Day 157: New Kids on the Block

New city...new school...

School year 2011-2012 has brought in some firsts and some new things...after spending the first three years of school life in Butuan Faith Christian School, Jarred is now facing the challenge of being the new kid on the block. Entering the Grade II level at his Dad's elementary alma mater - St. Francis of Assisi School, he may have some bumps here and there before he gets the hang of things in this new school. Joining him is newbie student, Caitlin, who's beginning formal school for the first time as a Kinder pupil at the same school.

God has directed our path ever since we knew about our inevitable move to Cebu. The school is strategically located as it is less than 2 km away from home and is also on the way to their Lola's place of work. They may be newbies but I know they can manage and will enjoy their time at SFAS.

Many thanks to Tito Ninong Alfred and Tita Ninang Phebz for making the nearly impossible possible .

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 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 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 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 194: Special "Bus" Service

The two girls are always excited to see off their Kuya to school or pick him up in the afternoon. Having him spend the whole day in school makes them miss him all the more. Their reunions are always so touching and poignant. Today, I brought them along to fetch Kuya...they happily mingled with the other school children as I was preoccupied with a young Grade 2 student who had been harassed by an upperclassman. All three young ones were happy to play with the other students who were waiting for their parents, yayas or drivers while I was appeasing the young girl who kept on breaking into sobs. We left the school with a disturbed feeling about the new student who has been bullying the younger girls. (Note to self: Remember to bring it up during the next PTA meeting)

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 172: School Boy

Barely a week since classes started, my young school boy is slowly getting used to his new class schedule and lesson pace. Jarred has made new friends with his classmates who were transferees from other schools.

He is beginning to like the idea of staying in school for the whole day and even taking his lunch there. Many of the changes this school year will definitely teach him to be more independent and self-reliant. As a parent, I want nothing more than to see all of my children growing up to be well-adjusted, highly-independent and loving Christians. Although, the thought of them not needing me anymore does send tears to my eyes at times. Sometimes, I wish I could just slow down the hands of time and let them remain my babies for a tad longer...sigh! The next best thing now is to just make most of each day that we are given to be with them and be thankful to God for these children who are such awesome blessings from above.

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 104: Steady Hand

This is Cailie's 2nd day of summer school.  In today's activities, she exhibited amazing control of her motor skills while coloring the outline of her own hand.  Observing her, I thought that she is quite advanced compared to her Kuya when he was her age.  I also noticed remarkable difference in their attention span and organizational skills.  Cailie would painstakingly put back all her school materials in her bag as soon as she was done with them without the teacher instructing her to do so.  Is it because she's a girl?  Is this a gender trait of some sort?  Well, it was something new for me and indeed something amazing to watch.

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.

Day 78: Practice

In a few days my son will be graduating from Preschool.  For the past week or so, he and his classmates have been busy practicing for their Baccalaureate Service and Graduation Exercises.  I was given a sneak peek during their final rehearsal today for their Baccalaureate this coming Sunday.

The excitement is evident in their eyes.  It was a wonder they didn't mind being asked to do their numbers over and over until they got it perfectly.  They were all bundled up with tremendous energy and vibe.  Everywhere else, the faculty and administration were busy putting up the finishing touches to the backdrop, checking the program sequence and perfecting the script.

Looking around, I was brought to my own memory flashes of graduation practice week...of which I had three: elementary, high school and college.  They all seem like a blur now but I can still remember the feeling of pride and accomplishment I had then.  I'm sure my son and his classmates feel exactly the same.

Day 36: PTA

I attended the Parent-Teacher Conference at my son's school today.  It was also Recognition Day for the 3rd Quarter of the school year.  My heart was filled with glee when the homeroom teacher announced the honor roll.  With God's grace, Jarred was able to maintain his 2nd honors position in the English Department and was able to return to the honor list in the Chinese Department by placing 4th.  His teacher was so happy about his Filipino grade most of all.  Filipino is, after all, Jarred's waterloo subject (we don't use the language at home so it's quite difficult for him to learn it in school).  From a grade of 85 in the 2nd quarter, he was able to climb 8 notches higher and achieved 93 in Filipino.  Filipino!!!  I couldn't believe it myself.  It was a job well done indeed!  If only his grandparents could hear him read the way he does now...they'd be amazed!   

One of the major topics discussed during the meeting was their graduation in March.  Wow! In a few more weeks, my son will be graduating from preschool.  Wasn't it just yesterday that I took him to BFCS for summer school and he was but a blank canvas, with only eagerness to learn to boast of.  Looking at him now, I always go back to that scene when he first set foot in the blue and white school along Capitol Road...and I whisper a prayer to the Lord above for giving Jarred all his wonderful milestones in learning.