Central Alberta schools say their doors are wide open to children from families displaced by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Karyn Barber, associate superintendent of system services at Chinook’s Edge School Division, said students from about eight Ukrainian families are attending schools in smaller communities in its jurisdiction, and more are expected to join classes when school starts Sept. 1.
“We welcome these families. We’ll do everything we can to support them as they fit into a new culture and a new community,” Barber said.
She said most of the families came in the spring. Some students are coping with the trauma of the war and change in culture, and smaller rural schools can provide them with a sense of safety and security.
“The benefit of a rural placement is their classes are small for the most part, and they’ve been able to be teamed up with small groups of students who have been supporting them, as well as the staff of the school.”
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Barber said a number of schools and the division have participated in fundraising to assist the families, and communities are rallying around the newcomers.
“These are small communities so everyone knows who they are and everyone’s contributing bedding, or furniture, or backpacks, or whatever to make sure those families can settle in and kids have what they need to get into school and into their new lives.”
She said the students have put a face on the global crisis, and people have responded with open hearts.
“It’s one small way that we as a rural school division can support the more global efforts of what’s happening in our world right now,” Barber said.
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Red Deer Public Schools said it was fortunate to welcome over 20 students, and their families, fleeing the war in Ukraine during the last school year.
“As registrations continue for the 2022/2023 school year, we are waiting to see how many additional Ukrainian students and families we will welcome. We anticipate seeing an increase from last year and look forward to welcoming them into our schools and community,” said the jurisdiction in a statement.
Red Deer Public says it has welcomed students from around the world for many years. Ukrainian students are enrolled in English As A Second Language program, which offers additional support to ensure each student reaches their full potential and sees success in the future. These programs are available at three schools that include Fairview Elementary, Central Middle and Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School.
“Beyond this, we recognize all of these students and families have a wide range of needs given the incredibly difficult circumstances they face.”
Schools are equipped with community liaison workers or school counsellors, as well as academic support and other services to ensure all students are well taken care of and are supported mentally, emotionally and physically.
“We are empathetic and feel for the unique circumstances Ukrainians have come from as they settle into our community. We look forward to continuing to welcome and support them in Red Deer Public Schools providing stability and success for each student.”
szielinski@reddeeradvocate.com
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