Report from Krakau
Alongside Warsaw and Bielsko-Biala there has been Waldorf education in Krakau since 2004- in fact two initiatives began here. The smaller Janusz-Korczak-School has not had an easy time. It has already had two renovations and one move to another building. But two Waldorf teachers have finally found their way to the school after nine years working in state schools.
Can one imagine such an extraordinary city as Krakau without a Waldorf school? We can’t. We look back with pride and joy on our difficult beginnings. The school has become a kind of soul cradle; the classrooms decorated with love and the performances of the children in the festivals fill the heart with joy.
One cannot translate everything identically from German Waldorf schools to Poland. The College of teachers for example has a director appointed by the authorities and the school organisation is run by the board and the parents’ council. Even the afternoon provision, which is open until 17.30 reflects the realities of the situation. In 99% of families both parents work. Our first day at school reflects Polish traditions; the children are greeted ceremoniously by the school director with a welcoming verse and officially declared a pupil.
Polish charateristics
One cannot translate everything identically from German Waldorf schools to Poland. The College of teachers for example has a director appointed by the authorities and the school organisation is run by the board and the parents’ council. Even the afternoon provision, which is open until 17.30 reflects the realities of the situation. In 99% of families both parents work. Our first day at school reflects Polish traditions; the children are greeted ceremoniously by the school director with a welcoming verse and officially declared a pupil.
The class built a wooden house in the tradition style of the Tatra region in the school grounds during their house building main lesson. The Christmas bazaar is particularly strong experience for the whole school community, which is open to the public and includes traditional treats of food and drink.
We are especially pleased to have found two experienced teachers, both graduates of Waldorf seminars and who have worked in the state school system for nine years. They have now arrived where they always wanted to be.
Our salaries are somewhat higher than those in state primary schools. Recently we were able to accept donations with tax relief (1% of tax can be used for charitable purposes) so that we can offer stipendia to poorer children. The school fees are between 20-25% of an average monthly income.
Next year we will have to move for, we hope the last time. Therefore we need your help to pay for the necessary renovations, which due to the new EU norms now cost far more. Please visit our website at www.waldorfskaszkola.krakow.pl. The text is in Polish but the pictures speak for themselves. Welcome.
Katrin Sobik
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Contact
Waldorfska Szkola Podstawowa
im. Janusza Korczaka
al. Z. Krasinskiego 10
30-101 Kraków
Poland
Tel.: +48 12 4162 062
kontakt@waldorfskaszkola.krakow.pl