How much can you see, learn and experience in a single day? Students, teachers and the entire community of St. Michael Polish School in Lyndhurst, NJ, proved that it’s a great deal! For the 12th Polish Diaspora Bilingual Day, the school auditorium was transformed into an extraordinary space full of colors, music, traditions and flavors from around the world. It was all thanks to a special event under the theme “Around the World in One Day.”
***
This time, our school journey covered eight countries: Poland, France, the United States, Greece, Mexico, Japan, Italy and Canada. Each had its own unique atmosphere, distinctive symbols and wealth of traditions, which the students were eager to share with others.
On this remarkable expedition, visitors could feel the atmosphere of romantic France, learn about the diversity of the United States, recall the beauty of Polish heritage, discover Greek customs, Mexican energy, Japanese harmony, the Italian love of good food and Canadian hospitality. Every stop was a chance to learn new facts and see the world from a different perspective.
Our trip around the world could not have been complete without music and dance! The students made sure the festival was full of energy, joy and unforgettable impressions. Among the performances was a spirited Greek Zorba dance. There was a Polish touch as well: to the sounds of the traditional song “Zasiali górale” (“The Highlanders Have Sown”), we could feel the spirit of Polish folklore and recall the beauty of our native tradition.
Japanese gymnastics, in turn, brought an element of movement, harmony and fun to our journey, allowing students to discover Japan’s culture in a slightly different way. Each of these performances was special and showed that music, dance and shared activity can bring people together regardless of language or background.
These artistic moments were a beautiful demonstration that getting to know the world can happen through all the senses: hearing, sight, taste and movement. Thanks to such experiences, the traditions of different nations become closer, and learning turns into a joyful adventure.
There was no shortage of colorful decorations, national symbols and elements characteristic of each culture. A journey through the flavors of the world was a particular attraction, as traditional dishes and sweet treats let participants see that cuisine is an important part of every nation’s history and identity.
But it was not only a lesson in geography and culture. It was also a beautiful lesson in bilingualism.
Polish Diaspora Bilingual Day reminds us that knowing languages opens doors to new opportunities, teaches empathy and helps us understand others better. It also shows that one can be proud of one’s Polish roots while discovering, with curiosity and respect, the culture of the country where one lives, as well as the traditions of other nations.
“Around the World in One Day” was more than a school event. It was a celebration of openness, community and pride in multilingualism. It showed that a Polish diaspora school can be a place where one’s own culture is nurtured while bridges are built between nations.
Heartfelt thanks go to everyone who helped organize this special day: teachers, students and parents. Thanks to their shared commitment, St. Michael Polish School in Lyndhurst became, for one day, a small world full of inspiration, discoveries and unforgettable impressions.
After all, to get to know the world, you don’t always have to board a plane. Sometimes it’s enough to open the door of a school classroom, listen to stories about another country, try new flavors and look at another person with curiosity and kindness.
Eight countries, many traditions, countless flavors and one shared goal: to learn about, understand and connect cultures.
Author: Małgorzata Gadomska
Photos: Tomasz Zawadzki
Source: Nowy Dziennik