The Novkino Secondary School of the Vitebsk District has been named after Soviet cosmonaut Pyotr Klimuk
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 participation of Vladimir Golubev, Associate Professor of the Department of Engineering Physics at VSU named after P. Masherov. Teachers, high school students, and their parents helped him create the mechanical planetarium device. It is noteworthy that the device is made from an ordinary 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 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. The duration of his stay in space was 78 days, 18 hours, 18 minutes, 42 seconds. Pyotr Klimuk gave his personal consent for Novkino Secondary School to be named after him.
The school received a new stage of development in this direction 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 showing cartoons and educational films about planets, stars, and space.
With the arrangement of the astronomical complex, Novkino 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 passionate about exploring the mysteries of space was expanding: for instance, Vladimir Golubev invited Russian test cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev, whose parents live in Vitebsk, to Novka. A part of the 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. Oleg Artemyev was the guest of honor. The treasures he donated, a series of photographs taken directly on the International Space Station and included in the "Road to the Stars" exhibition, still constitute the museum's pride.
As a rule, students of Novka 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 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 extracurricular education teacher (now deputy director) of the center for children and youth of the Vitebsk region, the interest group "Astrei" for young lovers of the universe's mysteries was active.
Three years ago, the Gagarin detachment was created at the school, which now bears the name of Hero of the Russian Federation, pilot-cosmonaut O. Artemyev. Being part of it is a great honor and good fortune. By the fifth grade, when they are admitted to the detachment, students must prove themselves to be diligent, disciplined learners, reliable comrades, and active participants in socially useful activities. The "Gagarin-Artemyevites" are, in a way, the face of the school. They are entrusted with meeting numerous guests, acting as guides, and representing the educational institution on other communication platforms.
Novkino Secondary School often hosts guests. Excursions to the astro-space complex are organized for them. Everyone is impressed by the unique opportunities of the rural school. Just imagine how interesting the thematic class hours, astronomy lessons, and other activities dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of the universe are held here.
January 2025 was marked by a significant event: a visit from 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 communicated with the staff. As Deputy Chairperson 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 improving military graves and memorial sites to assisting veterans, – said Zakhar. – I am happy to study at a "space" school that provides solid knowledge and a broad outlook. After graduation, I plan to enroll in BSTU for the specialty "Forestry." I want to plant trees. Trees so tall that they can be seen from space.