Ridna Shkola
Welcome to
ST. VLADIMIR’S UKRAINIAN SCHOOL
A Brief History
From its very foundation the Ukrainian Women’s Association of Canada
– Olga Basarab Branch Calgary has been involved in establishing various
affiliated organizations and programs. Among these is our school teaching
Ukrainian language and history, known as Ridna Shkola, and it has a special
place in the life of St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Orthodox Congregation in
Calgary.
Since its very inception in 1931, Soyuz Ukrainok has administered a
program of Ukrainian language studies at the congregation. Traditionally
offering lessons on Saturdays, over time the teaching curriculum in these
schools expanded from Ukrainian language and literature to include courses
in Ukrainian history, geography, religion as well as studies about the
Ukrainian culture. Its various incarnations over the decades focused on
religious studies, cultural education, church hymns, Ukrainian dance, various
arts disciplines including weaving and pysanky writing, culinary craft, as well
as bandura lessons, concerts, performances and tours of important sites in
the vicinity.
In initiating, sponsoring and/or promoting such programs as Sadochok,
Ridna Shkola, Ukrainian High School Credit gaining programs, Adult
Conversational Ukrainian and organizational work, Soyuz Ukrainok wishes to
foster a broader community in which the best elements of our ancestral
Ukrainian heritage, language, culture, religion and traditions may be
celebrated for many generations to come. New program ideas are always
welcome!
“От де люди, наша слава……….
ably administered by a parent
body, instructed by certified
and qualified staff, this
program has gained praise
from families and the
community. A fully accredited
provincially supervised
program with two instructors,
and a complete range of
activities including summer
camp, this program is a gem.
St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian
Sadochok is located beneath the
Ukrainian Cultural Centre
adjacent to the beautiful St.
Vladimir's Ukrainian Orthodox
Church overlooking Memorial Drive
and the Bow River. Established in
1988 to address the
social/cultural/linguistic and
educational needs of preschoolers,
Sadochok is an excellent program.
www.ukrainianpreschool.ca
Sponsored by Soyuz (UWAC), and
Currently St. Vladimir’s Saturday
Ukrainian School has two classes
for young children and teens. The
teachers have ensured a highly
interactive program of activities for
motivating and engaging the
students in using the Ukrainian
language.
(http://www.stvlads.com/file/
Soyuz/Ridna-ShkolaRegistration-Best-Form.pdf)
Supplemental to the Ukrainian
School classes, teen students in
Grades 8-11 participate in the
Alberta Distance Learning Centre’s
(www.adlc.ca) program for
Ukrainian High School Second
Languages and increase their
overall academic achievement.
Conversational Ukrainian for
Adults
(http://www.stvlads.com/files
/Soyuz/ConversationalUkrainian-RegistrationForm.pdf)
Paced and structured for
conversational skills, the program
had 2 teachers in the past season
and will again register students in
the fall of 2011. Much laughter and
enjoyment ensues due to the
excellent pedagogy and effective
methodology!
Another school program that has
received praise and support is
Ukrainian for Adults, that mirrors
the programs above for adult
learners.
The three above-mentioned Ukrainian school programs are examples of
mixed ability classes - where students are encouraged to develop social and
linguistic skills concurrent with their academic learning. Our intent is to
foster community, connections and belonging. Teachers allocate time to
organize events outside the classroom. Concerts, plays and evening
gatherings represent only a partial list of events that serve to interest
children in the school, as well as encourage our ancestral/heritage mother
language.
New Projects…
Initiated by our wonderful Sadochok parents’ body, a much needed
renovation of the outdoor playground area behind the church is in the
development phase. Galvanizing the efforts and financial support necessary
for such a venture, the group has enlisted support from individuals and our
congregation’s lay groups. The project will address the needs of our
children, with an area for socializing, recreation, outdoor play and an
opportunity to use the Ukrainian language in real life situations. The
Sadochok board’s persistence and determination to build for the future is
truly applauded. Good luck and prayers on your journey! If you are
available to provide service to this very worthwhile project, please call the
cultural center and let them know.
Helping Out
We are very proud of our Ukrainian language and heritage programs and the
people who make them possible! ДЯКУЄМО ВАМ ЩИРО!!!! The operations
of these programs are primarily in the hands of qualified volunteers, and the
particulars of their resources, teacher’s qualifications, income and costs
associated with delivering on Soyuz’s aims and objectives are being met –
however there is a constant need for further development, encouragement,
and certainly promotion and marketing. Our Ukrainian Women’s Association
of Canada, Olga Basarab – Calgary Branch graciously invites you to help
build on the successes of our efforts!!!! Welcome!