Recent News

Covid-19 Update

Everyone has been working very hard to ensure a safe reopening of Polish School in Galway for staff, students and their families. During the lockdown, our students had classes live-online. Since the 7th of November 2020 we are back to face-to-face classes! Things are a little bit different than before, but our pupils are more than happy to return and they have quickly adapted to the new rules. Children are adhering to proper hand-washing procedures and coughing etiquette. When they arrive in class, everyone disinfects their hands. Desks and chairs are disinfected before class, during the break, while they play outside, and after class. Windows are kept open and kids cannot play with other classes at break time. But, is any of this going to stop them from learning and having fun? Not at all!

Our Library

Did you know that we have our own school library? Yes! What's more, it contains over 12,000 Polish books for our students and staff to read and enjoy. You can find out more and search our catalogue here. 

New health & safety rules

• Each Saturday before entering the school we are required to collect from the parents statements declaring that the child is free from colds, coughs, flu-like symptoms, and had not been traveling abroad for the last 14 days and was not advised to self-isolate by a doctor.
• Childen from the pre-shool groups up until 6th class do not need to wear a face mask. Children in 7th or 8th class must wear face masks when in school.
• Parents are not allowed inside the school gates.
   In the morning, parents escort their children to the appropriate gates of each campus between 9.50-10.00 and quickly leave the area, maintaining a social distance at all times. Children from 2nd class and above can walk to the designated gates on their own. 
  

Big Events

10th anniversary of Polish School in Galway

On June 15, 2019, we celebrated the end of the school year as well as the 10th anniversary of Polish School in Galway. On this occasion, distinguished guests came to celebrate with us. 
From Poland: Mr. Michał Rusinek - literary scholar, author and translator, President of the Wisława Szymborska Foundation. Mr. Krzysztof Łachmański - Vice President of the "Polish Community" Association.
From Galway: We were also honored by the presence of the Mayor of Galway - Cllr. Mike Cubbard. From Our Lady's College, Principal Clíona Ní Neill and Deputy Principal, Michelle Casserly.
From Dublin came: Consul - Mr. Grzegorz Sala, as well as Mrs. Beata Śniegocka, from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The meeting was held in two parts: the first for older students, the second for the youngest. During the first part, in addition to the guest speeches, our students  presented the history of the school, which was accompanied by a slide show. Then, recitations of our Patroness' poetry. As Mr.Rusinek said - this is the most beautiful gift for our Patroness, who did not care for bronze monuments, but that her poetry is still alive, is read and recited, also outside Poland. Then, Director Agnieszka Grochola received the "Silver Cross of Merit" awarded by the President of Poland, from the Consul General, Mr.Sala. Vice-president of the "Polish Community" Association, Mr.Łachmański, presented the School with the Bronze Medal of the "Polish Community" Association.
Teachers of individual classes, together with the Consul, handed out certificates and books to the best-performing students. Congratulations to them!
Words of gratitude for the cooperation and commitment to the development of the school were addressed to the school management, all teachers, library staff, administration, volunteers and cleaners. Thanks were received by the Guests, members of the Board, Parents, Sponsors and Friends of the school and volunteers.
The second part involving the younger students consisted of singing songs prepared by each class and of a theatrical performance from our after-school drama club. We would like to thank students, teachers, parents, school management and board for preparing the ceremony. We would like to thank Mariusz Mądry for the musical service. Thank you Bartek Kotulski for the photos. We wish everyone all the best! 
You can see all the photos from the event here. 

5th anniversary of Polish School in Galway

 On the 5th of October 2014 Polish School in Galway celebrated it's 5th anniversary and the school received the name of Wislawa Szymborska, a Polish poet, essayist, translator and recipient of the 1996 Nobel Prize in Literature. 
It was a very special day for the Polish community in Galway. There were many guests from Poland and not only. On that day, we hosted the Polish Ambassador - Marcin Nawrot, Galway Mayor Cllr. Pádraig Conneely, and guest of honour Mrs. Danuta Wałęsa (former First Lady in Poland - in Office 1990-95). She is the wife of the former President of Poland, also known as a freedom fighter - Lech Wałęsa. In 1983 she represented her husband in Oslo when he was awarded Nobel Peace Prize. The School's event also had in attendance Mr. Michał Rusinek,(personal secretary of Wisława Szymborska), Maciej Jakubowski (deputy Minister of Polish Ministry of National Education), Terry O’Flaherty, former Mayor of Galway and many more.
The day included guests' speeches, children's performances, symbolic ribbon cutting and a huge, delicious birthday cake!
It was a a very special day and we would like to extend a big 'THANK YOU' to everyone who helped in the organisation of the event and those who attended on the day. We would also like to extend our thanks to our students, their parents, teachers, sponsors and all friends of the school! See photos from the day here.