The last few weeks under Alert Level 5 have been extra hard on communities, particularly the one at Mount Pearl Senior High.

The school has been at the center of the current outbreak of COVID-19, leading to unwarranted backlash both online and in person.

Their resolve has further been tested with news that a much-loved teacher continues to battle the virus.

Student council co-president Victoria Vaters says students have had a hard time, adding some won’t wear anything with the school name on it out of fear of retribution but says there’s comfort in knowing others are dealing with the same issues.

She says some students do feel alone and that they’re not coping as well as they should be. However, knowing others are going through the same thing makes them feel less ostracized among the school and the larger Mount Pearl community.

Vaters also says teachers have been very supportive by reaching out to students and making themselves available to those who need support.