Mary Ward Encyclopedia: May Rush Meltdown

First of all, let me explain. Kat is feeling relatively safe with four units completed today. So I'm taking a short break, (my timer is set on 10 minutes) to type out this entry. Then it's back to the books. The back-breaking books. Ugly, too.

Mary Ward Encyclopedia Entry #1. May Rush Meltdown

Many people are familier with May/June Rush. With the arrival of our new principal, we're feeling the stress just a little bit earlier. Timetables are going out, exam registration is umm...two weeks too early, and daily reminders. Everywhere you go...thank god for cake.

But we're not here to discuss May Rush. We're here to talk about the Meltdown, associated with The Rush. Also included in this article are satellite effects of May Rush, which touch both teachers and parents.

Meltdown begins when that godawful sign goes up near the Test Centre, counting down the number of days left to write tests. (I cover my eyes when I go by.) Students feel a sick feeling in the stomach, and many are prone to headaches and mild panic attacks. At this point, students are beginning to become irritable and are working steadily throughout the day. Post-school hour excusions are shortened, but not eliminated.

The next sign for Meltdown begins when teachers start to feel the pressure. With units pouring in, they are not prone to smiling or laughing, unless they are laughing at you. Units go missing, they impose stricter rules on unit completion, and start failing people. At this point, students are only going outside for major events, and only for a short time.

Meltdown arrives. It is commonplace to see students in tears in the hallway, walking away from a teacher, or sitting quietly in an area. Students are usually sighted toting several textbooks, water, a stack of paper, advil, and a highlighter. Some also have access to laptops. Posture is terrible, and no one sees the light of day, unless it's going from school to home. Curses rebound on the walls and teachers recieve the brunt of most of it. (Jackass''!!!!!!!)

Parents become aware of their child's anguish. Occasionally, they will spot said child crying silently onto a textbook, or poring over a Unit Tracker. Child will develop red eyes accompanied by heavy bags and long-term symptoms similar to PMS. Parents, upon noticing the extra stress, promptly add to it by decreeing that the child will either "FAIL EVERYTHING" or "Pass if you just work hard!" It is the general consensus among MW Parents, that the work and the system are easier then they're made out to be. They're not.

All in all, my timer went off and I'm back to the units. (Yes, I set that timer on MYSELF.) Right Kat? (*Wanders off to look for cake...)