Students seeking socialization have been struggling with 'stay at home' orders.

“It’s certainly going to affect their and their dispositions,” says Ste Anne School Guidance Counselor Corinne Ambrosio.

Ambrosio says stressing that the situation is temporary and taking the pace that best suits the individual family is optimal. “Every family situation is different and so everyone needs to do what is best for their own family.”

She goes on to specify that it is beneficial to have a theme when considering education whether that is “the number of hours or activities, they have to fit in with the family structure and what the family is able to do”.

Ambrosio looks to positives when suggesting “now we’ve got the gift of time to do things together” and suggests playing board games, going for walks, or whatever it is individual families enjoy.

“It makes life really hard,” admits Ambrosio in regard to the lack of socialization with peers, “because they’re looking for that outlet to connect with people.”

Ambrosio reaches out to certain students she feels might be struggling and receives suggestions from teachers as to who may need a phone call or video chat. “We’re trying,” she assures, “but it’s definitely difficult to do.”

Still, the school’s staff has found some creative ways to bring excitement to their students and showing they care. “We created a message based on the number of words per staff and we got them to make the words, take a picture, and sent it to our secretary Jamie Rodger.”

After that, Rodger posted the message for students to see and Ambrosio “it’s been a really positive response.”

Ambrosio says every single staff member was on board and that they have really been missing their students.

“They wanted to do something special to let them know they have been thinking of them, and miss them, and would like to see them back in school as soon as possible.”