A SPECIAL celebration was held to mark the 10-year anniversary of a Polish school teaching the local community in Limerick.
The Julian Tuwim Academy marked a decade of shaping young minds at its Polish Saturday school in the Treaty City.
The anniversary celebrations included music, poetry, heartfelt speeches, presentations, cake, and champagne, enjoyed by members of the local Polish community and visiting dignitaries, with almost 80 people turning out for the occasion at the Oakwood Hotel in Shannon.
In attendance at the event were Polish Consul Michał Wybirał, Honorary Polish Consul in Limerick Gerard O’Neill, and Kamila Dobrzyńska of the Polish Consular Office, along with local parish priest Father Krzysztof, and parents, students, former students, and school friends and sponsors.
Former school principal and deputy principal Małgorzata Halwa-Zderkiewicz Monika Marendowska travelled from Poland for the occasion.
Many memories of the school, formerly named for Janusz Korczak, were shared on the day, along with a multimedia presentation and artistic performances from students and former students of the Juliam Tuwim Academy.
A highlight of the evening was a recital by Anna Bańko, who captivated the audience with her versatile vocal performance in both Polish and English. Iwona Pietruszkiewicz, a parent at the school, also showcased her talents with a poetry recitation, as well as music from the Bartnik family performing works by artists such as Stanisław Soyka and Sanah.
The festivities concluded with a birthday cake, a champagne toast, and a hearty rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’.
“It is impossible to name all the people involved in preparing this event. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank each of you for your support, kindness, and for celebrating together,” said Sonia Mocha, current director of the Julian Tuwim Academy.
“In a special way, we thank the Polish Community Association and the Polish Language Institute for funding this project and making its realisation possible.”