Today marks a monumental day in Beijing’s battle against COVID-19. It’s a day that, just a short two months ago, seemed all but unimaginable. Simply put, it’s the day that parents, students, and faculty have longed for: the day when students in Beijing were finally allowed to return to school!
It began with an early morning alarm, a rinse in the shower, and the first time in a while that fashion choices needed to be considered. (Back into the closet with you, sweatpants!) On subways, bikes, and in cars, students crisscrossed the city eager to take that first step onto campus and set eyes on friends who, until now, had been confined to WeChat and Zoom windows. Unfortunately, there were no tearful reunions complete with hugs or high-fives, as social distancing is still the order of the day, but it was certainly another notch in the belt of normalcy and a return to life-as-we-knew-it.
Over the last few weeks, school personnel have worked tirelessly to sanitize their facilities, set up temporary nursing stations for students who exhibit symptoms, and stock up on personal protective equipment such as gloves, masks, and goggles. Moreover, they’ve been conducting drills to ensure that, during high-traffic periods such as lunch time, entering or exiting the campus, and even bathroom breaks, the flow of students remains minimal.
WAB student returns to campus
To be sure, there’s been a lot of hoops to jump through and life on campus still won’t resemble that which we’re used to. Rather, it will continue to demand sacrifices from everyone involved. No matter the sacrifices though, both students and teachers were overjoyed to be back in the classroom, and spirits were indelibly high.
“We are excited about these first steps to return to campus,” said Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) Head of School Marta Medved Karjnovic. “I am grateful for each student, parent, and staff member who has demonstrated the resilience, determination, enthusiasm, and togetherness that are the defining characteristics of the WAB spirit. This is the constant that helps us overcome whatever comes our way. My hope is that in returning to campus, our Grade 12 students find a sense of comfort, closure, and normalcy even though they have completed their academic requirements and are beginning to turn their focus to university and beyond.”
Meanwhile, across the city Canadian International School of Beijing (CISB) shared “Having our senior students back on campus was certainly cause for celebration among staff who have been preparing and eagerly awaiting their return since the lockdown began.” through the school’s official WeChat account along with highly anticipated photos of their student’s return to campus.
CISB student returns to campus
While other grade levels still await the news that they can return to school, the knowledge that at least some students in the Capital were learning in the classroom is a dramatic and welcome shift from the e-learning environment that defined the first few months of 2020. As such, it’s only a matter of time before schools across Beijing are buzzing with knowledge and blossoming fresh ideas once more.
KEEP READING: School Conducts Trial Run for Students’ Return
Photos: Western Academy of Beijing, Canadian International School of Beijing
