BRIDGEWATER, N.S. - Students tried to maintain their routine at an elementary school in Bridgewater, N.S., on Tuesday as they anxiously awaited word on whether a body found on the weekend was that of a missing 12-year-old classmate.
Classes were continuing at Bridgewater Elementary, but the school's principal said many pupils and teachers were thinking of little other than Karissa Boudreau, who disappeared more than two weeks ago.
"We think about her every day and try to go on with some normal routine and hope for the best,'' said Mark MacLeod, principal of the school where Boudreau is a student.
"But the waiting is the tough part.''
Police said Saturday that they had found a body and then confirmed a day later that it was a young, white female, but didn't release any further details.
The medical examiner is expected to begin an autopsy Wednesday, which will likely reveal whether it is Boudreau. It's not clear if the autopsy will immediately identify the cause of death.
MacLeod said her peers have adorned the school's foyer with collages of Boudreau, urging her to come home because she is missed by her friends in the small seaside town.
Vigils have been held in the community and neighbouring towns that have closely followed the story since her disappearance, which garnered attention across the country.
MacLeod said counsellors are available for students who are having trouble with the situation or need to talk about how the young girl apparently vanished without a trace.
Boudreau's mother said she and her daughter were in the parking lot of a local grocery store Jan. 27 when they got into an argument.
Penny Boudreau went into the shop and when she returned about 10 minutes later, her daughter was gone.
Teams searched the area around the store and divers scoured the river for several days, but found no trace of her.
RCMP Sgt. Mark Gallagher said they are still searching for the girl and are receiving phone tips about possible sightings.
"They're still looking, still questioning people,'' he said. "They're following up leads where people think they may have seen her. Those tips are being followed up just in case.''
