Finally back in class, new Grade 12s have a common priority: graduation

Thursday marked the first full day of classesfor Newfoundland and Labradorstudents from kindergarten through high school, and the most senior class is approaching the year with mixed feelings.

The final year will already be memorable because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected how classes will happen.

For seniors, one of the biggest celebrations of their lives to date graduation is at stake.

"I'm hopeful. I'll be really upset if we don't get a graduation," said Lauren Dibbon, a Grade 12 student at Waterford Valley High School in St. John's.

Dibbonsaid she hopes restrictions will begin to loosen after Christmas, and other than masks and keeping distant from other people including some longtime friends the first day of classes is pretty much normal.

Grace Walsh, also inGrade 12 at Waterford Valley, said without extracurricular activities such as dances, clubs and a prom, students' mental health will be tested this year,despite the feelingofnormalcy that comes with being back inside the classroom.

The focus on education and very little socialization is leaving students feeling isolated, she said.

"Even though we'll all be together, it's still kind of isolating. Just coming to school and learning, it could definitely be tough on people," said Walsh.

'It's actually a huge relief'

Meanwhile, on the other sideof the city, Maria Delacruz, a Grade 12 student at Holy Heart of Mary,saidshedoesn'tfeel good to be back in school just yet.

"We're not actually sure if it is safe to be back in school," Delacruz told CBC News.

Even though we'll all be together, it's still kind of isolating.- Grace Walsh

Delacruz, like Walsh and Dibbon, is also concerned about graduation.

She said there are a lot of changes to the school year so far, and with last year's graduating class missing out on their finalschool celebration, she's hoping her class can go ahead with theirs.

Silas Murray, also enteringGrade 12 at Holy Heart, said muchof the nervousnessin his class comes from the unknown standing of school events.

"I know it's not actually too big of a deal, the celebration is supposed to happen. I just wish there will be something at the end of the year. That would be really cool," Murray said.

Still, Murray said, he's happy to be back in class, adding he's not sure he could do virtual or distancelearning for an entire year.

"I'm so glad to be back in class. It's actually a huge relief," he said.

"Everybody is gathering around in these huge groups which doesn't normally happen. Or maybe it does. It's been a while."

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