Day 271: Teachers' Day 2010

In Chinese schools, Teachers' Day is celebrated on the birthday of the great Chinese thinker and philosopher, CONFUCIUS. This was a bit different from what I got used to as a young student since we usually paid tribute to our teachers on Valentine's Day. 

This year, the elementary students of BFCS paid homage to their teachers by singing the song, "Wind Beneath My Wings". It was a surprise presentation that the children themselves put together and practiced on their own which made it such a poignant part of the day's program.

To all teachers, thank you for partnering with us parents in assuring a quality education for our children so that they may all grow up as God-loving Christians full of potential, talent and ability to carve a wonderful future for this world.

Day 239: Celebrating BFCS' 22 years

By the end of a very long and tiring week, everyone was ready to take things slower. Today marked the awarding ceremonies of the SportsFest and Literary-Musical events held earlier in the week. By noon, parents and teachers also had an opportunity to bond over the Luncheon Fellowship. In the end, all kids went home winners, their hearts full of pride and joy.

Day 236: Grand Parade

Students, Teachers, Admin and Parents unite to start the celebration with a big bang!

Princes and Princesses with their court

After nearly a month of preparations, the long-awaited school foundation week celebration has finally come. This year, BFCS certainly pulled all the stops - from the very successful fund raising activity (plastic recycling) to the announcement of this year's young Prince and Princesses. 

For me personally, this event has given me the opportunity to help out and support the children and faculty in the different contests. It was also a wonderful venue to meet up and get to know the other parents in the community.

Take a peek at the grand opening salvo...

The fierce warriors - DACTYL Team

The bright and cheery SUN Team

The ever-sparkling  STAR Team

The young scene-stealers - TITANS Team

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 221: First Quarter Exams

The dreaded First Quarter Exam week is finally here. From today until Friday, my son and the rest of his schoolmates will put to test what they've learned so far this school year.

I can only hope and pray that the review and preparations we did over the weekend were enough for my Jarred Andrei to hurdle the exams.

Day 219: Review

Examinations are dreaded by most if not all students. Well, as a parent, I also dread the coming of quarter exams since it means a toxic week of intense review. Ever since Jarred was in Kinder I, I've made it a point to prepare printed reviewers based on their lesson coverage. I discovered that doing such really makes him more interested in review and testing than just going through his books or notes. 

It does take some deal of preparation on my end (I need to have the pointers ready a week before exams) but the review proper becomes a breeze once the sample tests are ready and printed out.

If it makes my son's work much easier, I'd gladly take on the sacrifice each quarter to prepare his reviewers for him. For parents who need help on making such sample exams for their children, I've made the ones for Mathematics and Science available on Google Docs.

Day 218: First PTA 2010

With the school's foundation anniversary fast approaching, Butuan Faith Christian School (BFCS) held its first PTA meeting for SY 2010-2011. Instead of the usual general PTA assembly, we were broken into groups. This year's grouping theme is about celestial bodies. My son Jarred is part of the Sun Group. The other two groups in the Elementary level are Dactyl and Star while the Preschool level is called the Titans Team.

Topics discussed were the different contests our children were going to be involved in like Speech Choir, Reader's Theater, Song Interpretation and Field Demonstration. It was such a blessing to have parents who are so open and willing to support their children in this endeavor. At the end of the meeting, we all agreed to come in full force during the foundation week and even participate during the SportsFest.


Go go go SUN team!!!

Day 209: Gettin' Ready for Foundation Week

For the past two years, my son Jarred took part in his school's foundation celebration as a member of the preschool group. Well, since he's in primary level now, this is will be the first time that he will be grouped with other elementary graders. 

He is a member of the SUN Group composed of 18 young boys and girls from grades 1 to 6. In preparation for the week-long celebration, they are knee-deep in preparations for the numerous group contests: Field Demonstration, Song Interpretation, Speech Choir and Readers' Theater. As shown in the photos, I caught them practicing for the Speech Choir competition.

Day 205: Nutrition Week 2010

In celebration of this year's Nutrition Week, here's a mélange of photos taken at Butuan Faith Christian School as the students showcased their healthy bodies and minds in an entertaining program filled with wit, talent and creativity. 

Day 204: As a judge

During the recently concluded Nutrition Week celebration at my son's school, I reprised my role as judge (last schoolyear was my first time). From the A1 Child competition for preschool, primary and intermediate categories, the jingle-making and interpretation, to the slogan and poster-making contests, there were so many talented children to choose from this year. Some were more witty and charming than others and yet hid wonderful treasures of talent inside.  Together with three other parents, we were tasked with choosing the best among the best. In the end, it was difficult to decide but the choices had to be made. For the preschool category, the A1 winners were from Kinder 1, for the primary category, the pair from Grade 2 bested their opponents and the Grade 6 partners were triumphant in the intermediate category. The Grade 2 and 6 pupils were the grand winners for the jingle-making and interpretation contest. Overall, it was a grand showcase of talent, skill and teamwork from all BFCS students. Kudos to all!

Day 193: Long Test Blues

The reality that a new school year has started only hits me when the need for lengthy review comes along. During Jarred's preschool days, I prepare reviewers right before his quarterly exams. Now that he's in primary school, they have monthly long tests on top of the big quarterly ones. His first monthly long examination falls on this date today and tomorrow. The downside of having this new system is the frequency of reviewing and doing of sample tests but it's really more of an advantage because he gets to review each chapter lengthily in preparation for the quarterly exams. On my end, it's also good because even though I need to prepare the reviewers monthly, each one is shorter than what I used to do for quarter exams and this time, I only need to combine the tests I do for each month to prepare for the big one. 

Day 180: Parent-Teacher Partnership

Start of the school year means another Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) year. Every year since my Jarred started attending school, I make sure that I take an active role as the school's partner in his education and development. After all, it is every parent's desire that their child receive the best Christian education and formation that will enable them to secure a bright future. Parents need to proactively support the school through its teachers by closely monitoring both academic and non-academic activities. We have a responsibility to make sure that our children are receiving the right and timely information. The school needs our feedback and assistance when it comes to our children's performance and vice-versa. It is a two-way street and the PTA becomes the vehicle to have a smooth-sailing school year.

Day 127: Perfect!!!

The end of summer classes for Cailie won't be until May 13 but since we'll be going out of town by tomorrow so I can vote on Monday, her teacher allowed her to have double sessions this week. For today, she had her very first taste of an examination - both in Reading and in Math. I'm proud to say she aced both!!!

It was a good decision to let her test the waters this summer to know her interest and level of learning. She is obviously advanced compared to her Kuya at the same age. Cailie exhibits good motor control skills when given writing tasks and her attention span is quite lengthy.

I'm sure she will miss Teacher Lolibeth but I know Cailie will cherish wonderful memories of a productive summer experience with her.

Day 118: The Love of Teaching

It was disheartening to know that my son Jarred's K-II teacher won't be coming back to teach in the school this coming school year.  She's also Caitlin's summer school teacher. I admire her patience and dedication in teaching the children. Teacher Lolibeth goes out of her way to reach out to all her students and works hard to make sure each child achieves the best of his/her ability.

Throughout the past school year, she was a constant supporter and inspiration to her students to do their best in all their endeavors.  She always had her listening ear and heart available to parents whenever we had questions and inquiries regarding our children.

I'm sad to see her go and I feel sorry that the future generation of K-II children in school won't be able to experience the Teacher Lolibeth brand of teaching, caring and loving. However, I am sure that she will be a blessing and a wonderful addition to the institution she will be transferring to.

***Teacher Lolibeth, thank you for sharing your full self to our children and taking care of them while they are with you in school.  We admire your selfless dedication to their welfare and learning. We will continue to pray for you and we look forward to seeing you around.

Day 48: A Tutor's Pride

In my years as an online English tutor, the phrase "I passed!" is music to my ears.  Since 2006, I've been helping foreigners learn the English language.  Some just want to learn the basic English grammar while the bulk of my students are those studying to pass a particular English exam like IELTS, TOEFL or TOEIC.  Passing these exams are part of their goal in life - whether to enable them to work, study or migrate to a foreign country.

Just imagine my joy when I got this email from one of students.  It literally brought tears to my eyes.  In the short time that we've spent together in class, I've come to know a lot about her struggles in learning English.  With this piece of great news, I can really say "She's come a long way, baby!"

It is in times like these that I am reminded of how awesome it is to be a teacher...it is not a job but a vocation.  And though I'm sad that very soon, my student and I will have to part ways, I am filled with the thought that wherever she may go, she will carry a part of me in her as I carry a part of her in my heart.

To Tomo: "Congratulations my dear!  Spread your wings and soar...chase after your dreams and fulfill them!  It has been a great honor and privilege to teach you."