Timetable Frustration
I’m beginning to feel like the academic system and those in charge are intent on pushing us to our limits. They seem to exploit our willingness to comply, taking advantage of the situation.
For most of my high school years, I was content with the old system: arriving at 8 for a brief period (or none) before a regular six-period day, with adequate lunch breaks or year-level meetings. It allowed for some flexibility; I could sleep in on days without a period 0. When I chose to show up early, I’d use that time to study or just relax on my phone, catching up with friends.
Now, as a Year 12 student, the pressure to study is immense. After putting in so much effort, I just need some downtime to recharge before tackling the final hours of a demanding day. Who doesn’t feel that way?
But the school staff have decided to shift period 0 to the middle of our lunch break and add unnecessary “mentor sessions.” These are basically just extended form periods where our teacher drones on about how to be productive, but hardly anyone pays attention; they either zone out or dive into games on their laptops. Instead of saving time, our period 0s now match the length of our regular classes.
Now, our lunch break starts at 1pm, creating chaos in the canteen. I can’t blame the younger students for being eager to grab lunch quickly and head out to enjoy their time. With such a tight schedule, there’s hardly any opportunity to unwind.
I’m feeling more exhausted every day, despite my continued dedication to my studies. We’re not machines; we need breaks to function properly. I’ve overheard numerous students expressing their discontent with the recent timetable changes. It’s common knowledge that lunch is traditionally around midday, and we expect a proper break, not one that’s just as long as a class. Plus, with after-school activities extending our days into the evening, it’s overwhelming.
Honestly, I’m considering organizing a protest to push back against what feels like unjust demands on our time and well-being. I’ve already noticed a decline in everyone’s mental health just weeks into the school year.
I’m thankful this is my final year; I just want to get through it and move on, especially for the younger students who have to endure this chaotic system.
I totally get where you’re coming from. It’s frustrating when it feels like the system is just trying to squeeze every last ounce of energy out of us without any regard for our well-being. The changes to the schedule sound particularly rough, especially when they disrupt that much-needed downtime we all rely on to recharge.
It’s wild how something as simple as lunch can affect not just our energy levels but also our mental health. This new timetable seems like a recipe for burnout, and you’re right—students are not machines. We can’t function optimally without proper breaks. It’s good that you’re vocal about your concerns. Organizing a protest might seem drastic, but it sounds like a lot of people are feeling the same way. It’s important to advocate for ourselves and our peers, especially when we’re being pushed to our limits.
Hang in there during your final year! It’s a tough ride, but remember to prioritize your mental health and find small moments to decompress, even if they’re few and far between. Hopefully, with enough voices united, the administration will take notice and reconsider their approach.