Supporting Syrian refugee children in local schools will be a rewarding, learning experience for students, says the Director of Education at the Simcoe County District School Board.
"It's exciting," Kathi Wallace said after a Board meeting Wednesday evening. "I think we will all have to learn together."
While it is too early to know how many children will be joining Simcoe County schools and where they will be located, Wallace said it isn't too early to start planning and lining up resources that will be needed.
"We know that there will be support needed for language and we will need to help the children understand our culture, how we do things here ... things like the snow and adjusting to the new climate."
Teachers will also help children to understand the Syrian culture and a bit about what the refugees have lived through - depending on the grade level and age.
In addition to leading the team at the SCDSB, Wallace is also participating on a team of Ontario education directors to ensure Boards across the province have the necessary resources to help Syrian children and families transition.
Many schools are holding fundraising events and spirit days to support the Syrian families that will be arriving in Simcoe County over the next few months.
Wnen they arrive, refugee families will be supported by the SCDSB Newcomer Welcome Centre to be connected with various support services.
The Centre's goal is to support each family from the initial registration visit through to graduation, through the coordination of established services available to all families.
"We have put a plan in place to make sure any families that arrive in Simcoe County will be supported," Wallace said.
