Welcome to Our Website!
As parents of Polish children, and as members of the board of directors of the John Paul II School of Polish Language, we desire to tell you all about our school, which was established over 40 years ago by the Polish-American Educational Committee of San Francisco.
We
want our children, who grow in an American society, to learn the
language and culture of Poland. We have many competent and devoted
teachers, and highly engaged parents. We have, at our disposal, all
necessary text books and learning tools. Children learn difficult
Polish grammar and orthography, become acquainted with classical Polish
literature, and learn Polish history and geography. They also have the
option to attend catechism classes. Our students feel enriched and
proud to be able to speak in more than one language, and to have
contact with a centuries-old Slavic culture. One of the favorite
activities is dance classes, taught by a former student of our school.
A few years ago, our school also initiated Polish language classes for
adults.
Many of the friendships forged within our
school last years after the students’ graduation date. Polish
school activities are followed by Polish Scouting Organization
meetings. The scouts’ and school’s activities, such as
games and dances, help develop a sense of Polish pride and identity
within our students. The uniforms of Polish scouts are often praised by
their American friends. The children who return from Polish Scouting
events (such as summer camps, kayaking trips, and skiing expeditions)
bring with them voices full of Polish songs, and priceless memories.
They proudly sew on their newly acquired badges, commemorating the
goals they achieved.
Our
school is a non-profit organization. Tuition fees cover less than half
of the school’s expenses. Additional funds are provided by
donations from Polonia, individual benefactors, and other friendly
organizations. Our most important fundraising event is the annual
Barbórka Ball. The expenses related to rental of the school
campus, insurance, and modest teacher salaries are a set amount, and do
not decrease when less students are enrolled. Thus, the more students
we have, the easier it will be for the school to function and carry on
all its much needed activities. Since we believe that no Polish
children should be denied access to our school, aid is available for
families with financial hardships.
We plead to all the people in our
Polish community to help our school thrive. Your donations are tax
deductible, and can be mailed to the school’s treasurer:
Make checks payable to the Polish-American Educational Committee of San
Francisco, Inc. (PAEC). Detailed information about our school’s
activities can be obtained from the school’s principal, or the director. You can also come and visit us
during school hours, at Walnut Creek United Methodist Church, 1543
Sunnyvale Avenue, Walnut Creek, CA 94596.