Calgary Lithuanian School
The students of the Lithuanian School of Calgary gather just one Saturday morning each month.
They improve their Lithuanian language skills through writing, drawing, reading, and learning Lithuanian songs and dances during these sessions.
"Youth is our future" is the slogan of the Calgary Lithuanian School, also known as the Lithuanian Language and Cultural School of Calgary, which was established in 1975 by Gražina Noreikienė. The school offered classes in language, folk dances, Lithuanian handicrafts, and history, and hosted performances. However, most subjects were taught in English.
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In 1991, the Calgary Lithuanian Saturday School became the Calgary Vytautas the Great Lithuanian School. Over time, the number of students fluctuated, and new teachers joined the staff. In 2002, due to a decline in student enrollment, the school's activities were paused. However, with a new wave of emigration, the Calgary Lithuanian School resumed its operations, and since 2005, it has been active within the Calgary Lithuanian community.
The students of Vytautas the Great Lithuanian School in Calgary meet one Saturday morning a month. During these sessions, they improve their Lithuanian language skills through writing, drawing, reading, and learning Lithuanian songs and dances.
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The main goal of the school is to teach children the Lithuanian language and literature in an engaging way while fostering a strong sense of national identity. The school introduces students to Lithuania's rich history and culture, helping them maintain and represent their heritage within the multicultural Canadian community.
Class Schedule:
Once a month, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Annual Fee:
60 CAD
Location:
Southwood Community Association Hall
Students are taught by two teachers with pedagogical education:
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Aida Labanauskas
(ŠPU, Preschool Education, Special Pedagogy, and Speech Therapy) – Responsible for the language education of older age groups. Aida Labanauskas is also the head of Vytautas the Great Lithuanian School in Calgary.
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Greta Surville
(Pedagogical University of Vilnius, experience working in a preschool institution, remote Lithuanian language lessons in Edmonton) – Responsible for the language development of younger age groups.
Each class focuses on specific topics, introducing Lithuanian language phonetics, sounds, and vocabulary in a playful manner. Students read books by Lithuanian authors, analyze characters, and engage in discussions. Through writing short essays, they learn the basics of Lithuanian spelling and grammar.
Additionally, students are assigned homework to reinforce their learning at home.
Vytautas the Great Lithuanian School in Calgary also faces several challenges:
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We do not have permanent premises.
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Each year, we are uncertain how many students will attend.
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There is a lack of suitable textbooks, exercises, and other study materials.
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There is a shortage of Lithuanian language teaching methodologies adapted for children living abroad.
As much as possible, we address these challenges independently. We rent premises and create training plans based on the needs and capabilities of our students.
We collaborate with the Canadian Lithuanian community, ŠMM, SAHLA, and other Canadian Lithuanian schools.
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The school's activities are 100% funded by donations from various sources. The largest contributors are the parents of our students, donations supporting Lithuanian education, and funds raised through working at the Casino. These funds are accumulated in a general fund, from which the school management allocates resources for school needs, teacher salaries, premises rental, the financing of various projects, and the acquisition of didactic and other methodological tools.
It's wonderful that this year, as many as 19 students are attending the school, full of energy, desire, and aspiration to improve their Lithuanian language skills and learn about Lithuanian traditions.
