It has now been a little over 2 months since I have been away from my students. It is absolutely heartbreaking to not be able to do what I love, but I am pulling through and trying my best to keep busy!
Let me fill you in a little bit…
There have been many mixed feelings about the fact that schools are closed in Montreal, QC, but for me the most frustrating part has been the fact that our Ministry of Education has mandated that we DO NOT TEACH during this time. Not only is this having an affect on the public’s view of teachers, but it is also taking a toll on the teachers and students themselves.
First we were told that we would be closed for two weeks and we were NOT to contact our students. It was considered a “vacation”. Then we were told to send out government documents to keep students active academically. Then we were told to reach out to students with special needs, but no one else. Then the Ministry realized that students are missing their routines and their teachers/classrooms and we were asked to contact all students but DO NOT TEACH. Then we were told to keep in regular contact with our students, but that it would be optional, and again DO NOT TEACH.
I have been very fortunate that I have been able to meet with my students online 3 times a week. It has been absolutely wonderful and I have loved every moment online with my students, but I cannot wait to be able (and allowed) to TEACH. What I would give to be able to work with my students online and help them continue along their learning journey! Fingers crossed that we can start getting that ball rolling in the coming weeks. We’re just waiting for our official mandate from the Ministry of Education and what their plan is for the remainder of the school year.
We were originally scheduled to open on May 25th and we were working hard to get our classrooms ready to receive our students. Here are some pictures of the BEFORE and AFTER (keep in mind the BEFORE pictures were taken when I walked into my classroom for the first time in 2 months since we closed).
I was so excited to finish my room and even more excited by the possibility of having my students in my classroom again! But alas, it will have to wait until next year.
In the meantime, I am staying connected with my students and hoping that we will be able to start online teaching to give our students a bit of an extra boost before the year comes to an end.
Hope everyone is staying safe and healthy!
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