Dear students, I think it is important that young Australians with a Polish heritage like yourselves be aware of the heroism of your forebears in the triumph of liberty over tyranny; specifically in this case the World War II Polish cryptanalyst team who did what was thought impossible; not only did the Polish team mathematically reconstruct the military version of an encoding typewriter called Enigma, but the team members also devised methods and equipment for solving the five main variables employed by the Germans, sometimes coming up with the solutions in a matter of minutes.

The Germans believed that even if the Allies had Enigma machines identical to the ones they were using, their communications would still remain secret because the decryption ‘key’ – Enigma’s variables - was changed each day at midnight. They themselves had tried and failed so they arrogantly believed no one else would be smart enough to work out each day’s new settings. The French and British teams tried for eight years and couldn’t even get past step one in reconstructing a German Enigma machine - the wiring from each key on the key board to the entry drum leading to the rotor cradle on the machine. The Polish team not only reconstructed the machine, they did what was thought impossible, working out the daily keys; and it took them only about three months to reach that capability!

I was happy to see the students express their pride in the achievements of the Polish cryptanalyst team who unselfishly shared their accomplishments with the Allies before the start of World War II as Poland’s first contribution to joint victory in the coming conflict. Never in the course of human history have the people of one nation faced the simultaneous aggression of TWO world super powers and through their courage and commitment in all theatres of the ensuing conflict, contribute disproportionately so much to ultimate victory.

It is my hope that the students of North Shore Polish Saturday School who made the effort to visit and participate in the Enigma interactive display realise that if THEY don’t honour the Polish champions of the liberty that we all enjoy today, then no one else will. Instead, others will be able to successfully appropriate such heroism for their own glory. Congratulations boys and girls for attending and participating, you can rightfully be proud of your Polish heritage.

Felix Molski

Come and visit school's website - tutaj relacja z wyprawy uczniów na wystawê, pokaz slajdów i film o Enigmie

Dear Mr Molski. We truly appreciate the beautiful message to our students - very moving indeed! I can't wait to read it with my class next Saturday, especially with the students who took part in the Enigma challenge... They were totally captivated by your "hands on" history lesson.

The Enigma workshop and inspiring words in your letter will contribute to shaping an awareness of their Polish identity which is essential to honour the Polish history and carry on our rich traditions.

In view of the Centenary Exhibition we covered the battle of Monte Cassino during Saturday class in grades 5 and 6 and I was so happy to see some students prepare additional research at home about this heroic event so they could present it during our class. I think I have an inkling what triggered this active interest in Polish history:)

On behalf of Elizabeth Cesarski, our teachers and of course our young boys and girls I want to express our deep gratitude for your time and effort to prepare the workshops.

Huge thank you and looking forward to another opportunity for a history lesson!

Marzena Stankiewicz, Grades 5/6 teacher