Old Saint Nick visits Wimbish
It’s not Christmas yet, but for Wimbish World Language Academy, Old Saint Nick arrived early to spread some holiday cheer.
First grade teacher Kathy Kresser saw the excitement in the air.
“They were excited to have something new to look forward to and come to school on time,” Kresser said. 
Kresser is talking about Saint Nicholas Day, which was celebrated last Friday at WWLA.
The European tradition was celebrated as part of the school’s world language cultural integration education and to add a little holiday cheer of course.
Principal Chelsea Kostyniak brought the idea to life just last year.
“They should have fun at school,” she said. “I feel like when you get kids to come to school there should be joy.”
Kostyniak’s childhood memories inspired her to bring this new and exciting German tradition to WWLA.
“I remember doing this in kindergarten, and so when I started working here and it was the world culture and we started talking about Christmas, I was like one of my best memories was whenever we did this,” she said. “I said ‘we have to do this.’”
Saint Nicholas was a fourth-century bishop who was known for his generosity and kindness. He inspired the tradition of children leaving their shoes out on the eve of St. Nicholas Day in hopes of finding them filled with gifts the next morning.
“They’re still children, they should get to learn these kinds of things. I remember it at my age, and they should have happy memories at school,” said Kostyniak.
Students took off one shoe and set it out in the hallway. Within minutes the hallways were lined up with tiny shoes from pre-K all the way to sixth grade. Everyone anticipated St. Nick’s arrival. In a flash, St. Nicholas stopped by, and with the help of staff and PTA, they filled the shoes with goodies and treats. When students stepped out to get their shoes, they were amazed.
Kindergarten teacher ZairaNelly Paita enjoys the new tradition at WWLA.
“It’s exciting to see how much happiness it brings to the kids, so it makes my heart feel warm to see that we’re able to give them a little happiness and excitement during the holidays,” Paita said.
Does that sound like a tradition you want your student to be a part of? Wimbish World Language Academy is taking applications for the 2025-26 school year. You can find out more and apply here. Wimbish is also hosting a parent meeting tonight, Dec. 11, from 6-7 where you can get more information.