Warsaw middle school named after Irena Sendler
In the 2000/2001 school year parents and students put forward a proposition to create an integrated middle school. The main idea was to prepare teaching staff as well as students and parents to fully include special needs children in the educational process, both in terms of learning and social aspects. It follows that the school pays special attention to such values as tolerance and respecting dignity of others – the attitude that was propagated (and practised) by Irena Sendler.
In her opening speech, Magdalena Księżopolska, the school Director, pointed out that: “The motto for our students are the words of our wonderful patron: >>What you need to make the world a better place, is love for every human being. And tolerance, regardless of race, religion, or nationality<<”.
The naming ceremony gathered some distinguished guests: Janina Zgrzemska – patron’s daughter, Anna Mieszkowska – author of a book about her, Elżbieta Ficowska – one of the Rescued. There were also representatives of Polish government and of Diplomatic Corps from Israel, Germany and US, of regional Board of Education and some cultural institutions. They made speeches and presented the school’s Director with congratulatory letters.
Representative of the Warsaw City Council read the Council’s resolution about naming the Integrated Middle School no. 61.
The most important moment was the presentation of the school’s flag, which the Director passed to the students, who then made the pledge.
Following the official part, the guests watched a play about Irena Sendler, prepared by students and teachers.
