On Saturday, 31 May 2014, the Polish Community Trust celebrated its first anniversary and the first "birthday" of the Polish Saturday school. Over thirty Poles, partners of Poles and children representing four generations came to the event at St Thomas More Catholic church in Mt Maunganui. It was an intimate, small-scale celebration whose relevance, however, was acknowledged by the attendance of an official representative of Poland.
The new Polish Honorary Consul Boguslaw Nowak had made the trip from Auckland despite a flat tyre forcing him to return home and swap cars. He arrived on time to congratulate the Trust initiators and also to introduce himself in his new role.
Magdalena James and some of her pupils
In his speech he outlined the importance of both internal as well as external initiatives of expat Poles. "Every one of us is an ambassador of Poland", he said. While the image of Poland in New Zealand was positive, this should not keep expats from promoting the country and its culture even more, for example to friends, colleagues or neighbours. "Poland as a travel destination, Polish film, Polish food, Polish arts and traditions... I've heard of so many good ideas in many Polish communities all over New Zealand. We just need to get them off the ground. We need some more enthusiasts like you to actually do it."
Trust member Eva Niedzielski gave an overview of the beginnings of the Trust and how the Saturday school idea came to fruition, followed by Magdalena James speaking about her approach to teaching and the benefits of rhythmics. "The Dalcroze approach, known as eurhythmics, is a fantastic teaching method based on the children's natural need for movement. It builds creativity and confidence by using vocal elements, motor skills excersises and dance as well as improvisation."
A five-minute video of the event is on YouTube.
The new Polish Honorary Consul Boguslaw Nowak had made the trip from Auckland despite a flat tyre forcing him to return home and swap cars. He arrived on time to congratulate the Trust initiators and also to introduce himself in his new role.
Magdalena James and some of her pupils
In his speech he outlined the importance of both internal as well as external initiatives of expat Poles. "Every one of us is an ambassador of Poland", he said. While the image of Poland in New Zealand was positive, this should not keep expats from promoting the country and its culture even more, for example to friends, colleagues or neighbours. "Poland as a travel destination, Polish film, Polish food, Polish arts and traditions... I've heard of so many good ideas in many Polish communities all over New Zealand. We just need to get them off the ground. We need some more enthusiasts like you to actually do it."
Trust member Eva Niedzielski gave an overview of the beginnings of the Trust and how the Saturday school idea came to fruition, followed by Magdalena James speaking about her approach to teaching and the benefits of rhythmics. "The Dalcroze approach, known as eurhythmics, is a fantastic teaching method based on the children's natural need for movement. It builds creativity and confidence by using vocal elements, motor skills excersises and dance as well as improvisation."
A five-minute video of the event is on YouTube.
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