I can’t believe that more than a year has passed since the children came back from from one afternoon and we were informed that schools would be closed until further notice. It began with 2 weeks and then steadily extended until the whole of the 2020-21 school year was online.
Online school worked well for the children – academically. Socially – it was a drag. Especially for my eldest – she missed her entire Junior year of actually attending high school. For the two younger ones too, it certainly didn’t help. My son didn’t get to go to his new Middle School and my youngest missed out on Grade .
So, the first day of the new school year was in a way one of many firsts…
My eldest started her year as a Senior – I can’t imagine this will be her last year of High School. So much to do…so little time. I am also always aware that this may be her last year at home as she applies to colleges near and far and that thought is extremely daunting.
My son started Grade 8 – his first year of actually attending the school and it will ironically also be his last year at the school.
My youngest is just happy to be back with her friends but with Covid-19 still at large and her being unvaccinated because of her age, it is still a worry everyday.
Most of all, I miss them not being home. We had gotten into a rhythm with everyone at home and I loved being able to peek in at them during breaks.
They are happy to be back at school. They have missed the social interaction in a big way.
I, however, am wary of this ‘new normal. You get used to it – I’m told. But do you ever? Do you get used to having a mask on your face for at least 6 hours a day? Do you get used to maintaining that social distance? Do you get used to the idea that you may have to quarantine at any time if someone in your class or school gets Covid?
Life has changed so much in the last year and yet in some ways, it hasn’t.
I still got those mandatory first day of school photos. 🙂
