Ms. Joanna Rechnio-Haciuk

I’ve been the Preschool principal for the last 15 years.

I graduated from the University of Warsaw, completing MA in French Philology with teacher’s training, and postgraduate studies in Early Years Education in English at the Faculty of Pedagogy, Warsaw University. I also completed Management in Education postgraduate studies. I also completed Early Years and Elementary Education 3-9, including Special Educational Needs.

I spent 4 consecutive years in London, where I have been teaching in multicultural preschools, among others in the Parsons Green Prep School in Fulham&Chelsea. My stay in the United Kingdom allowed me to complete several courses such as Food safety, First Aid, Efficient use of interactive boards, of which the most complex was Using the new Early Years Foundation Stage course, as well as to obtain a Qualified Teacher Status from The General Teaching Council of England in 2006.

Upon my return to Poland in 2008, I was employed by The Canadian School of Warsaw and I’ve loved it since then. In order to become a member of an IB community, I successfully completed 6 workshops (Making the PYP happen, Teaching and Learning in the PYP, Pedagogical leadership in the PYP, Action in the PYP, Concept-based Learning, and Approaches to Learning).

I’ve had the privilege of being part of an incredible journey with the school, becoming one of the few PYP/IB preschools in Poland. Here, children have the opportunity to develop holistically, nurturing the essential life skills both inside and outside the classroom. As teachers, we serve as role models for the PYP learner profile and play a crucial role in shaping young minds. This is a responsibility we take seriously, ensuring we attend to every aspect of a child’s experience – whether it’s their safety, emotional well-being, cognitive growth, friendships, or sense of fairness. Our goal is to make sure that every child enjoys their time at the preschool, every single day.

Ms. Kamila Kozicka

preschool@canadian-school.pl

My name is Kamila Kozicka and I am the Preschool office coordinator. I am a graduate of the English Institute, Warsaw University, specialization: translation, with pedagogical qualifications.
My professional career has included working as a proofreader and editor in a publishing house; however, it was working in The Canadian School of Warsaw that enabled me to utilize my skills in full.
I have worked at The Canadian School since 2006, first as the Elementary School office coordinator when I had a chance to participate in one of the IB trainings Making the PYP happen.
Afterwards, I worked as the Middle School office coordinator, and since 2013 I have had a genuine pleasure to be a member of The Canadian Preschool team.

Teacher: Ms. Monika

My name is Monika and I am very excited to be joining the CSW team as the Smilies Homeroom teacher!

I worked as an ESL teacher for eight years before deciding that I wanted to make the change to Preschool, which I did last (academic) year, teaching at an international preschool in Warsaw.

I am originally from London, England and have lived in Poland, Warsaw, for around fifteen years. I completed a BA in Graphic design at the University of the Arts London and later both the TEFL and CELTA qualifications, and taught students of all ages and levels.

Teacher: Mr. Wesley

I’m Wesley, and I’m really excited to introduce myself as your child’s Advanced Senior Level teacher this year. I’m originally from the United States, where I earned my teaching certification, and I’ve spent the last four years teaching young learners in primary and preschool settings.

I’m passionate about education and love watching kids grow and discover new things. Before moving to Warsaw, I was teaching in Wrocław for a few years. It was an amazing experience, and I learned a lot working with such a diverse group of students. Now, I’m excited to start this new chapter in Warsaw and bring all those experiences into our classroom.

Teacher: Ms. Dona (health leave)

This year I will be Juniors’ homeroom teacher and I come from the Philippines. I am a native speaker of both English and Tagalog. My university education is a Bachelor’s degree from Science in Medical Technology. Later on I added a certificate course in Caregiving; my studies during this course included child care and care for individuals with special needs. In 2009 I completed an international TEFL course (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), and I have completed 3 training courses for the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for IBO: Teaching and Learning in the PYP, Action in the PYP, Concept-based Learning and Assessment in the PYP.
I have been a part of The Canadian Preschool of Warsaw since 2010.

Teacher: Ms. Basia

My name is Basia, I was born, raised and educated in Florida, USA, and I am a native speaker of English. I graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences in 2022.

I hold a Teaching English as a Foreign Language certificate and have worked with children as an English tutor and ballet teacher. I have always been involved in theater and dance, and I love incorporating the arts in all I do.

I enjoy helping students learn about themselves and the world around them, and creating a positive environment that feels safe, accepting, and fun.

Teacher: Ms. Paulina

I was born and raised in Warsaw and I joined our Preschool team at the beginning of 2017. However, this year will be my seventh year as a co-teacher in Seniors Advanced groups, where I’m taking a role of a Polish teacher, as well.

I graduated from Maria Grzegorzewska Academy of Special Education in Warsaw with a Master’s degree in Early Years Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Special Educational Needs, specialization: Pedagogy of Blindness and Visual Impairments and Pedagogy of Creativity. I also took part in additional lectures such as Society, Social Inequality and Social Change, and Child Protection. I am a trained camp counsellor, as well. During my studies, I had an opportunity to work with children in many different schools and institutions, from kindergartens to junior high schools, also in special needs schools.

I have completed the IB workshop: Making the PYP Happen in the Early Years.

Recently I have completed a workshop: Helping Children with Learning Disabilities.

I’m very excited about this school year and more than ready to help our little heroes make discoveries and let their creativity thrive!

Teacher: Ms. Lauren

I am from Ireland and have around 6 years of experience teaching roughly 1,400 children of all ages as a swim instructor. While my experiential background is with swim teaching, I have obtained my Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certification which has allowed me to transfer my knowledge in education to be effective in an academic setting.

My aim is to challenge students to reach their potential through fun, self-expression and curiosity.

I look forward to being the Juniors’ Homeroom teacher this year, as I have a passion for bringing out children’s individuality from an early age. It is a pleasure to be able to nurture and develop youthful minds to become the best they can be.

Teacher: Ms. Ashley

My name is Ashley and I come from the United States of America.

From 2018-2020, I taught English in a youth center in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Afterwards, I traveled throughout the Balkans and Turkey, teaching English online. Then, I decided to make Poland my home, where at first I taught English at a bilingual preschool in the Lower Silesia. Finally in 2022, I became the Seniors Advanced homeroom teacher at The Canadian Preschool of Warsaw.

I became a certified child care professional through courses at the Texas A&M University online child care program, to make sure I stayed up-to-date on the best methods and strategies to interact with and teach children. Last year, I completed the IB Approaches to Learning workshop to help develop my understanding of the IB program, which includes furthering my knowledge of inquiry based learning.

Currently, I am pursuing a double master’s degree, with the hopes of eventually receiving a doctorate in education. Getting into the field of education has filled the gap in my professional life and has given me a sense of belonging and accomplishment.

Teacher: Ms. Glaiza

I have worked at the Canadian Preschool of Warsaw since 2014. I come from the Philippines and am a Spanish Filipino. I am bilingual: I speak both English and Tagalog.

I arrived in Poland for my studies and I have enjoyed it so much, especially working as an assistant at The Canadian Preschool, that I decided to stay in Poland for a longer period of time. In Poland I have finished a company training concerning basic medicine and medical products, which allowed me to work as an assistant at medical congresses. I study Polish language and culture (I speak Polish on level B2).

Lately, I graduated from the Higher School of Tourism and Foreign Languages with a Bachelor’s degree in English Philology, and also finished TEFL pedagogical training. I also completed an IB training Approaches to Learning.

Teacher: Ms. Kate

I am a happy Team member of CSW since 2015. I started my educational journey as an assistant for all Preschoolers. I have lived in Warsaw since I was six years old, and my nationality is Ukrainian.

I graduated from the Warsaw University with pedagogical qualifications. Being a driven educator, I decided to study at the Academy of Special Education in Warsaw, where I carefully studied child’s behaviour and psychology. I achieved a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education.

I completed the IB workshop Approaches to Learning and also obtained an international TEFL course (Teaching English as a Foreign Language).

This preschool year, I will be the Seniors’ Polish Teacher and a co-teacher with Ms. Kari, whom I had a pleasure to work with at CSW in the past.

I am also Juniors, Seniors, and Seniors Advanced Chess teacher. It will be my greatest pleasure to help develop your children’s logical skills and co-lead them to a wonderful holistic education experience.

Teacher: Ms. Vita

I was born and raised in Ukraine. Since starting my studies, I have worked as a private English tutor for students of various age groups.

In 2017, I graduated from Chernivtsi National University with a Bachelor’s Degree in English Philology, and then I decided to move to Poland to continue my education at the University of Social Sciences. In 2019, I completed my Master’s Degree in the same field. I also completed the IB Approaches to Learning training.

Since 2018, I have been a member of The Canadian Preschool of Warsaw team, where working with pupils in various age groups gives me comprehensive pedagogical experience and great satisfaction.

Teacher: Ms. Małgosia

I was born and raised in Warsaw. I joined The Canadian Preschool of Warsaw in November 2023 as an assistant. This preschool year, I will be Juniors’ co-teacher.

In 2021, I graduated from the University of Warsaw with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Child Education and Teaching English to Young Learners. Upon finishing the studies, I obtained my Master’s Degree in Graduate Program in Teaching English to Young Learners.

Throughout my time at the university, I have worked as a private English tutor for primary and high school students.

During my Master’s Degree, I completed my practice in both public and private primary schools. As part of our faculty’s collaboration with universities from Slovenia and Austria, I participated in a project dedicated to including Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) method to education facilities.

Teacher: Ms. Natasha

My name is Natasha Chimuka and I am originally from Zimbabwe. I have had the pleasure of living in Warsaw for the past three years.

I recently graduated from Vistula University, where I developed a strong foundation in education, and I am currently completing my TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification to further enhance my teaching skills. My journey as an educator began almost two years ago when I first started working at The Canadian Preschool of Warsaw part-time, while studying. This experience deepened my love for working with children and inspired me to pursue a career in early childhood education.

This year, I will be an assistant to the Smilies group.

Teacher: Ms. Sasha (maternity leave)

I was born and raised in Belarus. In 2013, I graduated from Vitebsk State University with a Bachelor’s degree in English and Music Education with pedagogical training. During and after my studies, l had the opportunity to work with children.

In 2015, I decided to move to Poland to further my education.

I went on to graduate from the Higher School of Tourism and Foreign Languages with a Master’s degree in Tourism Management. In 2019, I completed the IB training Making the PYP Happen in the early years and a TEFL course.

Also, I completed a Coding course, and it is a big pleasure for me to teach our preschoolers.

I have been a member of The Canadian Preschool of Warsaw team since 2016 and I am very excited about the upcoming school year.

Teacher / Polish Curriculum Coordinator: Ms. Małgosia (health leave)

I graduated from the University of Warsaw with major in Early Childhood Education and English Philology.
I participated in trainings such as: Child Psychology, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, methodological workshops for English lecturers, a series of meetings for teachers titled ‘New Age of Inquirers’ based on PYP concepts, PYP workshops: Making the PYP happen, Assessment in the PYP and Concept-based Learning.
My professional practice includes working in preschools as well as in a primary and secondary school. During that time I was a homeroom teacher of a group of 2-3 year olds, which was a very unforgettable, joyful and fulfilling experience. It made me realize just how satisfying teaching can be.
I have worked in The Canadian Preschool since July 2012 as the Juniors’ co-teacher and the Smilies’ homeroom teacher.

Music – Mr. Coki

My name is Coki and I was born in Chile into a family of musicians. From a very young age I developed an interest for music and singing, at twelve I began learning traditional music. Because of my family’s cultural popularity in the midst of a military dictatorship, we were exiled to France in the early 80’s.

I rapidly began to study music in my city’s conservatory and soon became specialized in classic percussion. While still very young, I became a professional musician.

This led me to learn other types of music genres for which I studied Cuban and African percussion in Cuba and in France. I also became a composer and musical arranger in various styles, and created several musical productions. This all led me to be examined by the SACEM, a French society of composers, and to receive my certificate as such.

Somewhere along the way, I discovered my passion for teaching, particularly children. In 2001-2002 I studied Music Therapy at the International Center for Music Therapy (C.I.M) after which I created a method called Vocal Resonance Therapy with which I have been working since 2017.

I am passionate about holistic teaching for children. I have been a part of The Canadian School and Preschool teams since 2015. Lately, I have completed an IB training Approaches to Learning.

PSPE – Mr. Kris

My name is Krzysztof and I graduated from Academy of Physical Education and Sports in Gdańsk with a Master’s degree.
I used to play for Polonia Bydgoszcz and Brda Bydgoszcz (Junior football teams).

I have been a Physical Education teacher at The Canadian School of Warsaw and The Canadian Preschool of Warsaw since 2015. I have completed a pediatric first aid training, I am also a Lacrosse instructor and skiing instructor.

Art – Ms. Maja

My name is Maja and I have been an art teacher in The Canadian Preschool of Warsaw since 2023.

In 2021, I graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw, majoring in painting. During my studies, in addition to developing my art I worked on completing the pedagogical study offered by the academy, receiving a diploma in 2022.

I am constantly developing and working in areas such as painting, graphics, illustration, and poster art.

I want my students to enjoy creating and encourage them to develop their ingenuity and imagination, which are so valuable!

French – Ms. Margot

Speech Therapy – Ms. Olga

Małgorzata Owczarek

I am a child psychologist and a coach. I have been supporting toddlers and their parents with everyday situations and emotions for 10 years.

I completed Psychology studies at Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University and many courses and trainings.

I have developed my professional experience working, among others, with the Warsaw City Hall, psychological counselling centres and the Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Ward of the Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology as part of the activities of the ‘Druga Strona Lustra’ Foundation.

For five years I conducted adaptation classes to prepare toddlers and their parents for their adventure with kindergarten. I have also conducted Social Skills Trainings for primary school pupils.

I work at the Centre for Support and Development ‘Bliskie Miejsce’. I work with parents basing on empathic communication with the child, showing them that it is possible to take care of their own needs and boundaries with respect and love for the child. In my work, it is important to work on the parental relationship and to interact with the child based on mature and informed parental leadership.

Anna Wysocka

My name is Anna Wysocka and I am the school nurse. I have worked at The Canadian School of Warsaw since 2005 in both preschool and elementary school.
I have a Master’s degree in Nursing from the Medical University of Warsaw and also a Master’s degree in Pedagogy from the University of Humanities and Economics in Łódź.
I have also completed postgraduate studies in Psycho-Dietetics at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Warsaw.