The Novkinskaya secondary school of the Vitebsk district has been named after Soviet cosmonaut Petr Klimuk
Novkinskaya Secondary School of Vitebsk District has been named after the Soviet cosmonaut, twice Hero of the Soviet Union Pyotr Klimuk. Celebrations on this occasion will take place on April 14, and on the eve of Cosmonautics Day, we visited the school with a "cosmic" focus.
The idea that this educational institution should take on an unusual role was in the air even back when the building was constructed in the early 1990s according to an unusual design. Above the three floors rises a tower with a dome. What to arrange here if not a planetarium? However, it only appeared in 2012 with the direct participation of Vladimir Golubev, an associate professor of the Department of Engineering Physics at VSU named after P. Masherov. In creating the mechanical planetarium device, he was assisted by teachers, high school students, and their parents. Notably, the device was made from a regular school globe.
Reference "VV": Pyotr Ilyich Klimuk was born in 1942 in the village of Komarovka, Brest Region. After finishing school, he did everything possible to become a top-class pilot. In 1965, he was enrolled in the cosmonaut team. He made three space flights as the crew commander. The first: December 18 – 26, 1973; the second May 24 – July 26, 1975; the third June 27 – July 5, 1978. The total duration of his stay in space was 78 days, 18 hours, 18 minutes, and 42 seconds. Pyotr Klimuk gave his personal consent for Novkinskaya Secondary School to bear his name.
A new phase of development in this direction was received by the school when, in 2013, an astronomical observation platform was built on its territory. A modern telescope was installed here, and the planetarium acquired special digital equipment for demonstrating cartoons and educational films about planets, stars, and space.
With the establishment of the astronomical complex, Novkinskaya Secondary School became a branch of the Department of Engineering Physics of the Faculty of Mathematics and Information Technologies at VSU named after P. Masherov.
The circle of like-minded individuals fascinated by the study of the mysteries of space expanded: thus, Vladimir Golubev invited Russian test cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev, whose parents live in Vitebsk, to Novka. A part of the soft landing engine from the descent vehicle of the spacecraft, a flight log, and souvenirs brought by the cosmonaut became the first exhibits of the museum room, which was decided to develop as a museum of the history of space.
Its solemn opening took place in 2019. The honored guest was Oleg Artemyev. The treasures he donated, along with a number of photographs taken directly on the International Space Station and included in the exhibition "The Road to the Stars," now constitute the pride of the museum.
As a rule, students of Novkinskaya School get acquainted with the structure of the Solar System and other celestial bodies as early as the first grade when they first visit the mysterious museum and magical planetarium. They fall in love with the mysterious world of space forever.
For several years, under the guidance of an enthusiastic additional education teacher (now the deputy director) of the center for children and youth of Vitebsk District, Elena Yanovskaya, a club for young lovers of the mysteries of the Universe called "Astrey" operated.
Three years ago, a Gagarin team was created at the school, which now bears the name of the Hero of the Russian Federation, pilot-cosmonaut O. Artemyev. Being part of it is a great honor and luck. By the fifth grade, when students are accepted into the team, they must prove themselves to be diligent, disciplined students, reliable friends, and active participants in socially useful activities. The "Gagarin-Artemyev" members are a kind of face of the school. They are trusted to meet numerous guests, act as guides, and represent the educational institution at other communication platforms.
Guests often visit Novkinskaya Secondary School. Excursions are held for them in the astro-cosmic complex. Everyone is impressed by the unique opportunities of the rural school. Just imagine how interesting thematic class hours, astronomy lessons, and other activities dedicated to the understanding of the mysteries of the universe are held here.
January 2025 was marked by a bright event: the visit of the first woman cosmonaut of sovereign Belarus, Hero of Belarus Marina Vasilevskaya. She visited the museum and planetarium, planted a friendship tree in the school winter garden, and communicated with the staff. As the deputy chairperson of the board of the Belarusian Peace Foundation, Marina Vasilevskaya presented the "Young Peacemaker" award to the activist of the military-patriotic club "Volat," 11th grader Zakhar Vargan.
– Members of our club not only study history but also engage in practical activities – from improving military burials and memorial sites to helping veterans, – Zakhar said. – I am happy that I study in a "cosmic" school that provides solid knowledge and a broad outlook. After graduation, I plan to enroll in BGTU for the specialty "Forestry." I want to plant a forest. One that can be seen from space.