On Saturday, 25 May, the fourth Family Picnic was held at Primary School No. 2 in Bolesławiec. The area in front of the school, the sports field and the school auditorium provided a setting for shared fun and warm family gatherings involving pupils, their parents and grandparents, as well as teachers. The sunny weather was favourable for everyone who decided to visit the school that day. A range of attractions had been prepared especially for them: a demonstration of the youngest pupils’ sporting skills, sports competitions for the older classes on the school field and in the gym, a Song Festival for Years 1–3, a Holiday Song Review, and a satirical performance consisting of poems by Jan Brzechwa and Julian Tuwim, among many others. They took place in various parts of the school—the mini-stage set up on a lorry trailer was the most charming and highly entertaining.
It was there that the singing performances took place, and many talented young performers could be heard. The atmosphere on and around this particular stage was exceptionally lively. This was thanks to the excellent audience, who knew how to have fun, and the young people, who were very well prepared for their performances. The group from class VII e received genuine applause after adding amusing stage movement and dancing to their holiday song. A raffle was held throughout the picnic. A café was arranged in the auditorium, offering coffee, tea, soft drinks and cakes baked by the mothers of our pupils. Most of those attending the picnic were nevertheless impatiently awaiting the programme’s main attraction—military pea soup and sausages. The area where the military tents had been set up was crowded long before the field kitchen arrived. The communal bonfire and the opportunity to roast sausages also brought everyone great joy. We would like to sincerely thank the school’s dependable friends: the commands of Military Units 43-55 and 12-59, Col. Stanisław Chwojnicki, MSc, Lt. Col. Bogdan Kośny, MSc, as well as the officers, soldiers and parents. These events provide opportunities to meet, talk and have fun together in an atmosphere full of kindness and family warmth. On this day, all the school’s friends come together. It is an opportunity to exchange observations about everyday life at “Dwójka”, to take a calm look at the work of the teachers and pupils, but also simply to relax and forget one’s worries.
Preparing the picnic requires considerable effort from the teachers, parents and pupils alike. The event is preceded by the intensive work of many people, and the preparations require strong organisational skills. This effort nevertheless produces fantastic results. The school’s educational work gains a deeper meaning, becomes more tangible and bears fruit in the form of lasting, warm relationships between pupils, parents and teachers. The picnic also provides the school with financial benefits—very practical and essential given the current situation in education as a whole. At this year’s picnic, our school earned more than 21 million old zlotys. This money is very much needed and will be put to good use. We thank everyone who helped organise the event, as well as those who were at “Dwójka” that day. We know that we can always count on you, Dear Friends. See you next year.
Ewa Ołenicz-Bernacka
(We apologise to Ms Ewa Ołewicz-Bernacka for distorting her surname in the June issue)