The blizzard may have delayed the second Syrian family's arrival, but it didn't hinder the spirits of the teachers and students awaiting them at the Portage la Prairie School division.

Assistant Superintendent Mike Mauws gave an update on the preparation for their arrival at last night's School Board meeting. "It's exciting," he says. "It's my understanding that the second Syrian family has arrived here in Portage, and we have been preparing for their arrival at a couple of schools for some time now. We're going to have a couple of the students attend Fort la Reine, and one at PCI."

Mauws says the students will begin by meeting with their English as an Additional Language Consultant. "They'll begin doing some programming, some assessments, and some planning to see perhaps what is needed in terms of their education and tailor it to their needs," says Mauws. "From there they'll spend a week or so and get prepared, and we're hoping they're in classes shortly before Christmas."

He says the students are ready to step up and lend a hand.

"They're very excited to help out. The second family, that whole arrival has been quite delayed, and the kids have been a little disappointed about it. So they're really excited that they're here now and we're ready to get things going."

Mauws says they'll do whatever they can to help the students feel welcome.