Today marked the first day of school for six Syrian refugee children after arriving in Canada in December. The family fled Homs, Syria five years ago and had been living in a refugee camp in Lebanon before embarking on their trip to Canada. Four of the eight children were attending Iroquois Junior Public School today.
Five year old Mariah Al Rassoul peers out the window of her Scarborough home before leaving for school.
With a scarf protecting his face from the bitterly cold January weather, nine year old Mouaayyid Al Rassoul heads for his first day of school.
Five year old Mariah Al Rassoul follows Iroquois Junior Public School principal Marcia Pate to her first kindergarten class.
Five year old Mariah Al Rassoul holds hands with classmates Aarush (left) and Kaili (right) during her first day in kindergarten.
Seven year old Mouaataz Al Rassoul (right) during his first day in school.
Mariah Al Rassoul plays with a toy phone during her first day in kindergarten.
Mariah Al Rassoul talks with with early child educator Shelley Sochan.
Early childhood educator Shelley Sochan comforts five year old Mariah Al Rassoul after she became upset when an older brother and family friends left.
Mariah Al Rassoul is comforted by teacher Kathleen Guy after Mariah's older brother and family friends left.
Marcia Pate, principal of Iroquois Junior Public School walks out the front door with five year old Mariah Al Rassoul after the five year old became upset during her first day in kindergarten.