By Lyonel Doherty

Times-Chronicle

Back to school is just around the corner and students are putting their faith in government that they will be kept safe from COVID-19.

Grade 12 student Khushi Sharma from Southern Okanagan Secondary School said she trusts administration to keep her protected.

“Although I know there is quite the debate going on right now about the safety levels for going back to school, I personally trust the provincial government in their decision.”

The province has delayed the return to school by a couple of days to give teachers more time to prepare for safety protocols.

While the Ministry of Education is encouraging parents to enrol their children as they normally would, those who do not want their child to attend in-person classes have the option to register their child for online/distributed learning or home schooling.

Students will be back to class on September 10. That’s when they will find out who is in their new learning group and what new safety routines they must follow. While masks will not be mandatory, students will be constantly reminded about physical distancing.

Sharma said she totally understands why people are apprehensive about sending their kids back to school, particularly when COVID-19 cases in BC are rising.

She pointed out that voluntarily going back to school in June made her feel safe.

“That being said, I still would prefer how school ran in June. Classes were still online, but we also had the option of going into school to get extra help from teachers.”

Sharma recalled each grade was assigned a separate day of the week, so there were no crowds in the hallways or classrooms.

“I will definitely be taking a mask with me to school, as it’s better to be safe than sorry,” she stated.

Local student Isaac Jones said you have to be cautious going back to school.

“But I think it would be a good thing because everyone is pretty deprived of their social life.

Jones said he doesn’t like online learning because it’s hard to understand some of the content when you can’t immediately ask the teacher for help.

He admitted that he is a little worried about contracting the virus in school and possibly bringing it home to his family.

Therefore, he will probably wear a mask to help prevent the risk.

Fellow student Kael Koteles said the thought of returning to school is a bit frightening for him.

“You know how kids can be, they’re crazy; they’ll do whatever they want to do and they don’t listen, right?”

Koteles said it’s an odd situation because you don’t know what people do in their home life, so it’s hard to determine what factors you are walking into.

He, too, is not a fan of online learning, noting that if you run into a technological problem, you could miss an entire lesson. And for students who don’t have those online resources, it can be really tough to learn.

Koteles said he is excited to go back to school because he misses his friends.

“As long as everyone takes the proper precautions. I will probably plan on wearing a mask.”

Grade 12 student Eugenio Oliveira admitted it’s scary going back to school with so many other students.

“I’d rather stay home until it’s totally safe for us to go back . . . I’ve been enjoying no school, though.”

Oliveira said he doesn’t think he will be wearing a mask in class. But he noted he will be sanitizing his hands constantly and watching what he touches to avoid germs.

Oliveira said the pandemic has impacted his life, such as delaying getting his driver’s licence. And of course, he doesn’t hang out with as many friends as he did before; now it’s a much tighter circle.

Fellow student Enola Mills said she’s excited about going back to school, adding she likes the structure as opposed to online learning.

She acknowledged there is a real chance of contracting the virus in school.

“But I think the high school kids will be good at respecting social distancing, wearing masks, washing their hands and all that stuff.”

Mills said she will likely wear a mask for peace of mind.