Polish schools open in Waterford, Cork

A weekend school teaching exclusively in the Polish language, the first of its kind in the southeast, will begin classes tomorrow.

More than 100 pupils have enrolled for the school based at St Paul's Community College, Waterford, to be taught subjects such as history and geography from a Polish perspective.

The school, and another based at St Patrick's Boys' NS, Gardiner's Hill, Cork, were launched last weekend. The first such school was established at St Clement's College, Limerick, and another is due to open in Cavan next week, according to the Polish embassy.

Mass was celebrated by a Polish priest at St John's Church, Parnell Street, Waterford last week.

Funded by the Polish government, the schools are designed to cater for Polish children who may return home in the future.

Students, mostly aged from seven to 15 years and living within a 40-mile radius of Waterford, will be divided into seven classes where they will receive three hours' individual tuition between 8am and 5pm.

Nikola Sekowska, culture and media officer at the Polish embassy, said: "This is a great initiative once it doesn't hinder the integration process but I don't think it will because the children will be still going to Irish schools during the week. The parents really pushed for this so thanks to them we have been able to open three schools this year."

Anthony Condron, principal of St Paul's Community College, said: "The Irish have gone all over the world and it is time for us to welcome others into our culture."