Delta COVID-19 Lockdown Vignettes by Fortians

I’ve heard many say, “Since we did it last year, I find this time loads easier.” I have to contest that. Last year, there was novelty! It was a little something new to stimulate myself with. Now, it’s almost become my norm… which makes it a lot more strenuous this time round.

But negativity aside, I find remote learning gives me a chance to reach out to my friends in different ways. Instead of having fun in the classroom, we’re showing each other our mugs, our food and even our pets.

It’s a rather conflicting medium of learning.

Grace Han, Year 9

When it was announced that we were back to remote learning, I was secretly looking forward to it. It’s such a privilege to be working from home and enjoying the environment I am learning in. So far, I’ve enjoyed the flexibility of my time, without the 45-minute commute to and from school, allowing me to pick up new interests like reading, trying to play guitar, cooking, art and running. Lockdown has given me a much-needed social break. Although, I miss my friends so much and learnt FaceTime’s will never be the same as laughing together on the school oval at lunch.

Alyssa Khaw, Year 10

I often feel overwhelmed at school, there’s so much work to do, so many people to talk to, so many places to be. Online learning in lockdown has kind of given me a break from that; I’m able to have quiet time to myself to listen to music, concentrate on my work, play with my dog, read a book, or just sit and relax. While I’m grateful for this, lockdown has some cons as well. I miss my friends immensely, I feel disconnected from my teachers, and I really want a change of scene from my bedroom. I have found a few ways to combat these struggles like calling and texting my friends often, trying my best to participate in the seemingly endless number of Zooms, and going on walks regularly. I think the only way we can get through this lockdown is by staying positive and looking for little bits of brightness where we can find them.

Claire Bentley, Year 8

Though it’s been difficult, I’ve tried to find a few positives to this round of quarantine and remote learning. What I find most exciting is getting to explore new music. I’ve been listening to music a lot lately while I do my work. I was getting sick of my usual stuff so I found it necessary to expand my repertoire. I’m an avid fan of classic rock, so getting to dig a little deeper into the discography of some of my favourite artists has been a nice treat. I find it very easy to get caught up in a song, bopping along to the music and all – it has a way of making me feel a little less scared of everything that’s going on.

Johnathan Bonnice, Year 9

Being in lockdown has given me more time to do more things. I have done more weeding and planting which has made my garden look better than ever! I sowed a type of flower that is yellow and feels like plastic, and I have been looking after the papaya plants. I have also had time to read. I picked up some classic novels to gain different perspectives of the world and to broaden my vocabulary. Overall, the situation that got us into lockdown is unfortunate, but I have used the time to my advantage to do things I enjoy.

Savannah Pradhan, Year 9

The day in the life of a dog in COVID-19, by Lizzie:

When we started the lockdown, I thought it was fantastic! I used to love having my family at home 24/7 – constant attention, opportunities for snacks, games, walks…

But now we are 5 weeks in.

I am exhausted!

Who doesn’t appreciate a long walk of olfactory delights around the neighbourhood? But now everyone wants to take me for a walk, all the time. Really though, five walks a day?

I just can’t seem to find time for my usual daytime naps in the delightful sunshine. I am disturbed every 45 minutes, at recess, at lunchtime, after school, before dinner.

And how many times can they throw a ball to me before they get bored? Don’t they find it repetitive?

It’s too much! When will you humans get back to normal?

Kalanie Prabhakar, Year 9