Along with the debate in itself, the email about absences has become a tradition too. Over the past few years, students have proven to show a lack of interest in this event by staying home, or supposedly having a dentist or passport renewal ‘appointment’. This ultimately makes it difficult for this day to function if the committees are missing crucial delegates such as the UK, China, Russia, USA, etc. Two years ago, Juliette D., an SIS alumni who used to be a reporter for the Quirky Quibbler, published an article named Where is Grade 11?, which has had an impactful legacy as it is clearly, still relevant today. 

An overwhelming 16 DP1 students are missing today, accounting for approximately one-fourth of the entire grade. Twenty from grade 10 apparently have better things to do today, while fifteen from grade 9 are supposedly sick, and nine 8th-grade students believe this day is unnecessary. Stefan, the receptionist,  said that “these numbers are huge” It is devastating to know that so many are looking past the dedication and effort that was put into the entirety of the event. There is a direct correlation between the grade levels and the number of absent students, as when one goes up, the other increases accordingly. 

The younger grade levels barely have any missing delegates, with just under ten from grade 6 and five from grade 7. Room 424 is missing nine delegates, that’s nearly half of the committee…We sincerely hope that as parents, students, and teachers, read this article, you understand that this could be considered disrespectful to those who worked to make this event possible. Enjoy your three-day weekend and see you on Monday, and yes, before you ask, Monday is a mandatory school day as well.