Novka Secondary School of Vitebsk District has been named after Soviet cosmonaut, twice Hero of the Soviet Union, Pyotr Klimuk. The celebrations for this occasion will take place on April 14, and on the eve of Cosmonautics Day, we visited the school with a "space" focus.
The idea that this educational institution needed to take on an unusual role was in the air even when the building was constructed in the early 1990s according to an unusual design. A turret with a dome rises above the three floors. What else could be set up here if not a planetarium? However, it only appeared in 2012 with the direct involvement of Vladimir Golubev, Associate Professor at the Department of Engineering Physics of VSU named after P. Masherov. Teachers, senior students, and their parents helped him create the mechanical planetarium device. It is noteworthy that the device is made from an ordinary school globe.
Information from "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 highly skilled pilot. In 1965, he was enrolled in the cosmonaut corps. He made three space flights as commander of the crew. First: December 18–26, 1973; second: May 24–July 26, 1975; third: June 27–July 5, 1978. His total time in space was 78 days, 18 hours, 18 minutes, and 42 seconds. Pyotr Klimuk gave his personal consent for Novka Secondary School to be named after him.
The school received a new stage of development in this direction when, in 2013, a site for astronomical observations was built on its territory. A modern telescope was installed here, and special digital equipment was acquired for the planetarium to show cartoons and educational films about planets, stars, and space.
With the establishment of the astronomical complex, Novka Secondary School became a branch of the Department of Engineering Physics of the Faculty of Mathematics and Information Technologies of VSU named after P. Masherov.
The circle of like-minded people fascinated by the study of the mysteries of space expanded: for instance, Vladimir Golubev invited Russian test cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev to Novka, whose parents live in Vitebsk. Part of a soft-landing engine from a spacecraft's descent module, a flight log, and souvenirs brought by the cosmonaut became the first exhibits in a museum room, which was decided to be developed as a museum of space history.
Its grand opening took place in 2019. The guest of honour was Oleg Artemyev. The treasures he presented, a series of photographs taken directly on the International Space Station and included in the "Road to the Stars" exhibition, are still the pride of the museum.
As a rule, pupils of Novkino School become 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 the magical planetarium. They fall in love with the enigmatic world of space forever.
For several years, under the guidance of Elena Yanovskaya, an enthusiastic educator of additional education (now Deputy Director) at the centre for children and youth of Vitebsk region, the "Astrei" interest club for young lovers of the Universe's mysteries operated.
Three years ago, the Gagarin detachment was formed at the school, which now bears the name of the Hero of the Russian Federation, pilot-cosmonaut O. Artemyev. To be part of it is a great honour and good fortune. By the fifth grade, when they are admitted to the detachment, students must prove themselves to be diligent, disciplined pupils, reliable comrades, and active participants in socially useful activities. The "Gagarin-Artemyevites" are, in a way, the face of the school. They are trusted to welcome numerous guests, act as guides, and represent the educational institution on other communication platforms.
Guests frequently visit Novkino Secondary School. Excursions to the astro-cosmic complex are organised for them. Everyone is impressed by the unique capabilities of the rural school. Just imagine how interesting the thematic class hours, astronomy lessons, and other activities dedicated to comprehending the mysteries of creation are held here.
January 2025 was marked by a significant event: the visit of the first female cosmonaut of sovereign Belarus, Hero of Belarus Marina Vasilevskaya. She visited the museum and planetarium, planted a tree of friendship in the school's winter garden, and interacted with the staff. As Deputy Chairman of the Board of the Public Association "Belarusian Peace Foundation," Marina Vasilevskaya presented the "Young Peacemaker" order to Zakhar Vargan, an 11th-grade student and activist of the "Volat" military-patriotic club.
– Members of our club not only study history but also engage in practical activities – from the improvement of military graves and memorial sites to assisting veterans, – Zakhar said. – I am happy to study at a "space" school that provides solid knowledge and a broad outlook. After graduation, I plan to enter BSTU for the specialty "Forestry". I want to plant forests. Forests so large that they can be seen from space.