Our final project activity
To sum up the project and to show all the students from the school the best of it we asked the students most involved in the project, that is those who took part in international short term student exchanges, to talk about their travelling experience. They were wearing t-shirts with the flag of the country they visited. Apart from the stories and the photos, there was also a chance to taste some homemade sweets from our partner countries, which were prepared using the recipies we shared as one of the project activity.
Some more photos here
Some more photos here
Polish Menu - traditional, healthy and yummy!
Polish cuisine is delicious! Expecially if the dishes are prepared with as much love and joy as it was in the case of our students.
Career Days
It was the time when our students could think more about their future jobs. They presented the jobs of their current interest, they made interviews with various professionals, they visited a number of work places, including our City Council, where they could talk to the vice president of Bialystok.
The presentation is here
The presentation is here
Cooperation with PZU - a finance institution
Thanks to this project our youngest students could start learning the value of money... and saving it :-)
cooperation_with_a_bank.pptx | |
File Size: | 2557 kb |
File Type: | pptx |
Update on our School Council's work
This presentation shows how the role and organisation of our School Council has changed since we started the project. The teacher in charge, the time and the length of the meetings, the inauguration ceremony, team building workshop and many others were inspired by our participation in 'Big Issues in Small Hands'.
school_councils_activities_2015-2016.pptx | |
File Size: | 3728 kb |
File Type: | pptx |
Interview with the vice president of Bialystok
As part of Career Days in our school the students made interviews with their parents, neighbours - people of various professions. We also wanted to contact the famous graduates of our school, one of whom is the vice president of Bialystok - Rafal Rudnicki. On 8th March we had a great chance to meet the president in person. The students asked lots of questions about the duties, a typical day and problems of the president. We learnt a lot about such a responsible job. Thank you very much for the visit and a warm welcome.
Erasmus group and the school parliament in the Polish National Parliament
That was one of the project tasks: to show the school council that their job now is just the first step in the parliamentary career ladder :-) Some of the studnets stepping out of the National Parliament, turned round and said: 'I'll be back!' :-)
We also visited The Invisible Exhibition - a breathtaking experience what it is like to be a blind person. We were speachless... The students understood much more having experienced the everyday obstacles such a person must face.
(Petra, you can visit such exhibition in Prague too)
More pictures here
We also visited The Invisible Exhibition - a breathtaking experience what it is like to be a blind person. We were speachless... The students understood much more having experienced the everyday obstacles such a person must face.
(Petra, you can visit such exhibition in Prague too)
More pictures here
Getting stronger - our school parliament
Do you remember the workshop in Usti nad Labem, Czech Republic about the school parliaments? The teachers took part in a very interesting seminar dealing with the issue of strengthening the role of a school council. We discussed it very thouroughly: Why? When? Who? How? We've already implemented some of its ideas:
- we have a big school calendar just by the main entrance, which shows all the activities in the school including the school parliament actions; they also have a place on the school boards to present the photos from their actions
- our parliament doesn't meet on 20-min break (like it used to be) but it's one hour after the lessons now
- there was a ceremony organized at the beginning of the school year during which all the members of the school council got their certificates from our headmaster
- and last but not least: we organized a team building trip with workshops to make our school council 'not a collection of individuals but a real team' which can count on each other and cooperate successfully
More pictures here
- we have a big school calendar just by the main entrance, which shows all the activities in the school including the school parliament actions; they also have a place on the school boards to present the photos from their actions
- our parliament doesn't meet on 20-min break (like it used to be) but it's one hour after the lessons now
- there was a ceremony organized at the beginning of the school year during which all the members of the school council got their certificates from our headmaster
- and last but not least: we organized a team building trip with workshops to make our school council 'not a collection of individuals but a real team' which can count on each other and cooperate successfully
More pictures here
'Little Robin Red Vest' by Jan Fearnley
Christmas is not only about a Christmas tree, decorations, traditional food, cleaning the house and presents. The real spirit of Christmas can only be experienced when one sees the needs of other people and is ready to lend a hand. The story of a Little Robin is the story about sharing and true friendship. We are glad that so many students and teachers in our school could see it this year.
More pictures here
More pictures here
Christmas Charity Fair
Our snowmen were getting really impatient waiting for the fair but about a week before Christmas we were finally ready. We set a stall in a very busy place at school, the place where all the students and parents could see, admire and buy of course our Christmas decorations. We raised money for the charity Fundacja Kasisi, which helps the children in Zambia. To give it a bit of African look we made some decorations with African desing and we used the colours from the flag of Zambia.
The snowmen disappeared really quickly. Even our headteacher bought a pair of them :-)
The snowmen disappeared really quickly. Even our headteacher bought a pair of them :-)
'Do you want to make a snowmaaaan? ...'
This is a quick update on our preparation for the Christmas fair. Somebody brought the socks, somebody had some grains, somebody got a piece of a ribbon and the snowmen popped up like mushrooms.
More pictures here
More pictures here
Christmas decoration project - a snowman
The Christmas decoration we chose is a cute little snowman made of… socks. Not only is it beautiful and easy to make, but it can also be used to raise the awareness of recycling.
To make the snowman you will need:
The step by step instructions can be seen here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nLhbYdo-bo
We’re planning to make them with our Erasmus group this Thursday. Actually I can’t wait J
To make the snowman you will need:
- One white sock (for kids – the smaller snowman is faster to make, will look cuter and it needs less stuffing)
- One colorful sock (or kid’s tights, or a sleeve)
- Thick thread
- Small buttons (optional)
- Grains, groats or rice (or anything like that) for stuffing – it’s better than the pillow stuffing
- Eyes (you can either draw them or better stick little circles cut of black paper/felt; orange paper/felt for nose)
- Quick dry polymeric glue (it’s faster to stick the hat to the snowman than sew it… and less dangerous)
The step by step instructions can be seen here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nLhbYdo-bo
We’re planning to make them with our Erasmus group this Thursday. Actually I can’t wait J
The Best of Me
During the visit in Poland we summed up the project activities connected to the topic of jobs and professions. Obviously it's much too early for our students to look for a job but it's not too early to think about their individual skills, talents, achievements and future goals. The posters below ('The Best of Me') are the results of lessons about that and they are truly fantastic. Apart from being able to swim, dance, play musical instruments, do sports our students have also 'friendship skills' and they think about their future family - 'I wan't to be a good mother'. Simply, they already perfectly know the answer to the question: 'Who do you want to be in the future?'. The answer is: 'Happy!' :-)
More posters here
More posters here
Sail, sail, sail away... on the Greek ship
Here's the Greek toy that travels around the partner countries and now is visiting our school in Białystok - a beautiful fine ship. Unfortunately there was no chance to show it the Baltic Sea, nor even the Biała River in Białystok. But what's imagination for?! We managed to create amazing marine landscapes in our classroom. Have a look!
More pictures here
More pictures here
Sport Relief - and its consequences :-)
It turned out that during the Sport Relief in our school (which took place in April 2015; we supported Fundacja Kasisi, which helps children in Zambia) we collected really a lot of money: more than 1500€! That's why we had a great chance to meet the founder of Fundacja Kasisi, Szymon Hołownia, who visited us in our school to say 'thank you' and to show how our money helped in Zambia. It was a fantastic meeting since Szymon comes from our city and is a graduate of our school. He's a christian writer (the author of 11 books) and the host of the Polish edition of 'You've got Talent' - so quite a celebrity too ;-) During the meeting most of our students were present, they had a chance to ask questions and take photos. We all watched the film in which the children of Kasisi said 'thank you'. We also got a present - a picture painted by one of the Zambian boys. Our students wrote the letters to the kids in Zambia about us, the school, the race.
t was a truly special day in the school.
Just have a look at the pictures.
t was a truly special day in the school.
Just have a look at the pictures.
Sport Relief - the first charity race in our school
This year's Sport Day in our school was truly a festival of charity. We wanted to combine sport and charity event to show our children that helping other can be fun and that 'the power of giving is greater than the joy of receiving'. We decided to help the charity founded by the graduate of our school Szymon Holownia (who is also the host of 'Poland's got Talent' show and the author of many christian books). Fundacja Kasisi supports the biggest children's home in Zambia and step by step changes it into a safe and joyful place, which you can see on their website.
Our students - like professional sportsmen - had to pay the participation fee if they wanted to take part in the race, which means they had looked for the sponsors in their families and among friends (and teachers). The sponsors gave their signatures on the special sponsors' list. Every loop the students ran was awarded with a stamp on their hands. The best ones got about 40 stamps!
We couldn't believe it ourselves but thanks to the children's involvement and generosity of their sponsors we managed to collect about 1360€ (5452zl) and... it's not the end of our ideas how to help Kasisi.
Here you can see more pictures from the event
Our students - like professional sportsmen - had to pay the participation fee if they wanted to take part in the race, which means they had looked for the sponsors in their families and among friends (and teachers). The sponsors gave their signatures on the special sponsors' list. Every loop the students ran was awarded with a stamp on their hands. The best ones got about 40 stamps!
We couldn't believe it ourselves but thanks to the children's involvement and generosity of their sponsors we managed to collect about 1360€ (5452zl) and... it's not the end of our ideas how to help Kasisi.
Here you can see more pictures from the event
The best Polish sportsman
First we asked our PE teachers to list 5 best Polish sportsman/sportswomen. Once they did it, we asked the children to vote for the best-of-the-best. It isn't surprising that the vast majority of them voted for Robert Lewandowski - the captain of our national football team and... the most handsome of all our football players ;-)
Here you can find some more facts about him:
Here you can find some more facts about him:
polish_sportsman.pptx | |
File Size: | 1899 kb |
File Type: | pptx |
Heaven and Earth - good old games!
We learnt to play Heaven and Earth. The rules are very simple, but not the game itself. All you need is a metal box filled with sand, a piece of chalk and at least two pairs of springy legs :)
Throw the box, and push it with your foot jumping on one leg. You must get to the field "Heaven" but you musn't step on any line. When you get there you win!
Have a look: https://youtu.be/_Hw_DlvYTTU
Throw the box, and push it with your foot jumping on one leg. You must get to the field "Heaven" but you musn't step on any line. When you get there you win!
Have a look: https://youtu.be/_Hw_DlvYTTU
The Wawel Dragon - a Polish legend
One of the project tasks was making a book presenting one of our traditional stories. Which Polish student doesn't know about the Wawel Dragon?! There's everything in this legend that a good thriller should have: a merciless monster, a beautiful princess, an intelligent and courageous man. There's suspense and action. What about the happy end? Have a look and find it out.
the_legend_of_the_wawel_dragon.pdf | |
File Size: | 868 kb |
File Type: |
Children's Rights Week in our school
Children have the right to know their rights. In our school children watched a mulitemedia presentation on children's rights and had a chance to discuss them, ask questions and give their opinion. Many students were suprised to have some rights and to have so many rights.We were happy to show them that we know them too and that we care about them.
Then children made posters about the rights that appeal to them most.
Here are the results:
http://pl.padlet.com/jola_onoszko1/ins7gsgkhqv8
Then children made posters about the rights that appeal to them most.
Here are the results:
http://pl.padlet.com/jola_onoszko1/ins7gsgkhqv8
25 lat Konwencji o prawach dziecka - Convention on the Rights of the Child
Poniżej prezentacja o prawach dziecka i ich łamaniu w wielu miejscach na świecie. Plik ma ok. 5 MB.
Below you can find the presentation about the rights of the child and violating them in many parts of the world. It's in Polish, though.
Below you can find the presentation about the rights of the child and violating them in many parts of the world. It's in Polish, though.
25_lat_konwencji_o_prawach_dziecka.pptx | |
File Size: | 5652 kb |
File Type: | pptx |
"Adventure is out there!" /Reksio, the Polish mascot/
"My dear Polish friends,
I'm getting ready for the adventures! Within 1,5 year I'm going to visit all the partner counries: the Czech Republic, France, Turkey, Estonia and Greece. Don't worry, I will come back in May 2016 with lots of stories to tell you. Actually, you will be able to read them yourself because I'm travelling with a diary - a beautiful diary! Thank you Wiktoria for the amazing cover you made :-) I will write down my all nice memories there and put the pictures of me with the students who will look after me. I really can't wait!
There's one thing I'd like to ask you, my Polish friends: take a good care of the mascots that are going to visit you when I'm away. Show them how friendly and creative you are. I'm sure they will keep these memories in their hearts too.
See you next May
Love
Reksio"
I'm getting ready for the adventures! Within 1,5 year I'm going to visit all the partner counries: the Czech Republic, France, Turkey, Estonia and Greece. Don't worry, I will come back in May 2016 with lots of stories to tell you. Actually, you will be able to read them yourself because I'm travelling with a diary - a beautiful diary! Thank you Wiktoria for the amazing cover you made :-) I will write down my all nice memories there and put the pictures of me with the students who will look after me. I really can't wait!
There's one thing I'd like to ask you, my Polish friends: take a good care of the mascots that are going to visit you when I'm away. Show them how friendly and creative you are. I'm sure they will keep these memories in their hearts too.
See you next May
Love
Reksio"
'Little Robin Red Vest'
There is a
beautiful Christmas story about a little Robin – the bird who gave away all his
warm vests to other animals in need. This moved Santa Claus himself, whose wife
made a very special red vest as a present for Robin. Since then robins became
the symbol of Christmas and their bright bellies make people smile in the
middle of chilly winter.
Our Erasmus team’s charity performance also made our audience smile and… share their pocket money. We collected the money for the 6-year-old girl from Ivory Coast – Evariste Penan. Our school adopted her 2 years ago in a program of a long distance adoption. Thanks to our regular help she can afford to go to school.
Here's some more information about Evariste and her country:
http://pl.padlet.com/jola_onoszko1/qbnta9gss1uh
Our Erasmus team’s charity performance also made our audience smile and… share their pocket money. We collected the money for the 6-year-old girl from Ivory Coast – Evariste Penan. Our school adopted her 2 years ago in a program of a long distance adoption. Thanks to our regular help she can afford to go to school.
Here's some more information about Evariste and her country:
http://pl.padlet.com/jola_onoszko1/qbnta9gss1uh
Everybody can be Santa!
Our school
parliament is a real Dream Team! Having learnt that there are some students in
our school who are in need and whose families can’t afford any presents, they
organized an action, the results of which can be seen in the pictures. Lots of
sweets, toys, games, a ball and even a pair of shoes. All nicely packed
according to the needs and theirChristmas wishes. Here are those who are really full
of the spirit of Christmas!
Christmas Song Contest
When snow is falling all around me and we’re rushing through the snow in a one-horse open sleigh we tend to think about how last Christmas I gave you my heart ;-)
Can you imagine Christmas without the songs played on the radio and TV? The songs which we hum whether we’re aware of it or not. Our ‘Christmas Song Contest’ was the proof that our students not only can hum them, but know the text and the meaning well and have their own artistic ideas how to interpret them. Congratulations to Justyna singing ‘Last Christmas’– the first place winner.
Can you imagine Christmas without the songs played on the radio and TV? The songs which we hum whether we’re aware of it or not. Our ‘Christmas Song Contest’ was the proof that our students not only can hum them, but know the text and the meaning well and have their own artistic ideas how to interpret them. Congratulations to Justyna singing ‘Last Christmas’– the first place winner.
Santa Claus Fashion Show
Every child
knows that there’s only ONE Real Santa Claus. However, his ‘helpers’ come in
all shapes and sizes ;-) Our school parliament came up with a Christmas idea
this year to make the ‘Santa Fashion Show’. Each class had to design Santa’s
outfit – they were bishop-like, Coca-cola style or secret service cover. Just
take a look at the photos and choose the one you like most.
Nativity Play
There are
various symbols of Christmas: Santa Claus, Rudolph, robins, Christmas tree etc. But
our religious education teachers wanted to remind us how it all started and how beautiful the first Christmas was - back there in Bethlehem in a quiet little manger. So ‘come all ye faithful’ and
see what class 4e presented!
Christmas time and our charity actions
The time
before Christmas can be spent running around the shops, spending money or
cleaning houses. But it’s not real Christmas. Our students wanted to feel the
spirit of this special time by thinking about the people in need. Well,
thinking was first and then came the actions! Two weeks before Christmas the
students opened the charity stall (‘stalls’ to be exact) and started selling
hand-made decorations: bells, stars, Santas, angels, nativity scenes. Everybody
can find something they like. It’s a great occasion to buy some Christmas postcards
and send them to our families. This way they also may contribute to this
beautiful charity event.
Logo competition
Designing the logo of the Project was the first Erasmus+ tasks in our school. The children from all the six partner schools made the works (of art J ) promoting ‘Big Issues in Small Hands’. Then they chose the best one from the school. Our champion project was the logo by Ola Bartoszuk, winning hands down! Having the six best project, which can be seen below…
... each school chose the one representing most clearly the spirit of the project. Each country voted for the best one choosing from the five (excluding the one from their school). Having summed up all the results… the winner waaaaasss… the Turkish logo! Number 1 on our board. Congratulations!
Here is Polish best project by Ola and some others - equally artistic:
... each school chose the one representing most clearly the spirit of the project. Each country voted for the best one choosing from the five (excluding the one from their school). Having summed up all the results… the winner waaaaasss… the Turkish logo! Number 1 on our board. Congratulations!
Here is Polish best project by Ola and some others - equally artistic:
One of our first project meetings with students
We wanted to know how much the students know about the partner counries. They were asked to brainstorm all the information about each country: famous people, places, sights, traditional food, clothes, culture. This task turned out to be quite easy for the Czech Republic (since it's our neighbour) or Greece and Turkey (being a popular tourist destinations). Everybody knew famous French landmarks, fashion or cuisine. However, Estonia is... quite a mystery at this point :-) It will sure change anytime soon.