All schools are back in session in Shelburne County.
Barrington and Shelburne high, along with Hillcrest and Forest Ridge academies were the remaining schools to open today, just over two weeks after the wildfire began.
Jared Purdy with the Tri-County Regional Centre for Education says they worked with local officials to determine timelines.
“The two things we needed were empathy and compassion, and understanding that many families were going through a tragedy. We contacted families individually, and communicated with principals and other staff,” said Purdy.
He says there will be flexibility with exams for high-schoolers, and events like proms and graduations will proceed.
Purdy said every situation is different.
“We knew some people would be ready to come back, and some wouldn’t. But attendance has been good. Missing a week or two of curriculum was non-existent in our conversations.”
Crisis response teams are in every school to provide support and mental health counselling.
Purdy said it’s remarkable how the community has come together, with staff helping in community centres and housing families.
