Our patron
Since 1978 our school has been named after Maria Konopnicka, the author of books and poems that children have been reading for over a hundred years.
Who Maria Konopnicka was
Maria Konopnicka lived from 1842 to 1910. She was a poet, writer and translator. She devoted a large part of her work to children.
She wrote poems about nature, the seasons and everyday life in the countryside. She closely observed animals, plants and people, and then described them in simple, melodious language. Children know many of her poems by heart before they learn to read.
Books our students know
- “About the Dwarfs and Little Orphan Mary” – a fairy tale about friendship between people and dwarfs, full of descriptions of the forest, fields and seasons;
- “Berry Picking” – a story about a trip to the forest and how much there is to see there;
- “Stefek Burczymucha” – a funny poem about a boy who boasts of his bravery until he meets a little mouse;
- poems about nature – about winter, spring, birds and the garden, read in the younger classes all year round.
Why her
The name was chosen together by teachers, parents and the Student Council from three proposals. The school chronicle records two reasons for this choice.
The first is how close her books are to children. The second is attentiveness to nature, which we want to teach our students. Students get to know Konopnicka at each stage of school, from poems for the youngest to stories read in the older classes.
For us, our patron's name is an encouragement to read to children, go out into the garden with them and teach them to look at the world attentively.
Our patron in school life
Our patron's work accompanies us all year, not only on special occasions. The most important traditions are described below, and their dates are given in the calendar.
School Day in May
We celebrate the anniversary of the school being named. The programme includes a formal assembly, a treasure hunt prepared by the Polish teachers and an exhibition of art and writing inspired by our patron's work.
Reading aloud competition
The “Loud and Clear” competition for Grades 1–3 has two stages: class heats in February and the school final in March. Participants read passages they choose themselves, not only works by the school's patron.
Konopnicka Run
The school cross-country race in the park next to the school, in May, in four age categories. Students from all classes run.
The patron's corner in the library
A dedicated shelf with books by Maria Konopnicka and studies about her. We add students' work from competitions and projects.
Upcoming celebrations
Full calendar →Kindness Day
Carnival ball for Grades 1–3
The school banner
The banner was funded by parents in 1978 for the naming ceremony. One side bears the patron's name, the other the school's name and number.
The banner party is made up of seventh- and eighth-grade students, chosen every year by the teaching staff council. The banner is displayed at the start and end of the school year, on School Day and at the farewell to graduates.