- Polish Language School in Phillip, ACT – Philosophy in Practice
Vision Statement - Pursuing excellence in Polish language and in life for all, through parents, students, teachers and the community working together, and all individuals striving for their personal best.
Philosophy of the School - The philosophy which underlies the goals, policies and organisation of Polish Language School in Phillip is:
We recognise that children enter school with a wide range of skills, knowledge, experience and cultural backgrounds, and that all children are individuals having differing abilities within themselves and in relation to others, and who learn in different ways, at different rates and by different paths. - In offering children and young adults education in Polish language, history, art and geography that will enrich their lives, we believe that we are preparing them for the rest of their lives.
- The Polish Language School provides opportunities for children to develop their potential taking in consideration and capitalising on their Polish origins, enabling them to be confident in their identity as Australian citizens with Polish background.
It is important for us to provide students with an understanding and respect for both Australian and Polish cultural heritage and a belief that they can make a difference.
- We reward students who work hard to contribute to our school community.
- Our students' language skills will equip them to take their place in today’s global society.
Purpose & Educational Goals
In fulfilling our objectives we aim to:
- Be a well organised, ethical and disciplined educational organisation,
- Ensure that the Polish Language School in Phillip is an authoritative source of the Polish language, Polish traditions and culture in Canberra,
- Enable mastering of the Polish language,
- Broaden knowledge about the Polish culture for every student attending our classes,
- Offer mutual enjoyment and growth for the students, teachers, other staff and parents;
- Empower students to live in and contribute to a rapidly changing society and to
act as responsible, independent children and later, self-sufficient adults who care about others and their environment.
The School develops academic skills in students, including:
· listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in Polish language;
· a knowledge and appreciation of Poland's historic and geographic context;
· an appreciation and understanding of, and confidence to participate in the creative arts and the creative use of leisure time;
· a capacity to exercise judgement in matters of morality, ethics and social justice.
Core Values:
- Effective Communication
- Showing Respect
- Acting Responsibly
- Caring & Encouraging
- Accepting of others
- Brief History of the School
Our vision, philosophy and objectives become clearer and easier to understand in the context of history of the Polish Schools in Canberra.
The current Polish Language School in Phillip began its activities in Canberra 22 March, 1985 when a relatively large group of new Polish immigrants arrived in the ACT. In Australia, there are approximately 160 thousand people of Polish background and in the Canberra region, about 3.5 thousand people. The first Polish migrants arrived in Australia a long time ago, but the largest wave of immigrants came in the few years after the end of the World War II in 1945.
Most of them were soldiers, who fought for the independence and freedom of Poland. When the World War II had finished, many soldiers did not agree with the political arrangements in Europe (they never accepted Poland under the Soviet control).
They started migrating to many free countries around the world. One of these countries was Australia. These people have very strong emotional links with Poland. This is why they have been very passionate about their language and culture. Very quickly they established the Polish Ethnic School in 1953.
It was the first ethnic school in the ACT. Back in 1953, when the Polish Ethnic School in Turner commenced its activities, the subjects taught included: Polish literature, Polish language and History of Poland.
Due to the political situation in Poland in the late 1970's and early 1980's a large number of Polish people migrated to Australia. This created a much bigger demand for Polish schooling. It became evident, that the existing Polish Ethnic School could not cope with the demand at the time.
As a result of this extra demand our current Polish Language School was established. The opening of our school was made easier thanks to the continuing support of the Department of Education and a few Polish groups. The official ceremony took place in 1985 at the Phillip College and we commenced teaching Polish language with 48 students and 4 teachers. At one stage, the number of students has grown to 120 and that of teachers - to 8.
One of the biggest achievements of the Polish Language School in Phillip is that it obtained accreditation from the Board of Senior Secondary Studies (BSSS) for Year 11 and 12 studies back in 1989. A very significant contribution to this achievement was made by the following teachers: B. Zmijewska, Dr. J Drobiszewski, J. Dabrowska, N Zmijewski, and S. Gajewski.
At present, we have 56 students, including adult classes for beginners and 8 teachers.
The School is a non-profit organisation and is associated with the Catholic Church. The income received from the courses we deliver is only used to promote the aims of the School.
The governance of the Polish Language School is ensured by the creative stewardship of the Polish Education Committee, the school administration and participation of the wider school community.
Eva Roslan
Principal, 2009
- Polish Language School in Phillip, ACT – Philosophy in Practice
Vision Statement - Pursuing excellence in Polish language and in life for all, through parents, students, teachers and the community working together, and all individuals striving for their personal best.
Philosophy of the School - The philosophy which underlies the goals, policies and organisation of Polish Language School in Phillip is:
We recognise that children enter school with a wide range of skills, knowledge, experience and cultural backgrounds, and that all children are individuals having differing abilities within themselves and in relation to others, and who learn in different ways, at different rates and by different paths. - In offering children and young adults education in Polish language, history, art and geography that will enrich their lives, we believe that we are preparing them for the rest of their lives.
- The Polish Language School provides opportunities for children to develop their potential taking in consideration and capitalising on their Polish origins, enabling them to be confident in their identity as Australian citizens with Polish background.
- We reward students who work hard to contribute to our school community.
- Our students' language skills will equip them to take their place in today’s global society.
In fulfilling our objectives we aim to:
- Be a well organised, ethical and disciplined educational organisation,
- Ensure that the Polish Language School in Phillip is an authoritative source of the Polish language, Polish traditions and culture in Canberra,
- Enable mastering of the Polish language,
- Broaden knowledge about the Polish culture for every student attending our classes,
- Offer mutual enjoyment and growth for the students, teachers, other staff and parents;
- Empower students to live in and contribute to a rapidly changing society and to
act as responsible, independent children and later, self-sufficient adults who care about others and their environment.
· listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in Polish language;
· a knowledge and appreciation of Poland's historic and geographic context;
· an appreciation and understanding of, and confidence to participate in the creative arts and the creative use of leisure time;
· a capacity to exercise judgement in matters of morality, ethics and social justice.
Core Values:
- Effective Communication
- Showing Respect
- Acting Responsibly
- Caring & Encouraging
- Accepting of others
- Brief History of the School
Our vision, philosophy and objectives become clearer and easier to understand in the context of history of the Polish Schools in Canberra.
The current Polish Language School in Phillip began its activities in Canberra 22 March, 1985 when a relatively large group of new Polish immigrants arrived in the ACT. In Australia, there are approximately 160 thousand people of Polish background and in the Canberra region, about 3.5 thousand people. The first Polish migrants arrived in Australia a long time ago, but the largest wave of immigrants came in the few years after the end of the World War II in 1945.
Most of them were soldiers, who fought for the independence and freedom of Poland. When the World War II had finished, many soldiers did not agree with the political arrangements in Europe (they never accepted Poland under the Soviet control).
They started migrating to many free countries around the world. One of these countries was Australia. These people have very strong emotional links with Poland. This is why they have been very passionate about their language and culture. Very quickly they established the Polish Ethnic School in 1953.
It was the first ethnic school in the ACT. Back in 1953, when the Polish Ethnic School in Turner commenced its activities, the subjects taught included: Polish literature, Polish language and History of Poland.
Due to the political situation in Poland in the late 1970's and early 1980's a large number of Polish people migrated to Australia. This created a much bigger demand for Polish schooling. It became evident, that the existing Polish Ethnic School could not cope with the demand at the time.
As a result of this extra demand our current Polish Language School was established. The opening of our school was made easier thanks to the continuing support of the Department of Education and a few Polish groups. The official ceremony took place in 1985 at the Phillip College and we commenced teaching Polish language with 48 students and 4 teachers. At one stage, the number of students has grown to 120 and that of teachers - to 8.
One of the biggest achievements of the Polish Language School in Phillip is that it obtained accreditation from the Board of Senior Secondary Studies (BSSS) for Year 11 and 12 studies back in 1989. A very significant contribution to this achievement was made by the following teachers: B. Zmijewska, Dr. J Drobiszewski, J. Dabrowska, N Zmijewski, and S. Gajewski.
At present, we have 56 students, including adult classes for beginners and 8 teachers.
The School is a non-profit organisation and is associated with the Catholic Church. The income received from the courses we deliver is only used to promote the aims of the School.
The governance of the Polish Language School is ensured by the creative stewardship of the Polish Education Committee, the school administration and participation of the wider school community.
Eva Roslan
Principal, 2009
