By Camila Parenti Fernández, Y9
We are almost at the end of the school year and school life has not stopped changing. This year has been more ambiguous than any other, and we have had quite a different P.E. system since last year. By now, we have all seen the tents being built outside the cafeteria and occupying most of the parking lot space. These will be our new gyms, while a school project that has been expected for years, and was delayed even more by covid, is finally happening.
These gyms are being made as a substitute for the regular gym while the new one is being built. From what we can see, the tents have a metal structure, plastic/wood/material walls and roof, and wooden floors, as well as some windows. The new gym won’t be ready until 2023, so all P.E. lessons until then will take place in the temporary tents. These gyms will have their own changing rooms and be stored with all the material/equipment the old gym carried. All the trophies, prizes, and plaques will be preserved and later displayed in the future gym. After school sports like badminton, basketball, hockey, football, volleyball, etc. will continue as normal either in the tents, middle school basketball court, or on the field.
So how will P.E. continue next year? We will use the tents which already have plenty of space, but simultaneously, as mentioned before, the middle school basketball court and the football field will also be used for PE, especially in the summer when the tents are predicted to get pretty hot. Teachers also say they hope to go outside as much as possible in the next few years, if the weather permits. We also know that we will most likely start using the tents before the school year ends unless we are outside and it stops raining (hopefully), as the demolition of the old gym begins.
And finally, what about the parking lot? Little of it is left, and not of much use. There will also be no replacement option for it. It has been encouraged for everyone to come by bike, scooter, tram, and school bus – all much more ecological options and some great for exercise. This way, we are not only solving the parking problem but also helping the environment, something everyone should take part in.
It looks like next year will also be filled with new changes, but only for a brighter future, and a better gym. Hopefully, everyone enjoys these new gyms and sees this as a great solution that allows us to continue our physical education.
