Christmas Pageant through our students’ eyes

 

“Jasełka shows are great. I’m thankful to have taken part in such an interactive celebration of Polish culture and tradition, and I’m glad to say I’ve done so for 7 years now. Although this may have been my last year as a part of this heartfelt production, I’m confident that the students of Polish School will continue to present this piece for years to come. Dziękuję!” Konrad, 12.  
 
“I like Jasełka because I am a very good actress. I like being on the stage with other children and I like singing carols.” Ilona, 7.

“I like Jasełka because we get to wear beautiful costumes and memorize the lines. The kids who want to improve their Polish can do so through taking part in the show. It’s great practice.” Karolina, 11.

“I liked being on the big stage. I was nicely dressed. I like to be nicely dressed.” Lukas, 4.  

“I was happy that everybody could see me. Every year I play a different character and say something different.  My mom promised us tickets to a movie theatre for taking part in the show. I couldn’t wait to get my ticket.” Jacob 7

 

“Every year I get a different role to play. I can challenge myself. I can wear different costumes. I’m having a great time with my friends during the practice rehearsals. We are really enjoying it.” Julia 10.

“It’s been a few days since the performance and my children are still singing songs and carols all around the house. They are still reciting their roles and talking to each other in dramatic voices: “A kysz! A kysz!” They even remember the other students’ lines!! They must have learned all that at the practice rehearsals for Jasełka. I am amazed how much they have learned.”  A Happy Parent J

 

“How can I even describe Jasełka?  It has been part of my life for 9 years.  It has been a Polish School tradition way before I was even born.  It was a Jewel in the theatre work of Pani Maria Pajda, who was an extraordinary teacher and volunteer for many years.  Preparations for Jasełka start in the fall, when all who are interested sign up for the play.  Every year the play is completely re-written to accommodate all the actors who want to participate.  Bigger roles such as Mary, Joseph, and King Herold etc. usually go to the older kids.  Younger actors get to perform as angels, shepherds and soldiers.  We have about 40-50 kids performing every year and everyone has a part in the play.  We meet as a group weekly after Polish School for practice, and truly enjoy these meetings.  All the kids receive amazing costumes sawn by many parent volunteers throughout the years.  We have two performances every year: one at the school for fellow students and parents, and the other at the polish church hall for the whole community.   It is such a wonderful play to be a part of, I am confident that every child that has performed in Jaselka loved it and that they will continue to love it in many years to come.  Every year a couple of students are chosen to receive the Maria Pajda Award for their work with the Jaselka play.  I was delighted to find out I was selected to receive the award this year.  Jaselka is an experience unforgettable to anyone who takes part in it, it is a part of Polish School and Polish culture….it is amazing”. Gaby, 12

 

“The Polish Jasełka, in other words: “Christmas play” is a big highlight of my Polish school year and winter. Any kids willing to participate in this play are welcome and encouraged by the teachers. Roles vary by length and experience. The plays are at 2 different locations: the Polish school and Polish church. There are many forms of music such as singing, piano, violins and polish classics. Costumes are made by volunteers such as grandparents, parents and friends. Costumes are unique in every which way. This was my 9th year doing these performances and next year is my 10th and last of them all. I am very sad to leave the Jasełka behind when I go to high school. They are fun and creative shows where kids can be stars and have fun”. Mikołaj,12