June 20th was World Refugee Day - there was so much else going on this weekend that I missed recognizing this important day on Twitter. For me, it’s very personal, because my mother, her sisters & my grandmother came to this country as refugees.

They came from war and violence and uncertainty. They eventually ended up in Barrhead, Alberta. Speaking no English, they ended up in school there, in a time before things like ESL classes.

So whenever I visit schools and happened to meet students who’ve recently arrived as refugees, I always feel a sense of connection and empathy. Those kids have already overcome so much - and they have so many challenges ahead. They need schools that make them feel welcome & safe

I’ve met so many great teachers and principals over the years, in Edmonton schools, doing wonderful work to help refugee kids, and other new arrivals, cope and adapt and thrive. And I’ve seen kids blossom in turn.

The last thing anyone should want to do is to suggest that refugee children are dangerous - or unwelcome in school. Yes, the settlement adjustment can be challenging for older kids, for teenagers who’ve grown up in war, who haven’t got the same runway to learn English.

But our public schools are there to be a sanctuary, a respite. Students who may be struggling need extra help and support from entire school communities. I’ve seen so many success stories. My family lived one. And that makes me very proud.

So - that’s my belated World Refugee Day message. From the daughter of a refugee. Thank you to all the great schools & teachers. And thank you to the brave young people whose energy enriches our community.