Thursday, December 4, 2008

SFAS Coop Net Center - A First in Negros!





The St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City recently received ten (10) more personal desktop computers from the Tapulanga Foundation. Last October 16, 2008, the computers were installed and activated, increasing the school’s total number of computers to twenty (20).

Resulting from various fund-raising projects by the school’s administrator's Ma. Carmela "Micmic" Abello-Golez’s friends and family in the USA and a partnership with Intel Technology Philippines and Asianic Computers, the school received 10 brand new Intel-equipped desktop computers. Under its Coop Net Center program, Intel Technology Philippines assisted the Tapulanga Foundation in providing the school with affordable computers in addition to refurbishing and dressing-up the school’s computer room.

Intel supports the Tapulanga Foundation’s vision of sharing God’s gifts through educational projects that provide students with more opportunities. With this project, Intel hopes to provide the students and the community with access to a wide range global learnings and technology transfers via the Internet. Equipped with Intel Core Duo processors, the new computers also give the students increased productivity in performing various computer tasks and enhance their computer skills.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Teachers Became Students




A very big THANK YOU to the Engineering Department of the USLS-Bacolod City, who, as part of their outreach program, gave a basic computer training workshop/seminar to 18 faculty and staff of SFAS last Sept. 16, 2008 at the Engineering Building, University of St. La Salle-Bacolod City.

I learned how to insert columns, tables, shapes, clip arts and and boarding. - Ms. Lina Gabiño, English High School teacher

I learned how to open tool bars and insert additional columns.
- Ms. Mary Jane Navigar, Kindergarten teacher

I learned how to compute grades using formulas in Excel.
- Sir Ariel Gabiño, Filipino High School teacher

I learned how to format and use the shortcut method.
- Ms. Leda Ibugan, Language and Reading Elementary teacher

I learned how to use the shortcut method in saving files, going to another file, copying files, etc.
- Ms Rose Iglesia, Math Elementary teacher

Sunday, September 7, 2008

5th PRISSAAP Region 6 Youth Congress


On the 24th until 26th day of July 2008, Lovelyn Villanueva, a 3rd year student and Vice-President of the Student Affairs Council, and I attended the 5th PRISSAAP Region 6 Youth Congress held at Sarabia Manor Hotel, Iloilo City. We were so honored to be representing our school and overwhelmed to be part of the congress. That was our first-ever experience to attend such a prestigious event and it was a very worthwhile experience. by Romnick Sadio, 4th year student and President of the Student Affairs Council

MulAPO sa Puso Namin


We shouted! We sang! We laughed! And we grooved! That was how the 8,000 audience together with 32 SFAS students and teachers inside the USLS Coliseum reacted to the very entertaining APO Hiking Society's concert entitled "Mula Po Sa Puso" last September 5, 2008. We had so much fun that even if you were blind, you could see that the people enjoyed because of their continuous laughter. But the sad thing was, we got stomach ache and some of us shed tears because we laughed too hard! Ha! Ha! Ha! The APO Hiking Society sang their songs like Panalangin, Nakapagtataka, Ewan, Awit Ng Barkada, Do Bi Do Bi Do, and many more. They never ran out of jokes and ways to make us laugh. Now and then, all you could say was, "WHOA!" and " "WHAHAHA!" It was another entertaining and unforgettable experience for those of us scholars who were blessed to have been given this opportunity to watch the concert. - Micho Santillan, 3rd year

"Nag-enjoy gid kami! Their voices are good to hear!" - Elma Acuesa and Romnick Sadio, 4th year

" I like the way they entertain people." - Lovelyn Villanueva, 3rd year

"Spectacular performance!" - Sir Ariel Gabiño, teacher

"Zestful... the show was very entertaining! APO Hiking Society- Walang Kapantay!" - Jeremy Deogracias, 3rd year

"It was very entertaining and lots of fun." - Raquel Medina, 4th year

Knowing More About God

The 5th graders spent a day of recollection at Balay Kalinungan, USLS-Bacolod City last August 19, 2008.

After our recollection, I learned how to know, love and serve people because we are the light of the world. We should take good care of our environment. We should thank God for the blessings and we should respect people around us. I learned how to be helpful and how to be with God and to love the creation of God. We should be contented of what God has given to us.
- Cyrene Marie Boiser

The recollection made me realize my mistakes. I learned to be honest, to be faithful to God, to be patient and to be a kind person. I also learned that we should put down our pride and to respect everyone as a person. - Kyle Dominic Barnuevo


SFAS Recycles!



SFAS continues the Recycling Drive program started last school year. Each student is encouraged to bring recycled items like plastic and glass bottles/containers, tin cans and boxes/paper to school. The school in turn sells these items to a junk shop on a monthly basis. The sales becomes a class fund. Incentives are given to the students as well to encourage them to be more "environment-friendly." For the first quarter, the Grade 6 class not only got the highest sales but they also reached the target of Php1,500.00 worth of recycling so they got a free day! The 3rd year class got a free half-day because they also reached the target sales for the quarter.

What is Cheating?

SFAS just finished with the 1st quarter examinations last month. When students were asked what cheating is to them, this is what they answered:

Cheating is a form of wrong doing.
- Mild Janine Delegero - 4th year

Cheating is a crime.
- Eubie Aluad – 1st year

Cheating is dishonesty.
- Philip Paul Deogracias – 2nd year

Cheating is lying.
Ralph Parreño – 3rd year

Cheating is a form of dishonesty to gain advantage.
Ryan Matulac – Grade 6

Cheating is talking to yourself.
Eden Pallorina – Grade 5

Cheating is looking at other’s paper.
John Rey Villarosa – Grade 4

Thursday, September 4, 2008

New Shirts for 12 Lucky Girls



Ella Mae, Jamia, Ana Rose, Alondra, Shane, Diza, Eden, Thalea, Josie, Christy, Jeselle and Emily were given "cute" girl's tshirts by Mrs. Jana Koffman of Los Angeles. Mrs. Koffman's bestfriend in LA design the shirts and sell them at Fred Segal for $20 - $30 each. Mrs. Koffman is the donor of one of the girls to SFAS as well. THANK YOU MRS. KOFFMAN!

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Search-In Circle 4

The first batch of 3rd year students this school year finished the Search-In retreat Circle 4 last Aug. 1 - 3, 2008. A special thanks to Ms. Ging Graham, and fellow Search-Inners of St. Scholastica's Academy batch 1986 Tashie Fuentebella-Sales and Ann Gregorio-Carmona and La Salle Search-Inner Mafi Segovia for helping fund the meals of some of the farm kids who couldn't afford the retreat fee.

What is Search-In to you?

“.... a heartbreaking weekend retreat that can put you on cloud nine!” Micho Santillan
“.... a sweet and spicy pancit canton nga may sinadya kag kasakit!” Jessica Mosquera
“.... exciting, maraming pagkain, PABUSOG!” Jonas Pactao
“.... a program nga ginhimu para sa mga youth nga buligan sila ipagwa ang ila hibubun-ot!” Aeriel Guadalupe
“.... like a baptism that cleansed our sins and strengthened our faith!” Jona Antolo
“.... IMPIYERNO nga HEAVEN kay WALA CELLPHONE, WALA RELO kag DAMO BAWAL!! Pero SADYA GID kag damo ko nabal-an sa self ko kag sa iban!” Anton Gamboa

I consider the Search-in retreat one of my most unforgettable experiences. It was a 3-day recollection, with lots of activities done, and in each of them, many lessons were preciously valued. In this experience, I had learned to trust other people. This is were we developed a better relationship with our fellow students and understood them better. We made lots of discoveries not only about ourselves, but most importantly about God. We had grown more matured and had learned to look on the positive side. The search-in retreat had taught us to appreciate ourselves and to be true to ourselves. Having this retreat is a privilege for we all know that not all people could have undergone this. But the most important thing of all, this experience helped us find what we are searching for ------ and He is God! Jeremy Deogracias, Big Sister of Circle 4

THE SENIORS CLASS GETS EXPOSED TO THE "REAL WORLD"






















Last July 30, the 4th year class went on a field trip to Teletech Call Center and McDonald's in Bacolod City as part of their career-orientation in their Economics class. They were exposed to the working environments of the two companies and introduced to the call center industry and fastfood restaurant industry. The students were toured around each of the companies' offices, allowing them to see every working area, and they were allowed to ask questions after in a question-and-answer panel discussion.

Learning Both Manual and Automated!



Thru the Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE) classes in school, the high school students of SFAS are learning how to type (using the traditional typewriter). At the same time, they are being exposed to the use of the computer since that is the present technology in the world today! While each student is provided with a typewriter, two students share in one computer :)

Girls Scouts On A Mission to Help!


Two balikbayan boxes arrived last Aug. 1, 2008 in school from Maryland, U.S.A. Fifteen Girl Scouts at Forest Knolls Elementary School and their families filled these boxes with an assortment of children's reading books, costumes, toys and other stuff for the students of SFAS. A heartfelt thank you goes out to the following girls: Addie McCaul, Amita Chatterjee, Brianna Forte, Dahlia Ehrenberg, Daniella Cruz, Hanna Moore, Julissa Pegram, Katie Parsons, Melanie Keener, Olivia Parkinson, Phenon Murphy, Priya Chatterjee, Rachel Parsons, Sarah Hickey, and Susanna Maisto. Thank you girls for thinking of the children in SFAS!
Posted by Picasa

Learning from Someone with Experience



Last July 9, 2008, I invited my former High School classmate and long-time friend, Tweety Golez, to be a guest speaker in my World History and Economics classes. She shared her experiences living and working abroad, specifically in Belgium and Australia, to my World History class. She introduced my Economics class to the world of accountancy, sharing her experiences studying accountancy in college and eventually working as an auditor in one of the top accounting firms in the country (SGV).

by Sir JR Abello, SFAS teacher

Saturday, July 26, 2008

INITIATION IS FUN!


The Seniors of SFAS welcomed the first year students to the high school family by organizing the first-ever Initiation Week last July 7 – 11, 2008. It culminated with a Freshmen Night where the 1st year students presented a show and a dance followed where all the high school students were able to bond with each other. (Do check out the photo gallery of www.sfas.tapulanga.org for more pictures.)

My classmate, Edcil Buensuceso, and I were the host of the show. We really enjoyed it and we now feel very welcomed to the high school family! by Joahanna Ganza, 1st year student

A remarkable and unforgettable event had taken place in SFAS last July 7 - 11, 2008. For a whole week, we, the Seniors, were given the opportunity AND responsibility to initiate or "welcome" the Freshmen in high school. by JAM Calabon, 4th year student
Posted by Picasa

Thursday, July 17, 2008

LEARNING TO BE A RESPONSIBLE SERVANT-LEADER






Last July 15, 2008, Sir Mandy Alimon, faculty member of the University of St. La Salle-Integrated School gave a leadership training at our school to all the officers of the SAC (Student Affairs Council), including all the presidents of each grade and year level. I learned a lot of things about leadership: the duties and responsibilities of a true leader and how to be good and responsible servant-leader. (Do check out the photo gallery of www.sfas.tapulanga.org for more pictures.)

by Kimberly Salario, 2nd year student and Secretary of the Student Affairs Council

A SUMMER WORKSHOP

Last May 9 – June 4, 2008, the first–ever summer workshop organized by the school for the SFAS Chorale group was held at the Edgardo Ledesma Hall. Consisting of 26 members coming from both elementary and most high school students, under the advisory of Sir Leonard Guinabo (who is currently working at San Diego Parish Church, Silay City as trainor for the youth choir), class sessions were done thrice every week. Sir Leonard trained us with proper breathing and did exercises such as vocalizations and intonations. Our workshop ended with a show attended by Ms. Micmic Golez and the faculty. We sang songs like “Tanging Yaman”, “Top of the World”, and our finale “The Greatest Love of All.” We were honored by the presence of two top people of the Dept. of Education who were in school at the time of our presentation: Mrs. Star Mago (Regional Director) and Mrs. Fe Aujero (Division Office Director). Note: Check out video gallery for footages of the show.


by Jeremy Deogracias, 3rd year student

NEW FACES … NEW CHALLENGES!

It is time to meet new faces and new challenges. It is time to go back to school! It is the month of June!

Last June 10, 2008, SFAS once again widely opened it’s gates to accept and welcome preschoolers, elementary and high school students. The school was like a market! Noise, laughter, hi’s and hello’s that were done by the students were some proof telling how excited everybody were. It was great to know that SFAS had increased not in its tuition fee but in population with 430 students (from 421 last school year). Seven new teachers joined SFAS as well, including first-time ever a school nurse!

by Micho Santillan, 3rd year student

Sunday, July 13, 2008

“The MILO MARATHON”




On the 29th day of June 2008, the 3rd National Marathon of MILO had taken place in Bacolod. A dynamic and lively event was attended by hundreds of people from students to adults, children and athletes. The distances covered were 3 kms. for kids and 5kms.,10kms., and 21kms for the rest. The Archery Team of SFAS joined the marathon: Raquel Medina, Julie Ann and Joice Ann Estardo, Mia Joy and Lovelyn Villanueva, JAM Calabon, Mild Delegero, Partricia Navigar, Stephanie and Paul John Diaz, Josie Villarosa, Micho Santillan, Reymond Montero, Andrew Antolo and our Coach Matthew Ledesma. It had been a very worthwhile and splendid event ever experienced by us. by Julie Ann Estardo, 4th year

“Bagyong Frank”

Sang June 21, 2008, nagsalakay ang bagyong Frank sa lugar sang Bacolod kag Silay. Madamo gid ang nag evacuate sang magsugod na dalom ang tubig dala sang mabaskog nga pag-ulan. Madamo man ang naguba nga mga panimalay dala sang mabaskog man nga hangin. Ang amon kusina nakaksan sang atop sa perti nga paghangin. Maayo nalang kay nanghatag ang gobyerno sang bugas, delatas kag noodles para sa nasalakay kag naagyan sang bagyong si Frank.. Kabay pa indi na liwat matabo ang grabe nga pagsalakay sang bagyo.



In Hacienda Tinihaban I, 30 families were evacuated to the farm chapel, mostly mothers and children while the fathers decided to keep watch their houses and “animals.” Noodles, dried fish, bread, eggs and candles were provided for them in the chapel.



by Elma Acuesa, 4th year student

Thursday, July 3, 2008

A True Angel!




Angelo "angeo" Tirambulo of Tucson, Arizona does it again! Another batch of books arrived in SFAS – books he collected from students at St. Gregory College Preparatory School thru the help of his teachers.

Angelo, you’ll be happy to know that since we opened last June 10, I’ve never seen our library filled up with a lot of little boys and girls lining up to borrow books!

Shown in one of the photos is our school librarian, Mrs. May Santillan, gleaming with joy as she picked up a huge Illustrated Encyclopedia Dictionary – just perfect for the children of SFAS!

Sunday, April 6, 2008

A Thank-You Letter

Dear Ms. Ging and Sir Mike, Thank you for all the things you gave to us last Christmas. We enjoy it a lot. The two of you gave my family a happy Christmas. Even though we are poor the two of you help us, and thank you very much! But today we are very thankful that the two of you are still helping us greater than Christmas. And thank you also for giving my father a raincoat. It was very special to my father. Thank you also for giving us vegetables, Sir Mike. It was very delicious and nutritious. We like it very much. This card represents a swap for all the things you have done. We all hope that the two of you will have a good body [healthy]. God bless!


Jessele Mahinay, Grade 5, her twin brothers and Ms. Ging and Sir Mike Graham

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Our First-Ever Junior-Senior Prom!


The school held its first JS Prom on March 1, 2008 at Sunburst Resort, Silay City. It was very successful. It was impressive to see the students dressed formally and carried themselves properly "in the beginning." Of course, when it was time to dance to their favorite hip-hop music, all formality was gone!

Jam Calabon: "...when the music played, our boredom turned to bliss. All the people there were dancing like there was no tomorrow."

Elma Acuesa: "...daw binoy-an kami halin sa hawla... I was very very happy."

Elthon Buensuceso: "I enjoyed dancing with my classmates and friends."

Trina Parreno: "I enjoyed every moment I spent with my classmates. I want to do it again next year."

Monday, March 24, 2008

Good Begets Good

Let me share with you an email I received awhile ago ... the letter not only encourages us to continue our work but further strengthens our faith in God that with Him, nothing is impossible! FYI, Ms. Guevarra has generously committed to sponsoring an elementary child to study in SFAS starting next year! Praise God!

Hi Micmic,
Sawasdee from Bangkok!
My good friend Gerle shared with me your email about her son Charles. CJ, as we fondly call him is my inaanak (god-son). Since he was born, I only see him once a year when I go back home for Christmas. I'm glad to know that he's been doing really well in school not only academically but also socially and spiritually. Hearing stories about his kindness and generosity towards others makes me proud of him and at the same time reminds me of my own shortcomings! Sometimes, it takes just a simple but genuine gesture of an innocent child to remind us adults of what is really important in life! I am humbled by this young boy who continues to grow with a big heart for others and a great desire to make something of himself.

In a way, we have St. Francis of Assisi to thank for instilling such values in young children like CJ. Growing up in Silay at STA, I've had few opportunities of visiting your school when I was in elementary. I remember our field trips to St. Francis to share the Christmas spirit to other kids. However, I've never really known the scope of what your school does until I read your email and visited your website. You've done a great job for so many children and their families! The miracles you receive from peoples from all walks of life are amazing. The saying "good begets good" is indeed true -- every single good thing you do is like a drop of water that creates ripples in a pond. You have inspired others to reach out to the less fortunate and under-privileged of Negros. I pray that your foundation continues to grow and serve those who are in need. - Malou Guevarra

GETTING TO KNOW ST. THERESE OF LISIEUX AT CARMEL

The Carmelite sisters of Bacolod sponsored a campaign to better acquaint more people with St. Therese of Lisieux, familiarly known as St. Therese of the Child Jesus. The first and second year high school female students, accompanied by Ms. Melit, Principal, attended the educational program on Feb. 29.

After a warm welcome from Mrs. Norma Tagle of the St. Benilde School, there was a one-hour documentary presentation followed by an open forum. When the program was over, the students still had enough time to walk around the grounds and buy souvenirs.

“St. Therese has inspired us to love God through our fellowmen, especially the less privileged,” said Ms. Melit after the visit to the Carmelite Monastery.

FIFTY DUCK EGGS

Fifty preserved duck eggs called “balut.” Only 50 per night. Each egg sold earns him one peso. P50 per night. Enough to pay for fare to and from school. Enough to pay for school supplies. Enough to pay for his school uniform. Enough to pay for a used pair of shoes when his cousin does not have an old pair to give him. Enough, sometimes, so that there is a little more food on the table. Enough to help his mother pay the money owed at the “tiangge” or corner store. Enough to drop a coin into his piggy bank. Sometimes.

Fifty duck eggs to sell between 6 and 9:30 in the evening. Then it's time to return home for supper and homework. On evenings when there is someone else selling duck eggs with him, he can run home for a bite to eat and then return to his selling post. When by himself, supper comes only after the eggs are sold.

To bed at eleven in the evening. When sales are not brisk, he has to abandon his post and walk about the neighborhood looking for customers.

Days when he has a lot of homework to do, he finishes them before selling the eggs. On exam days, he stays home. On Sunday he rests. But only then. Many are the days when fatigue overcomes attention and his grades drop or he goes to school late.

Tonight, a customer bought 30 duck eggs. Only 20 more eggs to sell and he can retire early and gain an extra hour of sleep.

When there was not enough for fare money, he had to walk 4.5 km. each way. His steadfast companion on a few of these walks has been his good friend Charles.

Meet Chad Velmonte. Age 13. Son, brother, student, and “balut” vendor. The last through necessity.

- written by Mrs. Ging Graham

Chad Velmonte is a 1st year student and scholar of the Tapulanga Foundation as well.

SFAS considers him a model student and teen-ager! His father was laid off from work last year because of the change of government mayor. His mother stays home and takes care of his 2 younger siblings.

I was recently driving back to the city after school when I saw him walking towards the city SOAKED in the rain! I brought him home - asked him why he was walking home and he said he didn't have money for public transportation. The foundation is now shouldering his transport money ... to say the least!



Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Rain

I close my eyes and hear the sound of the softly falling raindrops on the roof. I can feel the wind caressing my skin. Its chill makes my hair stand on end. After some time, I feel I am alone. I am in a field. Raindrops are falling on my head. I let myself get wet. I do not move. I continue standing and looking at the gray sky. Though it is raining, I feel happiness inside me.

Suddenly, I am on a road with someone. It seems we are going somewhere and we are running. We are laughing as we run. My clothes are soked just like the clothes of that someone I am with.

Then I remember the time when it was also raining and Jam, Andrew and I went to Hacienda Lonoy for archery practice. The memory is still fresh in my head because it happened only a few days ago. It was Tuesday afternoon, March 4. At first, we hesitated to go to our practice but, in the end, we went. We decided to go because we never thought the drizzle would turn into a downpour. But we were wrong. The rain became heavier when we were halfway to our destination. We ran as fast as we could. I felt annoyed at first, but we had a great laugh. Especially Jam. She was great company. We laughed and talked while we were running. We arrived there very drenched and we were shuddering. It is a moment I will always think about everytime it rains.

- written by Julie Ann Estardo, a 3rd year student-scholar

This is a piece Julie Ann wrote after I did an exercise with them in class. I asked them to close their eyes and imagine it is raining. The exercise is akin to what the Carmelite sister did during our day of recollection. I asked them to think of the feel of the raindrops on their skin. Or the smell of the air on a rainy day. Is there a person who comes to mind when it is raining outside? Any specific remembrances of events? I wanted them to do this to hone their ability to use their senses as well as develop their imagination. - Ms. Ging Graham

On License Plates

Green...black...green!! While riding a jeepney going home, I noticed that these were the colors of the plate numbers on cars, public vehicles, motorcycles and jeepneys. I entertained myself reading the plate numbers printed in black or green as the jeepney I was riding in passed different vehicles and vice-versa. Then I realized what these colors signified. Black is for public vehicles and green is for private ones! Then an ambulance sped by. "Oh, an ambulance!" I thought. "Its plate number is printed in red!" Is it red for government-owned vehicles, I wondered.

- written by Micho Santillan, 2nd year student-scholar and member of the Writing class

Sunday, March 9, 2008

In-Service Training for Principals in Boracay!

Attendance at an in-service training program for school administrators sent Ms. Melit Gustilo, Principal, to Boracay, a beach resort in Aklan known worldwide for its white sands, clear waters and blue skies. Sponsored by the Dept. of Education, the seminar ran from January 21 to 23. One of the objectives of the seminar was to "apprise the ESC (Education Service Contracting) school administrators and principals of FAPE's (Fund for Assistant to Private Education) programs and projects undertaken to upgrade the standards of ESC/EVS schools. Dr. Lolita M. Andrada, Director IV, Dept. of Education - Bureau of Secondary Education, spoke on "Preparing Our Schools for a Competitive Future." Dr. Lourdes Quisumbing, Chair of UNESCO-APNIEVE, covered the topic on revitalizing secondary education for the challenges of the 21st century. Of Dr. Quisumbing, this is what Ms. Melit said, "Dr. Quisumbing is 89 years old but I could see how alive and dedicated she is in upgrading quality education."

A PenPal Program between American and Filipino Kids


Right: Girl scouts in the US
Left: 3rd and 4th graders in SFAS






In the US, school children can join lots of different kinds of clubs to help them to learn how to do things and to help them have fun with new friends. Children in the country often join "4-H" and learn about taking care of horses, cows, and pigs. Children in the city and country can join "scouts," which helps them enjoy the outdoors by camping and hiking. Scouts learn skills like first aid, cooking, and sewing. They also learn about our city and about children in other parts of the world.

Girl Scouts in the US set aside one day each year, called "Thinking Day," to share what they've learned about children in other countries. This year, one scout group at Forest Knolls Elementary School in Silver Spring, Maryland, chose the Philippines, because three of the girls have relatives who live there or came to the US from the Philippines.

Usually, we find out information from books and from the internet. But this time, we thought it would be better if we could actually "talk" to some kids in the Philippines.

One thing we want to find out about is what sorts of houses you have in the Philippines. Our houses are mostly built from bricks or wood and must have heat, because it can get quite cold here--it was 0 degrees C yesterday, and that was warm for January. It can also get quite hot (35 degrees C) in the summer, so many have air conditioning also. The houses are quite close together, because we are near the city of Washington, DC; some girls live in apartment buildings or townhouses. Most girls have their own bedrooms, or they share with a sibling.

Another thing we would like to know is what you do in school, and how big your classes are. At Forest Knolls Elementary School, there are about 550 children in grades K-5. The lower grades (K-2) have classes of about 16 children each; there are about 22 children in each class in the upper grades.

Every day, children here study mathematics, reading, writing, science, and social studies. They also have a half hour of recess--play time with friends, usually outside. There is a cafeteria, so children may buy a hot lunch or they may bring a sandwich from home. There is a gymnasium, so they can learn basketball, volleyball, and lots of other games. They also learn art, music, and computers for one period each week. Some children spend time learning to speak and read English, since they have just come to the US. In third grade (age 8), children learn to play the recorder; in fourth grade (age 9), children can choose to learn to play an instrument like the trumpet, the flute, or the saxophone.

Most of the girls in our group of sixteen are ages 8 and 9. They like to do lots of different things! Many play soccer; some take dance lessons or piano lessons; three are learning to figure skate, and some are on a swim team. Many have pets like cats, dogs, fish, and turtles. Most like to play games and read books. Most also have to help their families with chores at home. What do children there do with their time out of school? - by Mrs. Karen Nelson Maisto, teacher

We have also started a pen pal program between other school kids and children of the donors living in Bacolod, Manila and the U.S. If you have a son or daughter ages 6 - 16 years old who is interested to meet and be friends with one of our students, email me so that I can "assign" a "pen pal." The program is very interesting because children learn from each other as they write to each other, e.g. different culture and way of life. And our students "put into practice" writing in English!

A Carmelite Nun Visits SFAS

Sr. Madelaine Ledesma from the Order of the Discalced Carmelite Sisters of Cagayan de Oro City (in Mindanao), daughter of the founders of the school, visited SFAS last March 3, 2008. With her was a companion from Cagayan, Ms. Letlet. She met up with her cousin as well, Ms. Ging Graham, who just finished giving a class with the 3rd graders. Students enthusiastically welcomed and greeted her. It's not every day that they meet a contemplative nun!

Special Graces from St. Therese of the Child Jesus



The relics of St. Therese of the Child Jesus (a Carmelite nun) visited the Philippines. High school students were able to visit and ask for "special blessings" from the saint as her relics were displayed in San Diego Parish church in Silay for several hours last March 7, 2008.

Friday, March 7, 2008

Ang Hampang nga Soccer

Ang Hampang nga Soccer

Masadya ang hampang sang mga kalalakihan
ang bola sang soccer amo ila ginaagawan.
Perti pa ang bubo sang mabaskog nga ulan
apang masadya man sa gihapon ang ila nga pinagagawan.

Madasig ang pagsipa nila sang bola
nga daw indi gid masapar sang kuntra,
gani ang bantay sa kada goal ya
eksido gid nga indi makascore ang kuntra.

Lantawa kung kis-a sila nagakatumba pero madasig
man sa gihapon ang ila nga pagtindog.
Tungod ang bola balik-balik nga nagabinurahog
sa pagsipa sang bola ini perti gid kabaskog.
Gani sila tanan nga mga players sang soccer
gusto gid nga magdaog.

by Romnick Sadio, a 3rd year student-scholar
He wrote this poem after he watched a game of soccer being played in the school field.