THUNDER BAY –Students at Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School were thrilled at the chance to be back to in-person learning on April 20, even if only for a month before the end of the school year.
“You can’t get that energy that you get from here in a Zoom meeting. I prefer in-person meetings because you get to see everyone every day,” said Derek Monias, graduating student.
“It’s pretty great being here too because a bunch of kids from all over Canada, the different reserves, my friends from different places come here and I only see them like once or twice or not even that a year, but it’s great to be here because I see them every day.”
In-person learning gives students a chance to socialize and work with other students face to face, something that Principal Sharon Angeconeb says is crucial to their development.
“It’s very important, not just for academics, but also for mental health. Being able to build those relationships in-person, that’s important; Online, unfortunately, it doesn’t work for many of our students and we all are aware of the technical issues and challenges up in northern communities,” she said.
“So it has been difficult. We’re just glad we were able to have this more of a positive ending instead of just finishing online.”
Around one hundred DFC students have returned to the classroom this first week back, and those numbers are expected to gradually rise as the end of the school year approaches.
"Some are still trickling in, some communities were in lock-down so as soon as they are able to travel out, they will be able to join us. We have around another 20 that have opted to do online," Angeconeb said.
While all students are excited to be back, it may be those graduating this year that are most thankful for the experience.
Monias is in his final year at DFC and says while it doesn't make up for the past two years, he's happy he can wrap up his time at the school with his friends.
"It's really good, the one month here is better than having no time at all with them, rather just only looking at a screen. It encourages me,” said Monias.
“I'd rather be surrounded by loud classmates than distractions like my TV or X-box at home, my phone, I'd rather be here and that really helps me."
Twenty-six students are set to graduate from Dennis Franklin Cromarty this year, an exciting and impressive feat after two years of challenges brought on by the pandemic.
