The Christmas season is a very special time at the British Primary School of Wilanow (BSW). It is also a time for our community to give back to those in need.

The Christmas season is a very special time at the British Primary School of Wilanow (BSW). It is also a time for our community to give back to those in need.
Christmas seems to come earlier every year. Before the Halloween pumpkins have even wilted, tinsel and fairy lights begin to twinkle, enticing shoppers everywhere. At BSW, however, we hold back on Christmas merriment until the arrival of St. Nick on December 6th. In Poland, St. Nicholas (Mikołaj) brings gifts in the first week of December, and we delight our pupils with a Dumbledore lookalike in a bishop’s robes and holding a crozier—quite different from the Coca-Cola version that gained popularity in the 20th century.
December 6th is a time for gifts, especially for our youngest pupils, but it’s also the time for our Christmas fundraiser. Our long-standing Christmas charity is Smile Warsaw, a foundation that supports the homeless in the city by serving hot meals near the Palace of Culture on Sundays and distributing clothes, toiletries, and, of course, smiles to those in need. The charity is staffed by many members of Warsaw’s international community, offering them a way to give back to the city they call home.
Class teachers are busily working with their students to plan fundraising stalls for December 6th in the school canteen. Year groups will compete to raise funds by selling used books, second-hand toys, delicious homemade baked goods, and more, including lotteries and raffles. December 6th is also Christmas Sweater Day at BSW, with fun class photos and plenty of festive cheer. Additionally, we are collecting men’s coats, socks, and toiletries for donation.
With the funds raised, we hope to sponsor and staff one of Smile Warsaw’s Sunday food distribution events. Our school canteen staff will help prepare a nutritious and tasty meal for this occasion. This event will also give our older pupils a chance to interact with members of the homeless community, helping them reflect on their own good fortune and fostering empathy.
Tom McGrath, Principal