Tag Archives: COVID

Anxiety, COVID, and School Closures

In the most recent wave of the pandemic, the Omicron variant has resulted in seven days of virtual learning for Ontario students. Schools were closed to students for the first two days following the winter break and then opened to virtual learning at the last moment, leaving parents scrambling to find child-care or to supportContinue reading “Anxiety, COVID, and School Closures”

Education Frustration During Omicron

In light of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, Canadian provinces (like the rest of the world) have been trying to decide how best to handle children’s education. Some have delayed the start of school, others have moved online, and still others have implemented a staggered start. As numbers started to rise dramatically, there was aContinue reading “Education Frustration During Omicron”

Have We Lost Our Way?

So many communities seem to be in turmoil right now. Families. Schools. Neighbourhoods. Cities. Countries. The whole world is turning inside out, perhaps more visibly than ever before. When I see these struggles, I always take comfort in information. I read. I listen. I talk. And right now, I wonder, “Where are the Thinkers?” WhereContinue reading “Have We Lost Our Way?”

Lessons from 2020

Well, it’s been quite a year! It’s been a year like no other for me, both personally and professionally, and also an unprecedented year for the rest of the world. COVID-19 has derailed the lifestyles that we knew. In its wake, we are left with changed priorities, skills, and understandings. We have learned about ourselves,Continue reading “Lessons from 2020”

An Open Letter on Re-opening Plans

First of all, thank you. Thank you to our leaders, who have worked tirelessly to learn about this new threat to society, to seek out and follow sound medical advice, and to explore creative ways to keep us safe. I am cautiously optimistic about the upcoming school year. In Ontario, we have done a fantasticContinue reading “An Open Letter on Re-opening Plans”

Dystopian Vision of Fall Education

As part of the response to my idea of lessening curriculum expectations to allow a mental health focus this year, it was suggested I write to the Globe. I read their requirements and decided I needed to present the information differently. Here is what I sent. This is my dystopian vision of what this fallContinue reading “Dystopian Vision of Fall Education”

Possibilities for School Re-Opening: A Letter

COVID has been hard. It has isolated individuals and families. It has closed businesses and shattered dreams. It has interrupted commerce, education, faith communities, sports, and social interaction. People are tired. We are frustrated. We are fearful and anxious about the future. But there are positives to this situation – silver linings of sorts. ManyContinue reading “Possibilities for School Re-Opening: A Letter”

Education During COVID

Sweltering through the hot days of summer, school seems a long way off, but it seems to be on the minds of many. Parents, teachers, employers, and the general public are watching closely, waiting for news about what education will look like in the fall. There is no easy answer to the dilemma of howContinue reading “Education During COVID”

Post COVID Visioning

One month into the COVID-19 inspired shutdown, we have had plenty of time to adjust to ‘The New Normal.’ While there are differing opinions on how long this crisis will last, how severe the restrictions will get, and what might put an end to our current situation, most people seem to agree that we willContinue reading “Post COVID Visioning”