Daily life

The Polish high school was a mixture of strict requirements and openness, with strict timetables, but self-managed boarding facilities and free afternoons. For the growing number of girls, other boarding facilities were opened in Villard-de-Lans and Lans-en-Vercors.

During the war, living conditions were harsh. To improve the daily fare, a twelve-hectare farm was rented in the Geymonds district. The older students participated in the work in the fields.

The general organisation of the classes was a compromise of the traditions of both countries. The programmes were based on those of Polish schools, but adapted to the French reality. Classes were held in Polish. French language teaching was reinforced.

There was an intense cultural life that included music, poetry, theatre, folklore, etc. The school contributed to the preservation of Polish culture, which it shared and disseminated.

Professor Berger’s choir was particularly popular with a “Polish mass” held in a church in Villard overflowing with parishioners every Sunday, and concerts in Grenoble, Isère and beyond.

Numerous sports activities were organised such as boxing, skiing, football, hockey, etc. The teams achieved spectacular results, regularly beating their opponents from Villard and the region.