For most students in Waterloo Region, Monday is the start of their second week. But for some it’s their first time in a classroom of any kind in this country.
That’s because at this time last year, they were living in war-torn Syria.
“I am so excited to go to school, get new friends, and learn,” says Mohammed Atria through the help of a translator.
He and his two sisters went to school in Jordan last year, and are entering high school here in Canada.
“It’s humbling and exciting, to watch the children have these bright eyes and be very excited about going to school – sometimes for the first time in their lives,” says Jane MacDonald. She is an assessor with the Waterloo Region District School Board.
One of the biggest challenges that the WRDSB faces aside from the language barrier that many of the refugees face, is that they may be dealing with post-traumatic stress.
“When a fire drill goes off, perhaps that might trigger something that they know from the past,” says MacDonald. “It’s really key for us to make sure that they feel safe and secure right away at school.”
Mohammed’s younger brother Hussein is entering Grade 5 this week.
“I am looking forward to learning about physics and chemistry,” says Hussein.
He’s also excited for after school activities like swimming, biking, and soccer.
“It’s also incredibly important for us to be able to connect families, to ensure that they get the supports in the community that they also require,” says Graham Shantz, a superintendent with the WRDSB. “It’s an important piece for allowing them to integrate into the community as a whole.”
For Mohammed, the goal for this school year is simple.
“I am mostly interested in improving my English, and to prepare for university,” says Mohammed. “I am preparing to be a doctor or a policeman.”
So that he can give back to the country that has welcomed him and his family.
With reporting by Nicole Lampa
