HCC tackles exam stress

Adelle Ellis
Times Reporter

 

Anxiety and stress seem to be an ever-growing epidemic no matter your age; it doesn’t discriminate. Test anxiety is especially prominent in youth and school age kids.
Holy Cross Collegiate (HCC) is starting a new initiative to try to alleviate test anxiety and stress.
“A lot of kids get worked up or stressed during exam week,” said HCC principal Lavern Evans. “We thought if there is something we can do to alleviate and reduce that going into the exam to get the students in a better state of mind and a little more relaxed, we would try it.”
The idea of having stress reducing programs was thought up by the HCC student council. It was widely supported by students, staff and parents alike.
Opportunities available for junior and senior high students to relieve stress include a stretching and relaxation class in the morning; a calm and quiet room with aromatherapy, soft lighting, tea and coffee for students to relax in throughout the day; and light breakfast items available to senior high students.
“We are always looking at ways to improve HCC and this is one thing the students came up with. We are all for it,” said Evans.
Lollipops are also handed out to students when they start their exams to help them relax. This easy and subtle idea came around as studies show that having a little bit of sugar in your system lowers stress levels.
“It’s important for kids to have a good breakfast so that they can concentrate throughout the exam,” said foods teacher, Melissa Wiley, who created a breakfast spread with fruits, yogurt, toast and hot beverages, and is all for giving the kids lollipops during their exam.
“This has been well received,” said Evans. “It’s been positive, a lot of people are in support of it so we will continue doing it.”