Follow-Up: Students In-Classes

Both public and Catholic high schools in Windsor-Essex returned to in-person learning on Feb. 8. While some students opted to remain in a virtual classroom, most students have chosen to be in-person for their classes. 

Many students said they are happy to be back in classrooms including Reese Bellmore, a Grade 11 student at Essex District High School. However, Bellmore said she and her friends still face some challenges. 

“I’m happy to be back in person for classes because I missed the social aspect of classes,” said Bellmore “But it’s hard just because I can’t really talk with classmates and friends in the halls and during lunch as much anymore. Plus, it feels empty in the school now.” 

The Ministry of Education has now allowed COVID-19 testing kits to be used in schools. Stephen Fields, the communications coordinator of the Windsor Essex Catholic District School Board, said they are still determining how and where exactly they will be launching the first round of testing kits within their schools. 

“We are working very closely with the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit and the government is deciding a third party to conduct the testing for students,” said Fields 

Testing for students will be done voluntarily with the consent of the student and the parents. 

Although some students are still dealing with pandemic fatigue, Dr. Mario Cappelli, a Senior child and youth mental health clinician-scientist from the Ontario Centre of Excellence for Child and Youth Mental Health, said although there are many resources for students, he said they could use more help. 

“I think there’s lots but there’s not enough, although the schools have mental health workers and guidance counselors. I know that the ministry is looking at some online programs available for students even though it’s a bit away,” said Cappelli. 

He said local counselors and programs are available for students in Windsor-Essex. 

“Windsor has Hotel Dieu Grace, they are providing more services. I know that the ministry provided services to Windsor’s children and family services, so there are a lot more funds available for counselors to help young people,” said Cappelli. 

Although a lot of high school students are dealing with pandemic fatigue, Cappelli has some advice to cope with the struggle. 

“In my mind it’s about staying as connected still with their friends and family, I think that’s really important, and I worry that if you’re just online every time, you lose some of those connections,” said Cappelli. “Try to keep some normal structure in your day so you can wake up in the morning and go to bed at a reasonable time, try to do some other pleasurable things, try doing a new hobby for example, have some balance in your day just try not to do one thing every day,” 

For more resources on mental health, students and parents can visit their schoolboard’s websites, https://www.hdgh.org/regionalchildrenscentre or https://www.cymh.ca/en/index.aspx for resources and services