Autumn is always a time of new beginnings. In the Church, we begin a new church year on September 1, and in September another joyful event occurs in our community – the Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky School of Ukrainian Studies at the parish of St. Joseph the Betrothed opens its doors.
After the summer holidays, the bells rang again in the church, and with them - children's laughter, singing and greetings. All students, parents and teachers gathered to start the new school year with a joint prayer and a solemn meeting. The atmosphere was especially warm: someone was happy to meet friends after long summer days, someone crossed the threshold of the school for the first time, and someone felt a slight nostalgia - because this year was their last in the walls of their native school.
Special attention to our first-graders. With trepidation in their hearts and touching smiles, they came to school for the first time with their parents. Their eyes shone with excitement, and flowers trembled in their hands. For them, this year is the beginning of a great journey: to learn their native language, learn the history and traditions of Ukraine, make friends and grow in the Ukrainian community. They were warmly welcomed by older students and teachers, giving them a sense of support and family comfort.
And the tenth graders were the most moved that day. For them, this was the last first bell in their native school. Together with their parents, some even with tears in their eyes, they realized that ahead was the completion of an important stage in their lives. But at the same time, smiles shone on their faces: joy from meeting friends, pride in the path they had traveled, and gratitude to the teachers who accompanied them. Their words and example became an inspiration for the younger students.
The celebration was accompanied by songs, dances and poems. The children performed cheerfully, giving the audience an atmosphere of joy and unity. Everyone felt that school is not only about studying, but above all, a community that unites Ukrainians of different generations, supports parents in raising their children and transmits love for their native culture and the Church.
The school year in our school began with God's blessing, which was given by the parish priest, Father Mykola Buryadnyk, joint prayer and sincere joy. Ahead are many lessons, meetings, discoveries and unforgettable moments. For some, these are the first steps in getting to know their people, for some, the last year at school, but everyone is united by one thing: love for God, for Ukraine and for their community.
May this school year be a year of new knowledge, strong friendships, great successes, and spiritual growth for all children!
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