The Toll of the Pandemic on Students: A Niagara Teacher and Mother
The Toll of the Pandemic on Students: A Niagara Teacher and Mother
School teacher Angela Caverson with her family. From L-R, Angela, Keaton, Grace, husband Joe, and, Aiden.
(Photo courtesy of Angela Caverson)
By Johan Depiaggi
Eating disorders, disinterest in learning, and an overwhelming sense of hopelessness are gripping older children while the younger ones ask questions that parents or teachers cannot answer.
Hopes of schools reopening in June were dashed last Wednesday with Premier Doug Ford’s announcement that the Province would instead focus on a return to online learning in September.
“It was a hard choice to make,” Ford said at a news conference on June 2. “I don’t want to risk the health of our kids and cutting off their summer.”
It was a disappointment for Angela Caverson. She is a high school teacher with the District School Board of Niagara (DSBN) who has seen students just drop out of virtual learning.
“I have students who have not attended one virtual class since April 19, 2021. I worry about them. They were actively participating in class and now not a peep,” says Caverson.
Emails and phone calls to their homes are unanswered. Some students don’t want to participate in virtual learning.
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