Newfoundland resident Scott Chandler humorously reflects on the typically hectic month of September, usually filled with the back-to-school rush for his son Rhys and the resumption of various extracurricular activities like hockey, karate, and swimming lessons. This year, however, he eagerly anticipates the return to their usual busy routine after experiencing upheaval due to losing their home and Rhys’s school, Cabot Academy, in the Conception Bay North wildfires in early August.
Adhering to local directives, the Chandler family has relocated three times within a few weeks, moving from evacuation centers in Victoria to Carbonear and then to Harbour Grace. Scott Chandler described the process of explaining the loss to his third-grade son as “heartbreaking,” as Rhys copes with the reality of losing his belongings like clothes, toys, and video games.
Despite the challenges, Rhys remains optimistic, finding solace in reuniting with friends at Carbonear Academy and being closer to his hockey team companions. Chandler emphasizes the importance of a structured September for the children, highlighting the need for normalcy, routine, and togetherness.
In a year marked by record-breaking wildfires, the return to school is disrupted for some Canadian communities, with varying impacts across regions. Experts stress the necessity for school boards to receive comprehensive support to effectively prepare and update emergency response plans, ensuring a swift return to normalcy for students following disasters.
During emergencies, schools serve as vital community resources, offering facilities for gatherings and assisting in evacuations. Alan Campbell, president of the Canadian School Boards Association, emphasized the need for ongoing communication with evacuated families to facilitate seamless access to education post-disaster.
Campbell highlighted recent instances in Winnipeg and Brandon where local school divisions maintained contact with wildfire evacuees to facilitate temporary school placements. With the evolving challenges posed by wildfires, poor air quality, and extreme heat, school officials must adapt and enhance their emergency preparedness measures.
Ali Asgary, a disaster management expert, stressed the importance of regular practice and updates of emergency response protocols to minimize disruptions to children’s education during crises. Campbell and Asgary underscored the significance of multi-level government support to bolster the preparedness of Canada’s school systems for emergencies.
As Chandler looks forward to the reunion of Cabot Academy students and teachers at new schools post-wildfire, he emphasizes the need for continued investment in support services for affected individuals. He advocates for the inclusion of mental health professionals to address potential challenges and stresses the importance of unity and mutual support among staff and students during the recovery process.
