Slovakia-Lokca
Slovakia
Monday
This year, on Monday, October 21, 2024, we welcomed students from Poland and teachers from Spain, Poland, and Italy in the traditional manner, with bread and salt. To the accompaniment of an accordion and songs from our folk music, we moved to the canteen, where we introduced Slovakia and our school to our guests. Young gymnasts showed their talent, and dancers delighted us with a waltz. The beautiful melodies of the violin and piano played by the Klinovský brothers also filled the air. The principal greeted the guests, and they also made the program more enjoyable with their speeches and lovely gifts. After the program, we had "ice-breaking activities" – getting to know each other in English-Polish-Slovak, learning a lot of information about trees, taking a quiz, and then, off to work! We ended the day by making new birdhouses and crafting wooden gift items. (Nataša Matušáková, 9. B)
Tuesday
On Tuesday, October 22, we had an exciting and productive day. We started with presentations and funny videos from some of the students and the principal about the First LEGO League. Then, we split into two groups: one group created unique leaf prints on canvas and decorated stones, while the other group learned how to program robots. The robotics session took the form of a competition, with winners rewarded with sweet prizes. Both activities were very interesting. Finally, we ended the day with a visit to Orava Castle, which was conducted in English. In addition to learning about the history of the castle, we enjoyed the beautiful views. Overall, it was a fantastic day full of activities and fun! (Ester Maťugová, 8.B)
Wednesday
On Wednesday, October 23, we went on a day trip to Liptovský Mikuláš. Although we had to wake up very early, we managed to overcome it. Our first stop was an excursion to the Demänovská Cave of Liberty, which left a magical impression on us. We were pleasantly surprised by all the light effects and the beauty of the cave. We spent over an hour inside the cave, and then we traveled by bus to have lunch, as we were all quite hungry after the early start. After lunch, we visited the Museum of Nature Protection and Caving, which is divided into several sections: mining, space, minerals, plants, extinct animals, animals in Slovakia, and the Rainer Hut in the High Tatras. We had a lecture in English about the museum, and afterward, we worked with our Polish partners to find answers to questions from a worksheet. We returned home in the late afternoon hours. Despite the not-so-nice weather, it was an unforgettable day. (Hugo Maslan, 8.B)
Thursday
October 24, was focused on the ecology around us. At school, we learned about plastic labels and the possibilities of recycling them. Afterward, we moved to the Biela Orava recycling center, located in the nearby village of Breza, where we were shown the recycling process and even had the opportunity to try it out ourselves. In the afternoon, we visited the village of Klin. Our first stop was a peat bog, which is one of the rare and endangered areas, providing a home for several protected species of plants and animals. For this reason, we placed the birdhouses we had made there. Finally, we visited our unique Orava landmark – the statue of Jesus Christ – Rio de Klin. (Karolína Lipničanová, 7.B )
Friday
We hardly realized it, and Friday, October 25, arrived – the time for our final activities together at school. We started our last day with an English lesson, during which we were tasked with creating an animal that could be the result of global warming. We worked in mixed groups, and at the end of the lesson, each group presented their animal, either drawn or painted. After that, we were divided into three groups and rotated every 45 minutes through all the activities – robotics, decorating gingerbread, a Kahoot quiz, and creating posters in Canva with our poems about plastics. Originally, we were supposed to come up with a melody for these words and sing them, but no one had the courage to do so. After lunch, we moved to the small school park in front of the school, where we took a group photo. Then, we proceeded to the official closing of the Erasmus+ program, where our guests were given souvenir gifts and small sweets. We ended the day with a game of floorball, which we all enjoyed together. (Erik Vjatrák, 9. B)
Feedback
Slovakia
Erasmus+ in Lokca was very enjoyable. We visited Orava Castle, the Demänovská Cave, and the Museum of Nature Protection and Speleology, where we learned about the history of Slovakia. This week brought us a lot of fun and great experiences. I am glad I met new people and improved my English. (Ester Maťugová, 8.B)
Erasmus+ in Lokca was enjoyable. I learned a little about working with robots. I liked when we visited Orava Castle and the Museum of Nature Protection and Speleology. I also enjoyed communicating with the Polish students and the risotto. My English improved, as well as my communication skills. (Peťo Tomčík, 9.A)
Poland
Erasmus+ in Lokca was great. I learned something new about Slovakia. We visited the Demänovská Cave and Orava Castle. I liked when we met with friends and spoke English, which also improved my English. (Anna)
Erasmus+ in Lokca was great. I learned many things about Slovakia, and I enjoyed walking through the Demänovská Cave and Orava Castle. I had fun speaking with others in English, at least I got to practice it. (Filip)
Poland-Teachers
I liked Monday, Tuesday, and Friday. Orava Castle was very beautiful. The Slovaks were very hospitable and offered excellent food. I admired their skill in working with wood. They have a beautiful country, and I learned a lot about it. Their nature was also stunning. (Adam Bech)
Spain-Teachers
Tuesday was perfect. We went on a trip to Orava Castle, and I also liked the recycling center in Breza. The soups cooked by the ladies in the kitchen were really delicious. The students were very skilled at building bird houses. Everything was better than a 10 out of 10. The best activity was the peat land in Klin. (Roser Badia)
Italy-Teachers
Everything on Tuesday was perfect, I really enjoyed the gingerbread and the soup. The people were very kind, and I really liked the welcoming ceremony. It was interesting that they had a different way of programming robots compared to our students. (Rosita Pirosa)