guaranteed.