Volunteer Centre Sutton's Ukrainian Saturday School, Ukrainian Vinok, recently celebrated the end of another successful school year with a special Last Bell ceremony, marking an important milestone as the school completed its fourth year of supporting Ukrainian children and families in Sutton.
Funded by Sutton Council, the Saturday school was established to help children displaced by the war in Ukraine maintain a strong connection with their language, culture and identity while building new lives in the UK.
The Last Bell is a cherished tradition in Ukrainian schools, celebrating the end of the academic year. More than simply the last day before the summer holidays, it is an opportunity for pupils, families and teachers to reflect on the year, celebrate achievements and thank one another for their support. For those moving on, it also marks the end of an important chapter and the beginning of a new one.
This year's celebration brought together children, parents, teachers and volunteers in a warm and joyful atmosphere. The hall was filled with music, performances and heartfelt words of appreciation, reflecting the strength and resilience of the Ukrainian community that has grown in Sutton over the past four years.
Every pupil received a certificate recognising their achievements, alongside a commemorative medal from Ukraine bearing the words of renowned Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko:
"Learn from others, but do not forsake your own."
These inspiring words perfectly reflect the school's mission: helping children thrive in the UK while preserving their Ukrainian language, culture and heritage.
Four Years of Learning, Friendship and Growth
This year's ceremony was especially meaningful as it celebrated the school's oldest pupils, who completed their four-year journey at Ukrainian Vinok.
Over the past four years, these young people have developed far more than their reading and writing skills. They have grown in confidence, discovered new talents, formed lasting friendships and become active members of Sutton's Ukrainian community. They have performed at concerts, taken part in charity events, appeared in drama productions and proudly represented their community as singers, actors and presenters.
One of the most emotional moments of the celebration was a special video presentation created by their teachers. Families looked back at photographs from when many of the children first arrived in Sutton after leaving Ukraine, alongside more recent images that captured how much they had grown, achieved and flourished.
The graduates also shared some of their favourite memories from the Saturday school and spoke about their hopes and ambitions for the future.
Volunteer Centre Sutton wishes every graduate continued success as they begin the next stage of their journey. May they always remain proud of their Ukrainian heritage, treasure their roots and continue to grow into kind, compassionate and confident young people.
Celebrating the People Behind the Project
The event also marked the end of an important chapter for one of the school's dedicated teachers, Iryna Atlasiuk, who has recently secured a full-time teaching position.
During her time at Ukrainian Vinok, Iryna supported children in developing their Ukrainian reading skills while inspiring them through her warmth, patience and dedication.
Reflecting on her time at the school, she said:
"It has been a privilege and a pleasure to be part of the Ukrainian Saturday School. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute, even in a small way, to the children's learning and connection with their Ukrainian heritage."
She also reflected on the wider impact of the project:
"The opportunities, care and encouragement provided by Volunteer Centre Sutton have made a real difference. They have helped create not only a school, but a place where children and families have found friendship, hope and a sense of belonging."
Thank You to Our Partners
Volunteer Centre Sutton would like to thank Sutton Council, our dedicated teachers, volunteers and the families who continue to make Ukrainian Vinok such a welcoming and inspiring place to learn.
As the school celebrates four successful years, it continues to provide children with a safe and supportive environment where they can celebrate their heritage, build confidence and create lifelong friendships while embracing new opportunities in the UK.
