The decision to choose a patron was intended to unite the traditions cultivated in various former institutions operating on Słowackiego Street and to direct young people’s attention to values important to them and to the country’s history. The White Eagle, Poland’s national symbol, embodies these qualities because it refers to legendary times and the beginnings of the Polish state.
Today’s ceremony did, admittedly, begin with Mass at the Basilica, but this is a result of Christian culture still dominating various spheres of life. It is nevertheless pleasing that the White Eagle was chosen as a symbol of Polish identity that was present before the Christian conquest of the Polans.
The White Eagle is associated with the legend of Lech, the founder of the Polan state. The legend tells how Lech saw a white eagle against a red background while stopping in what is now Greater Poland. This symbol became a reflection of strength, national pride and independence, which can inspire students and shape their sense of national identity.
– Naming a school and presenting it with a banner in a particular school community usually happens only once. In our case, this solemn ceremony is the result of several reforms. Although the school has three banners, until today it did not have a name – the school’s principal, Irena Sikora-Kołodyńska, wrote to us.
– We have: the banner of Municipal Gymnasium No. 2 named after Poles Deported to Siberia, the banner of Municipal Gymnasium No. 3 named after John Paul II, and the banner of Primary School No. 2 named after the Heroes of the 2nd Polish Army. They are now valuable mementos and have historical value. As of September 1, 2017, Municipal School Complex No. 3, established on September 1, 2011, comprising Primary School No. 2 named after the Heroes of the 2nd Polish Army and Municipal Gymnasium No. 3 named after John Paul II, became Primary School No. 2 without a namesake by operation of law; in 2017, Municipal Gymnasium No. 2 named after Poles Deported to Siberia was also incorporated into it. After the two gymnasiums were phased out—from September 1, 2019—Primary School No. 2 remained in the building at 2 Juliusz Słowackiego Street. When choosing the school’s patron, its history was taken into account: it was created by merging several schools. For this reason, it was decided that the patron should unite the traditions cultivated at each of the former institutions and refer to their patrons. In addition, the patron should direct young people’s attention to important values, noble attitudes and the history of our country, while enabling them to identify with the school. Therefore, after a series of organizational measures had been implemented, a vote was held among the entire school community. The result was the selection of the White Eagle as the Patron meeting all the above criteria – added the principal of Primary School No. 2 in Bolesławiec.