On November 10, 2024, the Polish community of Hamilton gathered to commemorate Poland’s Independence Day with a solemn and inspiring Academy. Hosted by the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 315 and supported by various local organizations, this event was a moving tribute to Poland’s history of struggle, resilience, and unity. It brought together generations to honor the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom, reminding all of the profound values of God, Honor, and Homeland.

A Grand Welcome to History

The ceremony began with a warm welcome from Stanisław Godzisz, the President of RCL Branch 315, followed by an introduction from Weronika Szymala and Bartek Szewczyk. Representing a coalition of local Polish organizations—including the Polish Congress of Canada (Hamilton Branch), Jan Paweł II Polish School, the “Symfonia” Choir, and the “Polonez” Ensemble—the hosts underscored the significance of the occasion, blending historical reflection with community pride.

The opening featured a dignified presentation of flags, followed by the singing of the Polish and Canadian national anthems. This moment set the tone for an event that beautifully intertwined the Polish-Canadian experience with a deep sense of cultural identity.

Tributes to Heroes Past and Present

A poignant minute of silence and the evocative Last Post played by Michał Dziewierz honored the countless lives lost in Poland’s fight for independence and freedom. As November 11 is also Canada’s Remembrance Day, the shared sense of sacrifice resonated deeply with attendees.

The event paid tribute to figures like Father Jerzy Popiełuszko on the 40th anniversary of his martyrdom, as well as soldiers, medics, and members of the Solidarity movement. Through speeches, poetry, and songs, the Academy captured the breadth of Poland’s struggles—from the partitions and World War II to its fight against communism.

A Journey Through Culture and Memory

The program featured a vibrant mix of performances and reflections. Highlights included:

• • Inspirational Readings: Excerpts from Father Popiełuszko’s teachings, read by Daniel, emphasized moral courage and truth. His words, “Overcome evil with good,” reverberated as a call to action for all.
  • Poetry and Song: The students of Jan Paweł II Polish School brought Poland’s history to life with heartfelt recitations like Polish Flag and White Eagle, while the “Symfonia” Choir moved the audience with renditions of Bogurodzica, First Brigade, and Poppies.
  • Dance and Visual Storytelling: The “Polonez” Ensemble’s captivating traditional folk dances, paired with the screening of a short film depicting Poland’s struggles, beautifully highlighted the nation’s rich cultural heritage and indomitable spirit.

The themes of resilience, unity, and faith were woven seamlessly into the narrative, connecting Poland’s historical struggles with universal values.

A Community Effort

The event’s success was a testament to the collaborative spirit of Hamilton’s Polish community. Special thanks were given to individuals like Jesica Małek and organizations such as the Wł. Reymont Foundation for their contributions. The meticulous planning and heartfelt involvement of parents, educators, and volunteers were evident in every detail. 

A Resounding Conclusion

The Academy closed with a spirited performance of the traditional Polonez dance, a fitting conclusion to an evening that celebrated the beauty of Polish culture and the strength of its people. The audience was reminded that the legacy of independence is not just a historical event but a living heritage to be upheld and cherished.

Reflections

The Independence Day Academy was more than a commemoration; it was a powerful reminder of the values that define the Polish identity. By honoring its past, the community reaffirmed its commitment to freedom, solidarity, and cultural pride. Events like this not only preserve heritage but also inspire future generations to carry forward the torch of independence and unity.

In a world often marked by division, this Academy stood as a testament to the enduring power of remembrance, bringing together a community to celebrate shared history and values. It was a poignant reminder that while freedom is hard-won, its preservation requires collective effort, vigilance, and a steadfast commitment to truth.

Po dwóch latach przerwy, obchody Święta Niepodległości Polski w Hamilton miały bardzo uroczysty charakter. Uroczystość rozpoczęła się Mszą Św. w Kościele Św. Stanisława w Hamilton. Poczty sztandarowe organizacji polonijnych, harcerze, młodzież polska bardzo licznie przybyła na to piękne święto. Starsi z łezką w oku wspominali weteranów i bohaterów wojen, młodsi uczyli się historii i patriotyzmu. Po uroczystej mszy świętej, oddaniu hołdu bohaterom wojen i terroryzmu komunistycznego, złożeniu wieńców pod Pomnikiem Wdzięczności, Polonia zgromadziła się w Domu Polskim- siedzibie Legionu Placówka 315, aby uczestniczyć w akademii okolicznościowej przygotowanej przez panią Monikę Karpińską i panią Hannę Laskę.

W akademii wzięli udział uczniowie Polskiej Szkoły Średniej, uczniowie Szkoły Polonii im. Jana Pawła II, harcerze i harcerki szczepu ‘Wisła” i „Dunajec “oraz zespól taneczny „Polonez”. Uczniowie programem słowno- muzycznym wprowadzili widzów w nostalgiczny nastrój przywołując waleczność Polaków i miłość do Ojczyzny w drodze do suwerenności. Mocno wybrzmiały słowa piosenki:

„…My nie chcemy więcej wojny,
Chcemy żyć życiem spokojnym
Jaki długi i szeroki jest nasz świat…”

A zaraz po tym:

„… żeby Polska była Polską…”.

Musimy również pamiętać słowa Św. Jana Pawła II, że wolność jest darem i jest ona nam zadana.

Dziękujemy Prezesowi KPK Okręg Hamilton panu Andrzejowi Felinczakowi za objęcie patronatu nad obchodami, dziękujemy konsulowi RP w Toronto panu Rafałowi Gajewskiemu za przybycie, Prezes R.C.L.- pani Urszuli Rybarczyk za gościnność, księżom naszej parafii oraz wszystkim, którzy przygotowali i uświetnili obchody 104 rocznicy odzyskania przez Polskę niepodległości.

Dear Parents.

On the website of H.W.D.S.B. Registration form for the 2020/2021 school year are now available. We strongly encourage everyone to sign up.
Registration is free. However, it is important to enroll your child / children so that we can maintain the Polish language.
We also ask you to select teachers from our school.

Here is the list and classes:

• JK/SK
  • Danuta Marynowicz
  • Ewelina Pawlowski

• Classes 1/2
  • Urszula Trzpil

• Classes 3/4
  • Aleksandra Florek
  • Jessica Czaplinski

• Classes 5/6
  • Hanna Laska

• Classes 7/8
  • Marzanna Biernat

Grono Pedagogiczne Szkoly Polonii Jana Pawla II w Hamilton

Dear Parents and Guardian(s),

Summer vacation is coming to an end, and we hope that everyone had a healthy, relaxing and enjoyable summer vacation. We also hope everyone is awaiting the start of another school year.

A week ago, we received information from HWDSB that our polish language program will only be online. In the beginning, the board stated that we could only offer the polish language to grades 4 to 8 and would begin in October. However, this past Monday, we received information saying that we will also be allowed to offer the polish language to students from JK to 8 but only online. Classes will begin in October because, during the month of September, the teachers will be going through training on how best to offer the polish language through the online portal.

At this moment, we do not have much information about registration; however, as soon as the information becomes available to us, we will be updating our website and getting in touch with you through email. We must get through these unprecedented times to see each other once again soon.

Thank you very much for your patience, and we will be in touch soon,

Teachers of Szkoly Polonii im Jana Pawla II w Hamilton.

Nativity Scene 2019 Polish Schools John Paul II in Hamilton

“There is a night that people are waiting for. It’s such a special evening when everyone gathers at the common table. There is an evening when disputes go out, an evening when we break the wafer, we make wishes … This is an exceptional night … the only … unique … Christmas night! ”

Annual Nativity play issued by students of the Polonia School John Paul II in Hamilton always carry a beautiful message and bring the audience into Christmas time. The weeks preceding this event, students spend preparing their performances under the guidance of teachers.
Presenting the story of the birth of the Lord Jesus is a great opportunity to present your acting skills, but also an opportunity to spend a family afternoon on Saturday afternoon.

Students prepared traditional Nativity in the guest parish hall of St. Stanisław Kostka in Hamilton. They introduced the audience to the atmosphere of Christmas with this beautiful, colorful performance. A whole galaxy of nativity play figures with great commitment told the story of the birth of God’s Baby. There were shepherds, wise men from the east, a multitude of Angels and a holy family (Julia Orzel in the role of Mary and Kacper Pyzik in the role of Józef) with the Newborn Baby Jesus. Singing traditional Christmas carols and joyful pastorals performed by all school students added charm to the staging.

Many outstanding guests came to this performance:

Pastor of St. Stanisława – priest Michał Kruszewski, H.W.D.S.B. represented two Site Supervisors Dina and Lindsay, Godfather of the banner: Kazimierz Chrapek, President – R.C.L. Br. 315- Urszula Rybarczyk, Vice President Z.G. ZNP in Canada Teresa Szramek, President of the ZNP Branch in Hamilton – Agnieszka Bledowski, Monika Karpinska – High School Director at the Catholic Department of Education, Monika Migon from the Polish School at the Union of Poles in Canada and a large audience.

A big thank you goes to all those who helped in the preparation of the beautiful decoration and painting of the Hall: Mariusz Kupiec, Dariusz Malek, Isabella Wojciechowska, Jarosław Florek, Krzysztof Biernat.

Nativity plays have been recorded by Polish Studio for almost forty years, for which we would like to thank our St. Stanislaus – St. Casimir’s Polish Parishes Credit Union.

The coverage will be available on December 28 at 10:30 am.

Visits of St. Nicholas made great joy to all children. At the end of Christmas, everyone was invited to a pizza and cake prepared by their parents.

On Sunday, October 20, 2019, the time has come for all new students to officially join our school community. The ceremony was started with a Holy Mass for students and teachers of the Polonia School John Paul II in the church of St. Stanisław Kostka in Hamilton.

Then, in the hospitable Polish House (headquarters of R.C.L. Br.315), the further part of the ceremony took place.

In the beautifully decorated Hall of the Legion in the presence of parents, families and honorable guests, new students spoke the words of oath in front of the school banner and the children of the first / second grade were fit for school students. Especially for our ceremony came the Consul General of the Republic of Poland Mr. Krzysztof Grzelczyk, who together with his wife Mrs. Jolanta Grzelczyk gave layettes to all students of class 1/2. All new students also received gifts.

It was also a great opportunity to thank those who show kindness and help to our school. Diplomas with thanks from the school were received by the Consul General of the Republic of Poland Mr. Krzysztof Grzelczyk, Fr. Michał Kruszewski – Pastor of the parish of St. Stanisława, priest Lech Wycichowski – a longtime friend of the school and Mrs. Urszula Rybarczyk – President R.C.L. Br. 315.

After the official part, students presented an artistic program.

Dear Parents and Students,

I have sad news for you when it comes to our extra hour of classes at a Polish school.

Due to the strike of janitors, all additional classes in schools were canceled, including our time.

This Saturday classes in a Polish school will be from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm.

We apologize and hope that this strike will not last long!

I also remind you of our annual dinner on October 20.

We cordially invite everyone!

Tickets can be ordered from me by email

If you have a special request for seats at tables, please contact me.

There are no classes next Saturday, October 12 -Thanksgiving Long Weekend!

Below I attach a message from the board regarding the abbreviated classes.

Thank you for your understanding.

On behalf of the teaching staff of the Polonia School JPII

Danuta Marynowicz

 

 

From: HWDSB Rentals Administrators <no-reply@ebasefm.com>
Sent: September 30, 2019 2:04 PM
To: mrs_b_1045@hotmail.com <mrs_b_1045@hotmail.com>
Subject: Booking(s) cancelled at Lawfield

Booking(s) cancelled at Lawfield

Due to Cancellations – Job Action, the following bookings on permit  have been cancelled:

Oct 05, 2019 at 12:00 pm

Dear Parents,

Good news!

H.W.D.S.B. hes agreed to extend the lessons starting on Saturday, 28 September. The lessons will last from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm.

We ask you to bring students to school on time. For the sake of everyone’s safety, the front door will be closed immediately after 9:40 am. This is an administrative order of H.W.D.S.B. If you pick up your child from school in advance, please inform the class teacher, you can also use the bell at the front door.

Please be informed that the annual school lunch combined with the solemn vow of new students will take place on October 20, 2019, after Mass. Celebrated for students.

Tickets can only be bought after classes or ordered by email.

Children – $10.00 half lunch and dessert

Adults- $20.00 full dinner and dessert

We warmly welcome parents, family and friends of the school.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Teaching Staff of the Polish Community School John Paul II in Hamilton