A WEEK IN FINLAND
Between 12th and 18th of May 2013 the representatives from our school: Ms Barbara Kopeć, Ms Anna Skwarek Mr Mariusz Ciołek and two pupils: Joanna Szewczak and Piotr Borowiec visited Anna Tapion koulu in Aitoo, Finland. It was the second visit connected with the Comenius project that we are involved in. It was a perfect occasion to meet and exchange opinions not only about the environmental problems (this is the main concern of the project) but also about the educational systems in different European countries and the typical school life viewed by the students and teachers. The educational system in Finland is considered to be the best in the world. Together with representatives from Portugal, Spain, Turkey, Greece and Germany we visited our friends. They prepared a lot of attractions to make this time UNFORGETTABLE for us. They really did their best and we all were impressed how well they managed to organize this event…. We brought sunshine with us. Sunny weather held for the whole week.
Anna Tapio is a private boarding school in Aitoo, Finland with about 300 pupils. The curriculum offers a choice of many vocational subjects. In the evenings thare are many clubs to choose from. To use your hands, head and heart is the philosophy of Anna Tapio school. The symbols of heads, head and heart are included in its emblem. Aitoo is a small village with the beautiful countryside views. There are lots of lakes and plenty of forests. It is a perfect place to rest and breath fresh air in the open outdoors.
Sunday, 12th May
Our trip started on Sunday evening. At 8:05 pm sharp our plane from Warsaw to Helsinki took off. We landed after 1h 40min flight. At the airport there were Marina, the English teacher from Anna Tapio school and her husband Harri already waiting for us. They are such kind-hearted people. They took us to their lovely house, where we spent the night. They gave us a warm welcome and had us to dinner in the evening and hearty breakfast in the morning. We are really grateful for everything they did for us.
Monday, 13th May
After breakfast we went to Marina’s garden. It was full of flowers and other plants. Unfortunately, because of many other obligations, there is not much time left for her hobby, namely gardening.
After that, in small groups we were taken by the pupils to walk and look around the school. We were truly impressed by the wonderful classrooms, equipped with different teaching aids and electronic equipment. Pupils were extremely obedient and interested in all of the lessons we could observe. Teachers are on friendly terms with students, what makes them feel well at school. They literally cry at the mere thought of leaving the school with the end of the school year. It’s a private school, so they do not have any obligation of being here. It is their personal choice.
Divided into small groups, we had an opportunity to try fishing with a stick and make pancakes. Although we had some problems with pancakes, it was a very interesting experience. Students who were our guides, spoke English very well. At school they study Finnish and Swedish which are the official languages in Finland. They can also study English and Russian. A great part of TV programmes is in English, with Finnish subtitles. For this reason, they have everyday contact with English. Almost everyone in Finland is able to communicate in English.
In the afternoon there was a basketball match called “Comenius Cup.” Anna Tapio’s pupils played against members of the Comenius project. The winner was the Comenius team. All the members of the winner team were awarded with cups.
At the end of the day there was a ceremonial dinner for teachers. Traditional Finnish food was served. Paivi the music teacher and her daughter Eveliina were singing Finnish songs and playing the harp to add splendour to the event.
Tuesday, 14th May
On Tuesday we had to get up early in the morning. After breakfast we set out on a two hours journey to Rauma, town of the cultural heritage.
We came back to school for dinner. Tanja (student’s councellor) and Markus honoured the occasion. Tanja was singing and Markus was playing the guitar.
Wednesday, 15th May
That Day we visited the nearby primary school. Anna Tapion’s pupils were our guides and showed us the classrooms. They answered our questions. On the playground pupils and teachers played a football match. The happiest about it was Mr Mariusz, who is a great football player and fan of this sport . He yearned for kicking the ball.
After that in groups of 3 or 4 we were observing lessons. We could observe the methods of Finnish teachers and compare them with ours.
Next, we went for a couple of kilometres long hiking. It was a great occasion to breath fresh air and be on the bosom of nature. We learned many interesting things about nature in Finland. On the slope of the hill there was still some snow that did not melt yet. It was a perfect occasion to start a snowballs fight. It was a great fun.
On our way back we visited the school for students with special educational needs. It is a quite big campus of buildings by the lake. We had a dinner there. We also had an opportunity to try sauna connected with the swimming in the cold water of the lake. There were daredevils from each country. From Poland it was Mr Mariusz who was the bravest. Respect. Pupils also played Frisbee a Molkky.
After that day, Piotrek had some corns because of uncomfortable shoes, Asia had resin on her hair, Mr Mariusz soaked his shoes in the melting snow. We will definitely have unforgettable memories from that day. Nevertheless, the funniest thing were the missing glasses J
Thursday, 16th May
The main point of that day was the trip to Tampere. We visited the museum Vapriik, being the example of the industrial heritage. We had a walk through the oldest streets of the town. Free time we spent generally on comparing prices in Poland and in Finland. Some of us wanted to buy something really special for their nearest and dearest J On our way back, most of the people fell asleep.
In the evening, there was a disco for students. They could hardly wait this event from the very beginning of the visit. Piotr was in the limelight. All of the girls were interested in him.
At the same time, teachers were invited to the house of the Deputy Head Teacher Ms Lena to her private house, 20km from school for barbecue. Everything was prepared in detail. There was a choice of meat: pork, chicken and reindeer. Some teachers from the school helped Lena in preparing the party. There was even a wonderful tart made by Marina.
Friday, 17th May
Next, we set on a journey to Helsinki the capital of Finland. The main point of the program there was Suomenlinna - a sea fortress built on six islands and which is now part of the city of Helsinki. Initially, its function was to protect Helsinki from the sea. Nowadays, it lost its military importance but it is still very valuable as a cultural heritage and tourist attraction. From 1991 Suomenlinna is a UNESCO World Heritage site and popular with both tourists and locals, who enjoy it as a picturesque picnic site.
There are about 800 inhabitants of the islands. There is also a military museum, marine military academy and lots of restaurants and cafes for tourists. You can go to Suommenlinna by ferry boat from the main market.
After saying goodbye and hugging all of the Finnish friends we entered the hotel where we spent the night. We were literally crying during the farewell.
Saturday, 18th May
Saturday we spent in Helsinki. We were walking around the town and visiting souvenir shops. In the afternoon, we bid goodbye to the Portuguese team we went to the airport together with the Turkish and Spanish teams. We arrived in Poland on time.
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