In December 2025 our school celebrated a Christmas Saturday full of joy and emotion. The school community came together to celebrate the approach of Christmas, and the occasion took on a special significance with the presentation of gold awards for outstanding services to Polish education abroad.
Nativity play, carols and the Christmas Eve table
First, everyone celebrated together as one school family. Together we watched the nativity play, sang carols and enjoyed the quizzes. The Parents’ Committee prepared traditional Christmas Eve dishes, and parents baked cakes, which were shared among everyone present. As the Headteacher, Ms Irena Kukuła, wrote in her letter to parents, the atmosphere was a reminder of how important it is to spend time together just before Christmas, among the people who make up the Polish community.
Nativity plays (jasełka), which tell the story of the birth of Jesus, are among the oldest Polish Christmas customs, and singing carols together has for generations created a festive atmosphere in Polish homes and communities.
Gold awards for distinguished service
The second, deeply moving highlight of the day was the visit of the Honorary President of Polska Macierz Szkolna (Polish Educational Society), Ms Aleksandra Podhorodecka. She presented gold awards for outstanding services to Polish education abroad to no fewer than 16 people. Those honoured included teachers, accountants and parents – people who have devoted their hearts, time and energy to the school for years. For decades, Polska Macierz Szkolna has supported Polish Saturday schools in Great Britain, and such awards are an expression of recognition for many years of work for Polish education.
Thanks and Christmas wishes
The Headteacher emphasised that it was a moment full of pride, gratitude and great emotion. On behalf of the school, she congratulated those honoured and thanked them for being part of the school community. She also thanked the parents – for their presence, their support and for working together to create a place where children can grow up in Polish culture, language and tradition. The letter ended with these wishes:
We wish you a Christmas of joy and peace of heart. Of hope that is born amid the darkness. Of closeness and of health, which are perhaps the most precious things in the world.
Irena Kukuła, Headteacher
The return to school after the Christmas break is planned for 10 January 2026.
