PTA Members & Structure
All parents with currently enrolled students at ISK and all ISK faculty and staff are automatically members of the PTA. The Steering Committee oversees the PTA and is formed by a small number of volunteers.
2021-2022 PTA Steering Committee Team
What is the PTA?
The International School of Krakow has been fortunate since the first formation of a PTA Steering Committee to have been led by parents from diverse backgrounds who, each year, bring a wealth of cultural experience to our PTA. These parents sign up voluntarily and generously give their time along with a dedicated and enthusiastic approach in all they do.
Our PTA is viewed as an important and integral part of social life at ISK for parents, students and teachers alike. Since two thirds of the school population are non-Polish nationals, PTA endeavors to enhance a community atmosphere, in lieu of local family support for our expat families while, respectfully, encouraging integration between Polish and non-Polish families.
ISK PTA serves to provide a bridge between parents and the school administration. It aims to deliver an effective communication link, to act as a sounding board for parents, and to help to keep the school administration abreast of parent concerns. Parents are kept up to date with regular emails and Facebook posts, and Steering Committee members are regularly on campus to field any queries. In addition, the PTA supports the day to day running of the school through our room parent programme, organising volunteers for school events, funding school events, hosting various staff appreciation banquets, and financing the staff Sunshine Club.
All new families are introduced to ISK PTA via our Outreach Programme, which we hope helps to make the transition to a new school and new geography easier. Our programme links new and incoming families with existing families, considering languages spoken, ages of children, and Krakow home location. PTA reach out to new families before joining the school, assign them with a family already in the school, and undertake to answer any questions or concerns a new family may have in anticipation of moving to Poland. Additionally, PTA has developed a ‘survival guide’ for new families, an online booklet, incorporating information from paediatric doctors and dentists to indoor and outdoor child centric activities and everything in between.
Parental support is encouraged through our numerous parent clubs including our English Conversation Club, a casual and comfortable way to help to improve spoken English. Since living abroad can have its ups and downs, our Parent Support Group meets to talk about the highs and lows of expat living, along with other parenting issues which are discussed and shared with participating parents. Furthermore, parents have the use of our dedicated Parent Room.
ISK PTA organise over 30 events and initiatives annually, including but not limited to: Bake Sales, Welcome Picnic, Fall Festival, Trunk or Teat, Holiday Market, Parents’ Nights, Father and Daughter Dance, Mother and Son Outing, Easter Egg Hunt, Jamboree, monthly PTA General Meetings, and Parenting Talks. These events encompass the entire school population, promoting a spirit of community and inclusion.
What do parents, students and teachers have to say about ISK PTA?
“I think PTA has always been a great help throughout all these years. It gathers parents and educators who truly care about their children’s education. The PTA creates a link between home and school. It connects all who want to share their skills and time in order to provide a nurturing environment for learners at all ages.” Ania Niton, Early Years lead teacher.
“Without the PTA our integration and school life at ISK would not have been what it was: an incredibly multi-faceted, fun-intensive and friendship-facilitating experience, creating a strong link between families and ISK, building a unique educational environment for our children.” Fournier Family, ISK 2015 – 2018.
“We think the PTA is brilliant. They arrange lots of the events we look forward to during the year and put even more fun into school life.” Liam and Donnchadh Billings, Grade 5 and 0.
“The ISK PTA is an amazing support. I knew from the beginning, even before coming to Krakow, that I’ll always have someone to approach with anything.” Schulman-Serendov Family, ISK September 2018 – present.
“The PTA is very important because they do so much for us like organize fundraisers, which allows us to take class trips to learn about new things outside the classroom. They also help with new families and hook them up with an existing family which makes the transition to ISK easier. This was a huge help for me when I first came to ISK.” Andrew Garvin, Elementary School, Student Council President, 2018 – 2019.
“The PTA makes our dreams come true. ISK has become a better and happier place with fun events and attractions, all of which are funded by our lovely PTA, who help us make the ordinary the extraordinary.” Grade 6 Representative.
“For me, PTA is a council that brainstorms ideas and makes benefits for our school. I think of it as a student council, only with adults. Since they are older than us (kids) they have more experience, more knowledge and wisdom. They are most likely to bring their ideas to life.” Grade 7 Representative.
“I think the PTA is a wonderful way for teachers and parents to collaborate and create fun and fundraisers for the school. I hope it lasts another 25 years. Grade 8 Representative.
“Our family is a member of ISK community for over 7 years now. PTA plays a very important role in building community/family relationships, so no one feels left outside in our ISK family. It is especially important in the community with multiple nationalities, cultures and backgrounds and with many families coming and going every year. PTA helps families feel at home, no matter if it is their first or seventh year at ISK.” Blazusiak Family, ISK 2011 – present.
In my family’s 3 years at ISK, it has been my pleasure to have served as a PTA member, Treasurer and President. This year, I am privileged to be working alongside a talented group of industrious and creative women, who work passionately to give our school a sound PTA. Long may this custom continue for future years.
Caroline Billings, PTA President (2018 – 2019)
Go n-éirí an bóthar leat,
Go raibh an ghaoth go brách ag do chúl,
Go lonraí an ghrian go te ar d’aghaidh,
Go dtite an bháisteach go mín ar do pháirceanna,
Agus go mbuailimid le chéile arís,
Go gcoinní Dia i mbos A láimhe thú.
May the road rise with you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warmly on your face,
May the rain fall gently on your fields,
And until we meet each other again,
May God keep you in the palm of His hand.
(Traditional Gaelic blessing)
PTA Meetings
We have found that the best way to communicate upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and share new ideas within our community is via PTA General Meetings. We will gather once a month in different ways: in person in the ISK MultiPurpose Room (MPR) and enjoy coffee, tea, snacks and conversation; or Virtually. It is a great way to meet other parents, ask questions, and find out what is going on with PTA.
Dates of the GM are published in the monthly PTA newsletter and on our Facebook page. Details of the agenda will be sent out one week before in an email. All are encouraged to attend!
Email us: pta@iskonline.org
The PTA organises a number of different activity clubs for parents each school year and all are welcome to join.
These clubs can include Sports clubs, such as Walking & Tennis; and Social clubs such as Book Club, Craft Club, Travel Around Krakow Club, English Conversation and Breakfast Club, among others. We hope to see you at one of our clubs soon!
Club meetings are often promoted on the ISK PTA Facebook group and some groups have separate Facebook pages for additional info.
Contact for additional information.
2021-22 ISK PTA Schedule of Events
Please find more information on current events in your monthly newsletter, emails and on our Facebook page.
Summer Fun Camp