Disruptions over three years prompt high school boycott

Year 9 Lytton High School students from the Activism in Action class will get a sleep-in tomorrow as a way to bring attention to their concerns about the constant disruptions to their education over the past three years. From left are Summer Feterika, Kiki Casey, Shae Te Kira and Gallace Hongara. Picture supplied

Students from Lytton High School’s Activism in Action class will take a stand tomorrow against the constant disruptions to their education they have experienced in the past three years.

They believe it has had a negative impact on their studies and quality of education so they are boycotting school tomorrow for one hour from 9am - 10am so they can have what they believe is a well-needed sleep-in.

Students were asked to think about an issue that affected them directly and what they could do to shift the paradigm as part of a class project

While worthy causes like climate change, social diversity and cancer support were highly discussed, it was the wellbeing of their siblings, friends and fellow classmates that was of greatest concern, said teacher Charlie Holland.

“Most recently students have had to endure the PPTA rolling strikes and floods, as well as the past cyclones and Covid-19,” Ms Holland said.

The sleep-in is an attempt to raise awareness around the multiple disruptions that students have endured in the past three years, disruptions that directly impact their learning journey and their expectations of secondary school experiences.

“Understandably, the parents and caregivers of the students are doing their best to provide a safe and warm environment for their children,” she said.

“It is the lack of adequate housing, access to health services, and employment and financial issues that weigh heavily on them and young people feel their anxiety and stress. It is this stress that leads to sleepless nights and has a negative effect on their wellbeing.”

As well as missing class time, the disruptions have meant school sports trips have been cancelled, as well as other field trips students would normally look forward to.

The students feel schools on the East Coast are doing it tough compared with other regions.

“Some of my friends fall asleep in class because they’re so tired, and it’s because they are stressed and anxious,” said one student.

In the Activism in Action class students learn to express themselves and voice their concerns to the people who have the power to make positive change. In this case it is the Government, Ministry of Education and Gisborne District Council to whom they are directing their concerns.

Research by Cornell University (2021) showed good quality sleep is especially important for physical health, emotional and mental development, and school performance of teenagers.

“Our students deserve an opportunity to excel in their education. They feel they are being let down,” Ms Holland said.

The Activism in Action class is part of the Social Sciences curriculum at Lytton High taken by Year 9 students.