This month marks five years since the COVID-19 pandemic shut down countries and disrupted lives. Schools in Portage la Prairie are reflecting on the impact it had on students and their journey towards recovery. The pandemic brought unprecedented challenges, but it also showed the adaptability of both students and educators.
Natalie Guimond-Low, principal of École Arthur Meighen, shares what changes she has observed within her school.
"I love having families join us in the school for student-led conferences. We have families volunteering, helping with pancake breakfasts, reading in classrooms, and assisting with winter concerts. Family presence is amazing to have back in our school," she says. The return of extracurricular activities has been exciting, providing students with opportunities to engage in sports, arts, and community events again.
Guimond-Low notes that students and staff are grateful to be back in school and value the in-person connections.
"To be able to see their faces and connect in person is just so valuable to their education and schooling," she explains. The pandemic's temporary disruption has not left permanent scars; instead, it has fostered a renewed appreciation for the school environment.
Mark Essay, an English teacher at Portage Collegiate Institute (PCI), echoes similar sentiments. He recalls the initial impact of the pandemic, which separated students for too long and shifted friendships online.
"Kids were creating friendships online, and while there's nothing wrong with those online friendships, it's easier to find people online without taking social risks," Essay says. He says in-person interactions are integral for developing social skills and navigating relationships.
Essay highlights the role of educators in facilitating these interactions.
"We're naturally inclined to work with others. And I think our job as educators is to facilitate that. We're doing interactive things in the classroom where kids are working with different kids all the time," he explains.
He believes overcoming social challenges and building self-esteem are crucial parts of education.
"We're giving them opportunities to push through those awkward things and learn how to do it. That's how self-esteem is developed. You do difficult things, and you come on the other side successful. And as teachers, we need to facilitate that so that kids are constantly put in those situations to grow."
Essay says the return to in-person schooling was met with enthusiasm from students.
"Right after COVID, I had full attendance. Students said, 'Mr. Essay, we don't want to be at home anymore; we've been at home enough,'" Essay recalls. This newfound appreciation for physical presence and social interactions truly shows the resilience of the younger generation.
Laurie Collier, lead teacher for Portage Learning and Literacy Centre, believes the pandemic inspired many to reassess their paths and pursue new opportunities for growth and education.
"COVID allowed us to think about where we want to go in our lives, and I think that affected people. We see the return of students wanting to upgrade their skills, maybe for employment or even to upgrade credits or marks to go on to post-secondary."
These educators have observed that students are now more engaged and grateful for the opportunity to be together. Though the pandemic may have temporarily disrupted their lives, it also strengthened their sense of community and connection.
"Students are happy engaging in different activities and socializing," Guimond-Low notes. "We're definitely on our way back to normal in student relationships."
~With files from Tylor Baer