‘I didn’t really learn anything at all this semester.’ Students on the Ford government’s pandemic response, online learning, and going back to school

Are the kids alright?

Ahead of next week's announcement on the provincial government's back-to-school plan, the Star spoke with three students on their hopes and anxieties for the school year, what they think of the government's response so far, and what they've missed out on due to the pandemic.

Akosua Yeboah is going into grade 12 at Madonna Catholic Secondary School.

The Star: How do you feel about going back to school in September?

Akosua: I'm excited to go back to school if we get to go back to the physical building because I'm tired of being at home. The way it's looking I don't even know what to expect because it's the first time we're dealing with a situation like this. And the way the government is explaining it is really complicated because online learning is still an option. I don't know how it will work.

What worries you the most about going back?

Definitely COVID. I haven't really left my house since quarantine started, so that's my main concern ... but then again, we all have to get this education.

Do you think you've missed out at all, not being at school for so long? Do you think you'll ever get that time back?

I don't think I'll ever get the time back because this semester I had co-op and I literally couldn't go to my co-op because of COVID. And I didn't really learn anything at all this semester. I had math this semester and every time I would check my texts, people would be sending each other the answers, so I never really learned anything. But online learning isn't beneficial for actual education - I'm going to go into grade 12 and take some courses and be confused as to what I'm supposed to because I didn't really learn it.

Emma Russell-Trione is going into grade 10 at Rosedale Heights School of the Arts.

The Star: How do you feel about going back to school in the fall?

Emma: I'm excited to go back because online school has not been ... my favourite. I'm a little worried because it's so uncertain and also because it's going to be weird being back with so many people in one space. I'm a little concerned, because I've noticed people don't always follow the regulations.

Do you think it'll be safe enough in Toronto to reopen schools?

Well, I don't know. Things have changed so quickly; I think the fact that we're reopening is a good sign, but I have hope that we'll be back in September.

I think the only real option is to go back in-person because the way we're doing things now is not sustainable.

Do you think you missed out by having online classes?

I mean, I think closing school was a good decision, because after that everything just shut down, so it's good that they closed when they did.

I was stage-managing a play at the time and we ended up doing that online and it really wasn't what I thought it was going to be. But I think I missed out in the sense that I had stuff going on later in the year that I didn't end up doing.

I have one friend who doesn't do well in social settings, so she was enjoying the online classes, but for most people it was a mix of OK, there's no school,' and with online school, it's so hard to stay motivated.'

Michelle Adom Sarpong is going into her first year at York University.

The Star: How do you feel about going back to school and how do you think the Ford government as handled the situation?

Michelle: I feel like the Ford government has handled the COVID-19 outbreak well enough that I can trust that, if schools resume in September, I will be as safe as possible.

As someone with respiratory health issues, I was worried about school opening again, but the Ford government keeping us in quarantine despite the number of cases dropping shows that they have the public's best interest at heart.

What worries you the most?

I think what I'm most worried about is another large outbreak happening if the economy reopens too early. I want to be able to go to school without the fear of it closing again because of another outbreak.

Do you think you've missed out on anything?

I definitely missed out on a lot: my graduation, my prom, my graduation trip - and my whole senior year.

What sucked the most is how abruptly it all happened. I didn't get an opportunity to say goodbye to my classmates and teachers. Graduating high school is a big milestone for everyone and not getting the opportunity to finish the way I always imagined is really sad.

Interviews have been edited for length and clarity.

Ted Fraser is a Halifax-based breaking news reporter for the Star. Follow him on Twitter: @ted_fraser