SELECTED PIECES OF WRITING

I . OUR SCHOOL
II. SPRING CUSTOMS
III. CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS
IV. NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS
V. FAVOURITE PASTIME

I. We exchanged opinions about our schools:

This is what Grzegorz has written:

School History

Secondary comprehensive School No.1 in Mielec is named after Stanislaw Konarski. It’s situated in the Old Town in Jedrusiow Street 1.
This school was founded in 1905 and it’s the oldest school in Mielec. Besides, it belongs to the prestigious Club of 100 Schools of the longest tradition in Poland. In 2005 we will celebrate anniversary of 100 years’ existence.
In this school many famous people learned such as Kazimierz Sabbat, president of Poland abroad, in years 1986-89 or Wladyslaw Jasinski, commander of military division ,,Odwet”,
as well as many politicians, businessmen and people of culture.
As for achievements, students of our school participate in many nation-wide competitions. They mainly include olympiads and contests in the following subjects: mathematics, history, biology. Our student reached the final stage of International Contest on Biology, which took place in Bangkok.

Here is Jolly’s e-mail about school classrooms:

As the school is one of the oldest, so the building where the classes are held is also old. At present, it is under repair. It’s got three floors. In all there are about 30 classrooms, teachers’ room, two computer labs, a library, a gym and a fitness centre.
Now there are fewer students than in the past because 2 years ago a new educational reform was introduced to schools and learning in secondary schools lasts 3 years, not 4 as earlier.
So, today there are about 650 pupils in this high school. They learn in 21 classes. The headmistress of school is Mrs Anna Maciejak.
I think my school is a great place and I’m very proud that I can learn in it.

Kate has written about profiles in our school:

The classes are coeducational and streamed. Nowadays there are 7 profiles.
1) Computer Science Profile
Computer Science Subject, which lasts for three years (in the past four), allows students to get familiarized with new computer techniques and advanced programming technology. Students also learn how to operate the Internet. They study two foreign languages: English and German. Students have extra lessons from mathematics. This profile prepares to Mathematical, technical or computer studies.

2) Law and Economy Profile
This profile is so popular with students that at present there are two classes streamed in this direction. Extended history curriculum allows students to prepare thoroughly to entrance examinations to historical, law, economic and other humanistic studies. The syllabus is adapted to the requirements of a new examination of A-Level or “Maturity” Exam after getting the secondary-school leaving certificate. Extended English syllabus with 5 hours weekly and also German language. Instead of technics, pupils learn computer studies. Numerous trips to historical places and universities.

3) Ecological Profile
Students acquire knowledge about the ecology while studying various subjects. This profile prepares well for studies connected with Biology, Chemistry, Physics. Foreign languages are English, Russian and French.

4) Biology and Chemistry profile
Pupils learn biology, chemistry and physics in an extended way to be well prepared for studying medicine. Two languages are compulsory: English and pupils can also choose French or Russian.

5) Geography and Maths Profile
In this profile much emphasis is put on Geography and Maths. Students have more hours from these subjects than others. Numerous trips are organized to National Parks. This profile is chosen by students who want to study geography, tourism, economy.

6) History Profile
In this profile students have more hours of History and WOS ( Knowledge about community ).
They usually choose Law, International Economy or Marketing, History, Sociology because their command of history is very good due to extended curriculum. Many students from this profile take part in contests organized by various universities in Poland and Education Institute in Warsaw.

7 Language and Economy Profile
In this profile pupils have Polish, English and German 5 hours weekly. They are
Business English. Students who enter this class must be at advanced level from English. The have also extra faculties from history, geography or maths.

Joanna tried to inform our foreign peers about extracurricular activities in our school:

In my school there are many activities which are organised except for obligatory lessons. They can be divided into two categories: societies and subject classes. Various societies or clubs are for those who want to develop their interests. So, we have the Club of English Language Lovers, Society of English Translators (students translate texts from Polish into English and vice versa), Journalism Society and European Club (it’ us!). There is International Virtual Class which does projects in English with other European schools through the Internet. Students who love reading poems belong to the Society of Poetry whereas those who are good at singing attend the activities of school choir. It is the boast of our school and town! Besides, we can practise sports such as volleyball, basketball and handball in School Sports Club whose activities take place in the afternoons.
As I mentioned earlier, there are also extra classes where students enhance their knowledge about various subjects, e.g. history, geography, maths, Russian. They are mainly for students who are preparing for their A-Finals Exams, so called “Maturity Exams” and also for those who want to take entrance exams to universities. Thus, everyone can choose what he or she wants.

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II. SPRING CUSTOMS

One of e-mails about spring customs:

Hi Maria.
How are you? I haven’t got any news from you???
How did you spend Spring Day 2004??? I spent it at home with my family. Have you got any traditions about Spring Day? Can you write to me something about it?
We have two old traditions called Winter Farewell and Spring Welcome.

Many villagers still observe an old tradition of WINTER FAREWELL , by burning a straw puppet called MARZANNA and throwing its remains into the river. Fire and water are to be an effective way to get rid of evil which winter brings. People make bonfires, sing and dance around a small tree GAIK MAIK adorned with colourful ribbons.

However, this tradition is dying out in towns and cities. Instead, the custom of SPRING WELCOME is more popular nowadays. It means that people throw the wreaths of flowers onto the water with a candle lit inside them. It gives a breathtaking view at night when folk are watching light gleam and flower wreaths floating on water. Orchestras play music and artists give performances in open air, followed by the display of fireworks.
When it comes to pupils, only small kids from primary schools love going with teachers to the river to enjoy this event by singing songs and having fun.

Another custom is PLAYING TRUANT from school. On that day children don’t go to school.
In the past students from our school also used to play hooky on that day. Therefore, pupils’ council organise various activities to attract them to school on Spring Day, for example: Review of Artistic Talents during which pupils give performances, play instruments, sing songs or tell about their hobbies. Another event is First Formers' Pledging Ceremony where first graders present themselves to other older students from school.
In big cities great happenings are held with the participation of music bands.
In spring we have also a very funny custom – FOOLS’ DAY on 1st April. Everyone tries to
play jokes on others.
What customs associated with spring do you observe in your country?
Until hearing from you,
With cordial spring greetings
Kate

Easter traditions in Poland (by Kasia )

Before Easter there are forty days of Lent. Ash Wednesday is the first day of this fasting. It is the time of preparations to Easter. The last week before Easter which starts on Palm Sunday is called Holy Week. Three last days before Easter are called Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday.

Holy Saturday is a day when people go to church for God blessing of food taken in a basket, such as: Easter eggs, bread, sausages, horseradish, salt, spice.

The most important day of Easter Holiday is Easter Sunday. In the morning there is Easter-Sunday morning service called Resurrection. After that all family eat big breakfast. People keep this day with family, and they usually do nothing.

The day after Easter is known as Easter Monday. On this day there is a custom of dousing ( it means people pour others with water , there is a lot of fun and laughter). It is also the last day of Easter celebration.

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III. CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS IN POLAND

PREPARATIONS FOR CHRISTMAS (prepared by Asia)

Every year at the same season people in all the world are celebrating Christmas. But before Christmas very important are preparations. Although Christmas is celebrated in many countries, nevertheless preparations are different.
In Poland Christmas is the favourite and most eagerly awaited holiday in the year. In this special time people are trying to be kind , friendly and generous to one another, when people meet friends they wish them “Merry Christmas”. Christmas is preceded by many days of preparations. Streets are lit by colourful lamps, shops are full of people buying presents , choosing Christmas cards, Christmas trees are set up and decorated in every home with sparkling tinsels, candles, chains, toys and trinkets by all family. The moment that everyone is waiting for with excitement is appearing of First Star in the sky on Christmas Eve.

CHRISTMAS EVE (prepared by Anna )

For Poles, Christmas Eve is a time of family gathering. We celebrate it on 24th of December. Christmas Eve in Poland is called “Wigilia”. The most important is the first star which appears in the sky because it’s a hint that we can start Christmas Eve Dinner. We name it “little star” or “Gwiazdka” – to remembrance of the star of Betlejem. In some places, children are taught that “little star” brings the gifts. When the first star appears, everyone exchanges greetings and good wishes – in Poland it means “Op³atek”. So this “Holy Wafer” is shared with one another, i.e. each person holding some part of a holy water in one hand and breaking a piece of the other one being held in the hand of the other reason. Before Christmas Eve Dinner we say a prayer or read on extract from the Bible. Later we begin to eat traditional Christmas Eve dishes. Although the dishes vary between regions, certain items are fond of by almost everywhere. A poppy seed cake, beet soup, mushrooms, dumplings, carp, herring are universal in Poland, and a traditional meal should consist of 12 dishes. After finishing the dinner, we sing carols, talk with family, receive guests or visit some relatives. The most exciting part of that evening is giving gifts to one another. Especially children look forward to the end of dinner to find a present under the Christmas Tree.
Exactly at 12 p.m. is a special X-mass called “Pasterka” – it’s quite long, and that name comes from “pasterze” – shepherds who according to the evangelists, were the first to greet the Newly Born King. Everyone who is living in Poland should know this tradition.

CHRISTMAS DAYS

The first day of Christmas, 25 December is usually spent at home. On that day carol-singers dressed as an angel, a devil, King Herod or Death and visiting people’s houses. They are singing carols and playing various scenes from the Bible. On the second day of Christmas people are visiting family, and spending much time at the table talking or singing carols. From that day the Carnival begins. On this day people feel togetherness when they sit at a common table and talk about their joys and sorrows.
Christmas for Polish people isn’t only the yearly celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ but also the most familiar, traditional and joyful time of happiness and reconciliation. The birth of Jesus Christ is regarded as a kind of symbol which heralds the days of peace and love.

CHRISTMAS CUSTOMS (prepared by Joanna)

There are many customs and beliefs associated with Christmas:
It is believed that everything that might happen on it might influence the whole year to come. Much attention, for instance, is paid to the person who first enters the house and if it is a man, he ensures welfare to all members of the family.
Some people say that if you ask for food on that day, you will be hungry throughout the year.
On Christmas Eve the table is covered with white tablecloth and hay is spread on it.
And obviously a tradition of sharing with Holy wafer, exchanging wishes with everyone at Christmas Eve table, going carolling and giving Christmas gifts.

SANTA CLAUS (prepared by Kasia)

Santa Claus’s tradition is celebrated in Poland for about 200 years. He is fat, with long curly, white beard and he has a friendly smile. Santa Claus is wearing red. Everybody loves Santa Claus. In night from fifth to sixth December Santa Claus in secret brings presents to all of children. Everyone can be Santa Claus so parents also get presents. In school we are also celebrating the day of Santa Claus. A few days before sixth December in the class we prepare drawings. We drop lots with our names into the box and then everybody draws one lot. Next every student buys a present for someone whom he/she drew earlier. We bring gifts on one day. Someone disguises as Santa Claus and deals the presents out. This is a very nice game.

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IV. NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS

Here is an e-mail which Kate wrote to Jacqueline

I like very much New Year Eve. It is time of parties, dancing and full of happiness. Last New Year Eve I spent at dancing party with my friends. Before that day we bought everything what is needed on New Year Eve.
We were dancing, singing, eating, talking and of course waiting until the clock stikes twelve. Then we exchanged wishes and we watching the display of fireworks. We had a good time till dawn. I wonder how you spent New Year Eve. Did you go to disco or dancing party? Or maybe you stayed at home? Please write me soon about your New Year Eve.
With cordial greetings,
Kate

NEW YEAR’S EVE (prepared by Diana)

Poles walk round Sylvester very sumptuously. This holiday is similar to those in different countries. It is one of the best days in the life of Poles. The women plan month earlier already where they will spend New Year 's Eve and what evening gowns they will put on.
At New Year's Eve parties in Poland on December 31, many guests watch television as part of the festivities. Lots of people meet on squares to wait together onto the arrival of New Year. At one minute before midnight, a lighted ball drops slowly from the top to the bottom of a pole on one of the buildings. After the clock strikes 12 , great madness begins. Beautiful squibs appear in the sky . People count down at the same time as the ball drops. When it reaches the bottom, the new year sign is lighted. People hug and kiss, and wish each other "Happy New Year!" Such moment of joy lasts for about 30 minutes and people go together with friends or families to celebrate the rest of day.
Everyone likes to celebrate – New Year’s Eve !!!

NEW YEAR'S EVE IN POLAND (prepared by Kate)

People in Poland celebrate New Year's Eve on 31st December. It is a time for people to welcome the coming of the new year. Everything in Poland is decorated in the traditionaly way- tinsel streamers and balloons are hung. Colourful lights lit up shops and the whole towns and cities.
On New Year's Eve, some Poles organise small parties at home (especially the elderly people), others attend big parties or balls organised in town; still others ( I mean teenagers) choose to go to a pub or disco. Everyone is having a good time by drinking, eating, chatting with friends and first of all dancing to the music all the night. People try to look elegant so put on festive clothes: smart evening dresses and suits with a tie or a bow-tie. Youngsters, especially students at university cities, arrange fancy-dress parties, so they dress up as fairies, clowns, warriors etc to have a fun.
At midnight the sound of popping corks can be heard and people open champagne bottles with bubbly drink. Just then it’s a time for exchanging wishes and kisses. New days, it’s more and more popular to welcome New Year outside with many strangers , therefore big happenings are organised on the main squares near the Town Hall. Many people leave their houses or clubs to be in time to exchange wishes with others(very often unknown persons). When the clock strikes 12, everyone sings “Happy New Year” cheerfully and watches firework displays in the sky. Later we continue enjoying themselves till early hours in the morning.
Thus, we celebrate this holiday in a similar way to other European countries. No matter where New Year's Eve is spent, the feeling is the same. People cheerfuly celebrate this joyful occasion.

NEW YEAR IN POLAND (prepared by Paulina)

In Poland New Year’s Eve is known as St Sylvester’s Eve. This name according to legends arose from Pope Sylvester I who was supposed to have imprisoned a dragon called Leviathan who was supposedly able to escape on the first day of the year 1000, devour the land and the people, and was suppose to have set fire to the heavens. On New Year’s Day, when the world didn’t come to an end, there was great rejoicing and from then on this day was called St Sylvester’s Eve.
On Sylwester’s Day People celebrate the end of the old year, and they start the celebration of New Year. At midnight we drink Champaign, let off fireworks and exchange wishes. We come back at about 4 am and then we go to bed. We usually sleep till late afternoon and when we woke up we go to church. On this day we often visit our families or receive guests. We start counting days to the end of this new year. It is also custom of making resolutions on this day. People plan their future activities for the coming year. For example, we are going to learn harder at school to get better marks. Some people want to learn to play some instruments or improve other skills.

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V. FAVOURITE PASTIME IN POLAND

The Polish people spend their favourite spare time very similarly to other countries because it depends not on nation but personality.
Some people meet friends and go to the club, pub, restaurant, cinema or sometimes theatre and other places. Others prefer spending leisure time in house, reading books, listening to music, etc. Still others, love doing nothing to do besides watching TV. The girls and boys go to the gym to keep their body in shape (boys, of course, muscles).
Nowadays, Poles work according to the western standards, that is till 5 or 6 p.m. So, they have less time for their hobbies and pleasures than in the past when they used to work until 3 p.m. But they have weekends and holidays for a rest.
Another matter is that in Poland there are poor and rich people as everywhere.
Fewer and fewer Polish people can afford to go abroad or away to the mountains or seaside.
In Mielec, in winter, the people enjoy going to the skating rink, whereas in summer, usually go to the swimming pool. In the evening the teenagers meet at a square in the central part of the town where there is a fountain, shops and clubs and a nice atmosphere.

How do people spend free time in your country or city?
Bye! Bye!
DIANA

FREE TIME SPENT BY MAGDA

I have many hobbies so there’s a lot to do in my free time.
I like playing volleyball. Behind my house I have a volleyball pitch.
I’m a big fan of football, but I’m not good at it. So I rather prefer watching this kind of sport on TV. My favorite football team is Real Madrid. I have a really good time when I watch my favourite players. I’d be glad if they won Champions League. In my free time I also like listening to music. Listening to music after school is my daily routine. My favourites groups are; Limp Bizkit, Linkin Park, Evanescence. I also like Dido.
Just like every girl I like doing shopping with my friends. If I have time, I usually phone my best friends and we go out.
In my spare time I attend the European Club. From Monday to Friday I don’t have time. I usually don’t go out. When I finish my lessons it’s too late to go somewhere. The weekend is only a good time to visit friends and play volleyball, surfing in the Net.
At the weekend it’s normal that I help my mum with housework. Easter is coming so unfortunately there’s a lot to do.

HOW DO PEOPLE SPEND SPARE TIME IN POLAND? ( by Asia)

In Poland we have many ways of spending our free time. As for young people, Polish teenagers like computer games and meeting friends. Most of spare time we spend in parks, we walk and talk about everything. What is more, we like sport especially football, basketball and volleyball. Adults in Polish villages often go to families. There is a custom in Poland that we go to friends in the evenings and stay there a few hours, even until midnight. Furthermore, Poles spend most of free time in gardens. In cities people go to football matches, do shopping and walk with dogs. Besides, they grow vegetables in their own gardens, but in the evenings they love going to the parties. We devote our time for recreation on Sunday evenings because then all people don’t work.

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