March Break Now in April - the Inconveniences and Strategies to Manage

BY: Elizabeth Menjivar

COVID-19 is a struggle that everyone around the world has been facing for over a year now. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the citizens of Toronto have been in and out of quarantine as the government attempts to get the situation under control. 

On February 11, 2021, the Ford government made an announcement that stirred a good amount of thoughts on how we’re handling the pandemic. They announced that the iconic March Break would now be moved to mid-April. The thought behind this was to prevent another spike in cases, since they usually happen around holidays. This has proven true seeing how cases spiked around Thanksgiving, Christmas and even Mother’s Day last May. 

Pushing back this break has given more stress to youth, especially since the break has been pushed to the week before exams for most high school students. This is normally the time where students are in class and asking questions in preparation for  important exams. A grade 11 student mentioned, “I’m supposed to be applying for universities next year so pushing back March break to the week before my exams has made me more stressed, because I’m worried I won’t do as well.” 

Although the Ford government pushed back the break to prevent spikes, many people are confused as to why they did not just cancel the week as a whole.

A student from Madonna C.S.S. shared,  “They said we’re pushing back the week because the cases are going to spike, but if we’re going to have the break in April, won’t the cases just spike again then.” 

Although there can be many struggles that come with this, here are some helpful tips for students to better manage the situation:

  • Make sure you get a good rest so you can refresh your brain.

  • Ask your teachers questions you may have, beforehand, so that you can practice over the break

  • Review your work with a fresh mind and make sure you understand the material.

  • Call your friends and ask them to study with you and practice together.

  • Work on any assignments you have as soon as possible that way you can spend more time relaxing.

  • Spend time laughing with your friends and family to have fun.

  •  Relax by watching shows and movies that you like.