ZS 8 Żory

The construction of Wincenty Pstrowski’s province, later named Wojciech Korfanty’s province, started in 1977. It was the third housing estate for miners. At the same time, there was set up an estate school – the fourth one in Żory. The pace of work was quick and in 1980, 1st September there was a ceremonial committed to use. It was connected with the inauguration of the new school year 1980/1981. The headmaster become Maria Pniak. She was in charge of the school until 1992.

In 1992 there was a change of headmaster at school. A new headmaster’s name was Bogdan Małek. He was the principal for 6 years, from 1992 to 31s April, 1998.

From the 1st May 1998 Kazimiera Karp was appointed as a temporarily headmaster. She run the pedagogical supervision until December 12th, 1998, when she was retired. Then, with all in force rules she handed over the whole documentation to MA Anna Lala who in December, 29th, 1998 become the temporarily principal.

In May 1999 there was an advertise the post of director to school No 16. Anna Lala won the competition and become the principal for 5 years (from September 1st 2000 to August 31st 2004).

In 1999 in the building of Primary school No 16, under pressure of the estate environment, especially parents, there was a Junior High School No 8 found. The principal was Małgorzata Wojtaszek. In Junior High School 3 classes were opened. One of them was an integration class where disabled people started their education.

Be virtue of junior High School had an integrated classes Anna Lala obtained the agreement to create such classes in Primary School. The building has a driveway, adjusted toilets fir the disabled and the lift.

In 2000 they reached a decision to name this school. It was named after Maria Konopnicka.

In 2001, June 1st there was a ceremony of giving the name. The ceremonies started in parish church named Filip and Jacob where prelate Jan Szewczyk celebrated mess. Many invited people, principals of schools from Żory, teachers, students and parents took part in this mess. After the mess everybody went to school in parade. Everything this was to the accompaniment of a brass band KWK “Pniówek”.

In September, 25th the same year there was a regional chamber opened. It was set up and equipped by Mrs Mirosława Bieg. Until now, Mrs Bieg is running a regional classes. The solemn open performed the president of Żory – Mr Waldemar Socha. Among invited guests there were: the head of Education Department - Mr Bogdan Lewandowski, the principal of Town Council – Mr Zygmunt Łukaszczyk, chairman of Company of Devotee Żory Town – Mr Henryk Skupień and representatives of District Council.

Inside the regional chamber there is: a typical Silesian kitchen – a kitchen dresser full of tableware, ‘biks’ – cans for sugar, rice, flour, 120 years sewing machine, a ancient cross and traditional and regional clothes. Our school is the only school in Żory that has such regional chamber. Thanks to it students have a great contact with the past of our region.

In 2002 for the first time there was opened the first integrated class in primary school. The main goal of creation this class was creating a school of 1st, 2nd and 3rd educational level which would be friendly to the integration of health and disabled children.

In 2004, September 1st, Primary School No 16 was merged with Junior High School No 8 in the same building and from September, 1st it started its function as a Complex of Schools No 8. Its principal was Mrs Ewa Szymala. In October, 2004, during the ceremonial of Teacher’s Day there was an official devotion to usage the lift for the disabled. The principal of Complex of Schools No 8 and the president of Żory took part in the first passing of the elevator.

In September, 2005, we celebrated 25th anniversary of the establishment of Primary School.

Nowadays, the building is still renovating on student’s account conditions to gaining the knowledge and to development. Huge and spacious classrooms are equipped in audiovisual equipment and teaching materials. There are modern washing facilities, hardware with the internet, subject offices, library and reading room. There are also multimedia informatics center, gym with full equipment, the medical office, school shop, school field.