Objectives:
The subject and, at the same time, purpose of the following article is to present the results of original empirical research conducted among principals of primary schools in Poland and Ukraine. The aim of the research was to find an answer to the research question: What actions were implemented by school principals in western Ukraine in connection with the resettlement of Ukrainian children, and what actions were implemented by Polish school principals in connection with the admission of Ukrainian refugee students?

Material and methods:
The study implemented a diagnostic survey method based on a survey technique using an original survey questionnaire. It covered a group of 120 principals of primary schools in Poland and 50 principals of schools in western Ukraine. The majority of the respondents ran their institutions in the city, and their work experience ranged from 1 to 5 years. The research was carried out in 2023 using ethical principles.

Results:
The research conducted among school principals in western Ukraine showed changes introduced in the school management system, mainly aiming at ensuring the protection of life and students’ safety after the outbreak of the war. However, the activities of Polish school principals aimed at providing refugee students with safe conditions for learning the Polish language, as well as providing pedagogical, psychological and social assistance.

Conclusions:
The results of the research conducted in Ukraine and Poland showed the need to prepare schools for changes taking place due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, but may also be applicable in other crisis situations occurring in the modern world. The conclusions drawn from the experience gained by Polish and Ukrainian schools can be used by authorities of educational systems in other countries.