In the wake of the massive evacuation from Fort McMurray, the North Okanagan Shuswap School District is already welcoming some new faces.
The school district is reporting they have already registered four students whose families have come to stay in the Shuswap during the evacuation.
B.C. schools are preparing to take in some of the 12,000 children of school age who have been forced to evacuate Fort McMurray due to wildfire.
Education Minister Mike Bernier said he has been in touch with the Alberta minister to keep track of students who come to B.C., so they can return to some of their normal routines.
“We sent a letter to all of our school districts that when we have students coming from Alberta into B.C., that we’re going to open our arms, make sure that they’re welcomed into the school system and try to help them complete the end of the school year,” Bernier said.
There is no way to predict how many students could end up attending local schools.
The Fort McMurray fire destroyed homes and businesses as it swept through the town, but most schools in the city were spared. It is not known how long the Fort McMurray evacuation order will remain in place.