Within the walls of public school P.S. 225 in Brighton Beach, the new academic year began for the Ukrainian heritage school “Nova Khvylka.” This year, nearly 500 students took their seats — children of all ages, from three-year-olds in the “Svitlychka” preschool group to high school students. It is one of the largest Ukrainian educational centers in New York, which has become a true home for preserving the Ukrainian language and culture far from the homeland.
The first bell began with warm words from the school’s principal, Myroslava Rozdolska. Photo: Viktoriia Shapovalova
At the opening ceremony, the principal of “Nova Khvylka,” Myroslava Rozdolska, addressed those gathered:
“We are very happy that, far from our native land, parents understand how important it is to preserve our language, our culture, and to pass this dearest treasure on to our children. It is a great effort to remain Ukrainian far from home. Together we will preserve our Ukrainian world, because we are all one big Ukrainian family.”
The spiritual part of the celebration was led by Fr. Roman Malyarchuk, Archpriest and Administrator of the Ukrainian Catholic Mission of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which operates at St. Brendan’s Church in Brooklyn.
The first festive day at school: children greet the new academic year wearing embroidered shirts (vyshyvankas). Photo: Viktoriia Shapovalova
After that, theschoolyard filled with the sound of the Ukrainian national anthem, and everyone honored with a moment of silence thosewho gave their lives for Ukraine.
A greeting was delivered by the representative of New York State Senator Barbara Felder, thanks to whose support the school received the opportunity to hold classes in the premises of P.S. 225.
During the celebration, Deputy Principal Lesia Zlupko and Academic Deputy Olha Hrynyk were also recognized. Their daily work has allowed the school to overcome numerous challenges — from the rapid growth in the number of students to the search for appropriate facilities.
Students enter their classroom ceremonially together with their teacher. Photo: Viktoriia Shapovalova
The “Nova Khvylka” school was founded in 2016 by the community organization “Nova Ukrainska Khvylia” (New Ukrainian Wave). At first, it counted only a few dozen students, but today it has grown into a vibrant educational and cultural center where half a thousand children now study.
Here, students learn not only the Ukrainian language and literature, but also history, geography, and culture. They prepare traditional Christmas plays (verteps), spring folk songs, and festive concerts; they participate in community events, and support Ukrainian soldiers and families in Ukraine.
The school’s rapid growth testifies to the vitality of the Ukrainian community in the diaspora. For many families, “Nova Khvylka” has become an island of Ukrainian home life.
A magical moment of the first bell: the solemn start of the school year. Photo: Viktoriia Shapovalova
“Nova Khvylka” is more than an educational institution. It is a space where identity is shaped, where nurturing the Ukrainian language becomes an act of love and remembrance. Here, every song, every history lesson, and every page of literature studied is a step toward ensuring that the Ukrainian nation remains united — even across different continents.
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