'I can confidently say that our establishment works very well, we have a very good team and great children,' said Sofija Matarevič, a longstanding principal of the Vilnius primary school -kindergarten 'Vilija', in an interview with L24.
The foundations of the primary school-kindergarten 'Vilija' were established in 1983. Initially, it existed as a Russian kindergarten. First Polish kindergarten groups were created in 1988. And in 1999 the kindergarten moved on self-financing.
In 2001 'Vilija', as the first in Vilnius, received the status of a Polish primary school-kindergarten.
Everything in Polish
Kindergarten and school are Polish - the teaching and education is conducted only in Polish. The state language (Lithuanian), of course, is very important in the school-kindergarten - the education is based on a strengthened program of learning the Lithuanian language. There are 4 Lithuanian teachers working in the establishment, who despite their regular activities, also lead free classes of the Lithuanian language for persons with difficulties in mastering the state language.
The school-kindergarten is located in a picturesque and safe district of Vilnius - Justiniškės. Currently 'Vilija' has 380 children and 45 teachers.
Kindergarten groups work according to own program 'World of kindergarten' and Lithuanian programs 'O-pa-pa'. The 'Good Start' methods are applied. Moreover, methodical materials of J. Białobrzeska, Maria Montessori and Reggio Emilia teaching methods are also used.
There are many strengths of the school-kindergarten: highly qualified staff, nonconventional methods of the Lithuanian language teaching from the age of 4 years, the English language teaching from first grade, day-room activities developing children's interests, speech therapist, efficient use of children time, tasty home-cooked meals , interesting educational and recreational excursions.
There are additional classes of traditional Vietnamese martial arts Niat-Nam, ceramic art, ballroom dancing, folk band, and English organized in the primary school.
A child who comes to the school feels safe what is resulting in his or her harmonious and comprehensive development.
'We teach even the smallest children the basics of behavior. We explain that it is not good to interfere in the conversation of two adult, or just walk into the office of a teacher or a principal,' said Matarevič.
Pupils of the school-kindergarten 'Vilija' actively participate in international and urban competitions and festivals. They are usually among the best.
The specificity of teaching toddlers
The entire staff of 'Vilija' has a pedagogical education. But this is not always enough. 'An ordinary Polish or math teacher cannot come to a primary school or a kindergarten. A person should have suitable qualifications for this work. It is necessary to understand the specificities arising from the age of the child, an educator needs to know what to do so that a child would attend a kindergarten or a primary school with pleasure,' claimed Matarevič.
After graduating from the primary school-kindergarten, pupils of 'Vilija' usually go to a nearby progymnasium of John Paul II, then - to the gymnasium of John Paul II in Karoliniškės.
An exemplary organization
The school-kindergarten 'Vilija' is an establishment deserved for Polish culture in Lithuania. It is an exemplary organization, which merits to the Poles of Vilnius and Lithuania are invaluable. 'We participate almost everywhere!', said the principal. And everywhere they are invariably among the best. It also has to be noted that children are involved not only in Polish competitions, but also in Lithuanian.
There are many diplomas, compliments, acknowledgements for pupils and for teaching staff for fruitful performances and for participation in various competitions hung on the walls of corridors of 'Vilija'.
'I often provide such a comparison: the primary school-kindergarten is like a coat - when you do up the first button wrong, you distort the whole coat. We create the foundation for child's overall knowledge and education', said Matarevič.
The school has a rich library, the staff of which always encourage children to read. It is not easy considering that almost everything has moved today to the internet. After all, through games, fun and competitions it is possible to convince children that a book can be one of the best friends of a human.
Correspondence with Buckingham Palace and star in the sky
The school's pupils go to Poland for summer camps. Gdańsk, Włodawa, Łódź, Łomża, Szczecin, Chełm... The school has partners and friends almost everywhere in Poland. And recently the kids from 'Vilija' became friends with the Queen of Great Britain Elizabeth II!
'Our preschoolers together with teacher Andžej (another rarity on a national scale) came up with an idea to congratulate the Queen on her reigning anniversary. Children wrote wishes, drew images of the Queen and sent everything to London. Children were delighted when after some time they received an official reply from the residence of the Queen at Buckingham Palace with thanks from the Queen! And now children still keep up a friendly correspondence with the residence of British kings.'
Moreover, last year grateful parents of 11th promotion of school-kindergarten named one star in the sky 'Vilija' through an official catalog of the heaven stars Star Deed. Now the school has its star in the sky. With a Certificate of Authenticity.
"This project is co-financed from the funds granted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland."
