I’m a Grade 9 student in Ontario and my family is thinking about going to China over Christmas. We’ve never gone back at this time before, and my dad really wants to go, so it’s kind of a big family trip. (Also my great grandmother mentioned 3 years ago she would really appreciate if we would be able to come back for the new years and honestly, we don’t want to make her wish something we ignore.)
The issue is the timing 💀
If we leave around Dec 13, I’d miss a decent amount of school before Christmas. I will be back Jan 6 BUT I’ve got a hockey tournament out-of-town that I cannot skip Jan 8-10. So basically I’ll be back Jan 11 which is roughly after 2 weeks of classes.
I’m mostly worried about Science. We have an Ecology unit starting around then, and I actually have the whole schedule. There’s an assignment that’s like 15 slides/questions, which honestly doesn’t seem too bad. I’m thinking I could just finish it beforehand by doing like 1 question every couple days, then gradually study the Ecology notes before leaving.
The Ecology test is Jan 11 (the day I come back to school) and I would’ve never been there for any of the lessons in that unit.
Geography is another concern because I’m not as good at it and I don’t have as clear of a schedule for what I’ll be missing. I’d obviously talk to my teachers beforehand and get the materials/assignments. (~A month I would say so I can maybe possibly finish assignments beforehand even though it won’t be ideal.)
The thing is, I’m really grade-conscious. Like, I know logically that missing some Grade 9 school isn’t going to ruin my life, but I still care a LOT about my grades and I’d probably stress about falling behind.
At the same time, this is a pretty rare family opportunity. I feel like if I actually prepare beforehand instead of just disappearing for three weeks and hoping for the best, I could make it work.
So what would you guys do?
Go on the trip and prepare like crazy beforehand, or stay for school?
Especially curious what Ontario high school students/teachers think, and if the trip is worth all the stress and studying. lol
Edit: Forgot to mention that also if I come back on the 11th, exams will start 10 days after so I literally won’t have time after to catch up.
Submitted September 25, 2026 at 08:53PM by Long_Rough6073 https://ift.tt/oCdBjpq