Creighton Community School usually welcomes nearly 200 students from Denare Beach for classes each day, but this academic year is unique. Some Denare Beach students are coming back after their homes were destroyed by a wildfire earlier this summer, while others may not return. To assist these affected families, Creighton school staff has been reaching out to inform them about additional support services available for students. Steve Lytwyn, the education director for the Creighton School Division, mentioned that each child has different needs, with some seeking immediate support upon returning to school, while others prefer sticking to their regular routines despite the challenging summer.
In preparation for the new school year, the school has increased the number of counselors and provided staff training on handling traumatic events. Located approximately 15 kilometers north of Denare Beach, Creighton is the nearest community with a school, where a significant portion of its student body usually hails from the Denare Beach area. The exact number of students returning from the wildfire-affected Denare Beach remains uncertain for the upcoming school term.
One Denare Beach resident, Brooke Kindel, currently resides in Creighton with her family after losing their homes in the wildfire. They are staying in a camper at her parents’ rental property, awaiting decisions on their future living arrangements. The Kindels are exploring options, including possibly moving to Saskatoon for the year if rebuilding plans are delayed. The uncertainty has made it challenging for families to settle on their next steps, with many relying on external factors beyond their control.
For Brooke, re-establishing a routine for her children, especially her eldest, is crucial for their well-being. Schools play a vital role in ensuring that students affected by disasters can access education regardless of their living situation. As the school year progresses, requests for student files from previous schools will help Creighton School identify which displaced students are returning and which have enrolled elsewhere.
Families are encouraged to communicate any concerns or plans they have for the school year with the school administration. Regardless of their current living arrangements, the priority is to ensure students’ well-being and academic progress wherever they are residing.