Summer - School - Summer

By Martha Blythe for Ottawa Carleton E-school

Seasons of the year bring to mind certain images and activities. In Canada, where the change in season is marked, winter with snow, spring with fresh, rainy days, summer with splashing in the water. As for autumn, or “fall” as we like to call it, we think of vibrantly coloured tree leaves, and back to school. It’s a rhythm that year after year becomes more and more a part of our lives.

As summer mornings fade to fall we know that the warm sweaters we wear on our way to school will be shed by the time we step out into the sunny hot afternoon. Soon, the fresh, clean shoes will gather bits of dirt as we walk through fallen leaves, kicking at them just to watch them fall again. We wonder at the novelty of seeing our breath in the air once again. The warmth of the classroom can be a welcome way to warm our hands.

Fall sports such as football and cross-country force us to embrace the last few warm days and appreciate them. We know that winter is around the corner. Mid-term reports, and special events such as spirit week and Halloween remind us that the fist term is behind us and winter break is just around the corner. Then come semi-formal dinners, charity events and perhaps a play or coffee house where students can express their creativity and give back to the community.

Upon returning back to school in January we find ourselves in the depths of winter and bundle up to study for our final exams. With half of the school the year behind us, a new semester brings change to the routines of winter. It’s important to get out and enjoy some sun when it shines!  The graduating class may be hearing from colleges and universities about their acceptance. Soon enough spring break arrives and we can look forward to warm weather once again and the end of the school year is in sight. The hard work will soon pay off.

When the rains of April give way to the sunny days of May, students embrace the last few sports, activities and prepare for one more round of final exams. There’s so much preparation needed for the busy days ahead. Some attend prom, graduation, and have private celebrations of their achievements, keeping June schedules full. Summer is upon us and another school year is in sight.