

About us
Dear Parents and Friends,
Welcome to the Polish Academy in Galway!
As Polish immigrants who grew up in Galway, we understand the importance of preserving language, culture, and identity. Inspired by our own experiences, we founded this school to provide a welcoming space where Polish children in Ireland can learn and grow while staying connected to their heritage.
Our journey began in September 2024 with the youngest learners, and we are proud to now teach children up to 13 years old. With the support of Magdalena’s mother, Agnieszka Grochola—an expert in Polish language education—we are committed to providing high-quality education in Polish language, history, culture, and geography.
Magdalena’s experience as a former director of an English language school and Michał’s background in teaching reflect our deep passion for education. More than anything, we want this Academy to be a vibrant, supportive community where families feel at home.
We warmly invite you to join us and look forward to welcoming your family!

Founders
Founders
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Founder
Magdalena Pawłowska
With a background in and passion for language education, Magdalena served as the director of an English language school in Galway before dedicating her time to raising her two children. She studied psychology and is currently studying Early Childcare Education. Her passion for language and culture drives her commitment to establishing this Academy, ensuring that Polish children in Galway have access to the best educational resources.

Founder
Michał Pawłowski
Currently studying Physics at Atlanctic Technological University, Michał has experience teaching English as a foreign language and holds a CELTA - Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults, a Cambridge teaching qualification. His dedication to education and his Polish heritage fuels his efforts in co-founding this Academy, aiming to create a nurturing and enriching environment for Polish children.
Our Team
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Meet the dedicated educators who make Polish Academy in Galway a special place to learn. Each member of our team is committed to providing top-quality language education
and creating a welcoming environment for all students.
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Paula Depta
Paula Depta is a dedicated and creative teacher with a rich professional and educational background. She holds a Bachelor's degree in European Studies from the Private Higher School of Environmental Protection in Radom and a diploma from the School of Art and Fashion Design in Krakow. Paula has also obtained qualifications as a nursery caregiver and Montessori trainer, which have enhanced her skills in supporting children's development. From 2020 to 2024, Paula worked as a teacher at the Ene Due Rabe Polish School in Galway, where she passionately promoted Polish culture and language among young Poles. Paula holds a certificate in childcare and has completed training in sensory development, allowing her to effectively support children's sensory growth. She is a creative person with manual skills that she applies to her interests, such as handicrafts, interior design, and children's photography. Paula is known for her friendly and hardworking approach, excellent communication skills, and ability to work effectively with children. Her passion for Montessori pedagogy and commitment to teaching inspire her students to explore and appreciate Polish culture.
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Jacek Wanzek
Jacek Wanzek is an experienced educator with a rich academic and professional background. He graduated in Polish philology with a specialization in teaching and pedagogical therapy and obtained a master's degree in National Security from the Naval Academy in Gdynia. From 2014 to 2020, he worked as a Polish language and Polish studies teacher at the Wisława Szymborska Polish School in Galway, where he gained valuable experience working with Polish youth abroad. In 2024, he completed postgraduate studies in "The Roots of Totalitarianism in the 20th Century: Auschwitz - Holocaust - Genocides" organized by SWPS University in Warsaw in collaboration with the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum in Oświęcim, which enriched his knowledge of history and historical education. He is a participant in many courses and training sessions for teachers. Jacek is an active member of the Association of Polish Journalists and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). He collaborates with media in Poland and Ireland. His passions include history and the Eastern Borderlands, which he eagerly shares with his students, inspiring them to delve into Polish culture and history.
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Paula Wardziak
As a mother of two energetic boys, Paula understands the importance of warmth, patience and being attentive to each child’s individual needs. She is passionate about working with children and creating an environment where they feel safe, develop independence and grow in confidence. Paula graduated in Culinary Arts from GMIT, where she developed strong organisational, creative and practical skills. She has a particular love of nature and the outdoors and enjoys encouraging children to explore the world around them, nurturing their curiosity, creativity and respect for the environment. Warmth and empathy are central to Paula’s approach, helping her build trusting relationships with children and support them through everyday challenges.

Anna Kłys
Anna Kłys is a highly motivated and dynamic educator with a passion for early childhood development and teaching. She holds a Master's degree in Psychotherapy from the Tivoli Institute in Dublin, along with a BA in English History and Philology from the College of Stanislaw Staszic in Kielce, Poland. Anna's diverse educational background also includes diplomas in Life & Business Coaching, Fitness, Conditioning & Aerobics, and Interpersonal & Communication Skills. From 2011 to 2012, Anna worked as a Pre-School Teacher at MOSIR in Kielce, where she honed her skills in fostering a nurturing and effective learning environment for young children. Between 2014 and 2024 Anna taught at the Polish School in Galway, gaining valuable experience working with Polish youth and promoting their cultural and linguistic heritage. Anna’s interests include fitness, psychology, travel, and reading, all of which contribute to her holistic approach to education. Anna is committed to inspiring her students to explore and appreciate Polish culture and history while fostering their overall development.
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Martyna Konczak
Martyna holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, specialising in Public Safety. Over the years, she has gained professional experience in people-focused roles, including customer service and administration. Alongside her professional work, she has also been involved in community initiatives supporting people with disabilities and those facing difficult life circumstances. These experiences have shaped an approach rooted in kindness, empathy and attentiveness to others. At the Polish Academy, Martyna supports children in developing their Polish language skills and strengthening their connection with Polish culture, traditions and history. She is particularly passionate about helping children growing up between two cultures discover their roots with pride and find joy in belonging to both.

Become part of our team!
Are you passionate about teaching and eager to join our team? We are looking for enthusiastic teachers who want to inspire and shape future generations. Our school is rapidly growing, and we seek individuals with passion who want to help us build an exceptional educational environment. If you want to become part of our team, please send your CV and application. We are looking for people who share our vision and are ready to join our expanding educational community. Inspire our students with your knowledge and dedication!
Helping us
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Agnieszka Grochola
Agnieszka is a mother of two bilingual children, who moved with her to Ireland at the ages of 6 and 10. Her kids were the inspiration to establish a place where Polish children living in Galway and the surrounding areas could learn the Polish language. She has been living in Ireland for over 18 years now.
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She is a Polish language specialist with over 20 years of experience teaching Polish in schools in both Poland and Ireland.
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Her expertise includes working as an examiner for the Polish language exam within the Irish education system.
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She was the initiator and co-founder of the Polish School in Galway and served as the Principal of Wislawa Szymborska Polish School in Galway from 2009 to 2019.
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As a co-founder of Polish Educational Society, she played a key role in shaping Polish education in Ireland, eventually becoming its vice president and later president.
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She has co-organized numerous conferences and training sessions for Polish teachers in Ireland and was among the founding members of the Congress of Polish Education Abroad. In 2010, she joined the first Polish Education Council established under the Ministry of National Education.
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Between 2009 and 2020, she participated in 18 international conferences, training sessions, and workshops dedicated to Polish teachers abroad. Twice, she worked as an expert in developing textbooks designed for Polish students living outside Poland.
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Through her collaboration with the Wspólnota Polska Association, she co-founded the Local Methodological Center in Ireland, where she trained Polish teachers between 2016 and 2019.
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She is a strong advocate for active teaching methods that focus on the child's needs, fostering curiosity, independence, and a love for learning. She believes that education should be an adventure that extends beyond the classroom.
As a proud grandmother of two little ones born in Galway, she is excited to pass on her love for the Polish language and culture to the next generation. Agnieszka wholeheartedly supports the initiative of young Polish parents in founding Polska Akademia w Galway and is delighted to be part of this journey.
Passing on Polish culture from generation to generation.
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