Day 309: Fruits of Labor

After a long and arduous scholastic journey, Jarred Andrei was awarded the highest recognition in his English studies for the 2nd Quarter. I was literally in tears when his name was announced and my heart swelled with so much pride and gratitude. It was a double achievement as he was able to retain his 2nd Honors position in Chinese studies. It was truly a day of joy for the students, parents and teachers as the efforts of the young achievers were duly acknowledged and rewarded. 

Day 249: Fancy Footwork

Perfect coordination...super abdominal strength...pristine timing...and a prayer to not get wet...

These are the factors essential to successfully lift this container half-filled with water with just the use of feet and leg power. To sustain it in mid-air for a few seconds will really stretch your abdominal might to its limit. 

Well, the SUN Team did exactly that...and won this game.

Day 246: Pride and Joy

One of the gazillion things I love about being a mom is watching my children absorb the things they encounter everyday like sponges. Their learning potential is truly at its peak right now that they're in preschool and primary ages. 

Ever since starting formal school almost 3 years ago, Jarred Andrei, my firstborn, has developed in leaps and bounds from the very first time he held a pencil in his hand and attempted to write. Sure, he was an excellent verbal communicator but he was weak in reading and writing then. 

My little man has grown a lot since then and has achieved far greater than I have ever imagined he would. It was a mother's pride that nearly made me shed tears when I got up on stage to pin his ribbons during the 1st Quarter Recognition Day today. He was 2nd Honors in both the Chinese and English Departments. I was overwhelmed with joy as I saw that sparkle in his eye. It certainly made me think that all those hours labored over exam reviewers were well worth it.

Day 225: This School Year

The school year has been pretty much mapped out already. It's jampacked with activities, both curricular and non-curricular. I'm glad to know that there will be a Chinese New Year celebration this year too!

It's going to be a year full of fun and creativity for the kids, teachers and parents! I'm totally excited!!!

Day 215: Our Little Explorer

CeeJae is a daredevil! 

Not even 1.5 years old yet, she's not afraid to try many stunts or stretch her physical abilities. One of the things that fascinate her is going up and down a flight of stairs. For some reason, height does not scare her...with her, it's quite the opposite - it challenges her.

For now, she has discovered her unique way of  going down the steps...with a firm grasp on the rail, she slides down each step by sitting on each one until she reaches the bottom.

A few months from now I know she'll learn to go down the stairs the upright way but in the meantime, I'll leave my little daredevil to her own tricks.

Day 117: Sticky

Every day since Cailie started with summer school, she brings home a new skill, a new learning.  Today, apart from their usual drills with phonics and writing, they had a "cut and paste" activity. I could see the wonder in her eyes as she was guided by the teacher to cut out pictures and glue them onto her activity paper. 

With unsure but steady hands, she squirted the glue on the pieces of paper by herself and stuck them on her work. It was a wonderful feeling to see these little victories of my princess.

Day 111: Gwyneth and Jarred

It was rare to see these two together like this so I snatched the opportunity to snap photos.  Gwyneth and Jarred - the two kids of Kinder II who vied for top spot in graduation.  Well, it wasn't really neck in neck as Gwyneth clearly swept past ahead of the pack as early as the 2nd quarter.  And so, it was she who bagged the gold and Jarred, came 2nd with the silver. 

I was in awe as I saw these two discussing the English/Filipino names of vegetables and fruits posted on the wall.  I had fun watching them and little did they know, I was capturing every moment on film...

Day 83: The Graduate

March 24, 2010...a very special day for an extraordinary young boy closest to my heart...

Jarred Andrei, my firstborn, has finished the first chapter in his school life - he is now a full-pledged preschool graduate.

I can still remember like it was only yesterday when he entered the blue gate of BFCS for the very first time back in the summer of 2008.  We were "school hunting" and BFCS was the first school we visited.  From the start, he felt at home and accepted at Butuan Faith.  Even though we took him to two more schools in the city, he seemed to be set on choosing BFCS as his school.

To test the waters, he took summer classes there that year and it was very tough on him.  He would be in tears every time he had to write as he'd use both hands to do it since he wasn't used to writing.  I thought he'd give up but he didn't.  After a month, the teacher said he's ready to finally face Kinder I.

As I look back, it never ceases to amaze me how his learning development multiplied tenfold soon after that summer.  Oh sure, his English speaking ability was flawless, well, we made sure of that but he did lag behind in the other areas of development.  By the end of his Kindergarten I year, he managed to be within the top 3 of his class and survived his Filipino subject at the same time.

He faced Kindergarten II with greater confidence and even more excitement.  He worked twice as hard as he did in his first year in school.  As a result, not only did he end up acing his English Department subjects, he also clinched 5th place in the Chinese Department subjects.

Our heart was bursting with pride as he did his Salutatory address...

By the end of the ceremony, he had several awards pinned on his chest.  These blessings came as a result of God's grace and pure hard work.  I took this tough preschool journey with him and I know things weren't always easy but Jarred gave his best and reaped all the benefits in the end.

The synergy of his hardworking teachers, parental support at home and the small class size structure worked together to mold him into the wonderful young boy he is now.