The crucial experience of acclimating to a new environment requires a sense of safety and belonging, especially for the 93 new students of Montessori de Sagrada Familia’s Elementary Department. Hence, to ensure these young learners’ smooth transition, beefed up by their Vice Principal, Jovelina Inductivo, the Office of the Student Affairs orchestrated a grinning ”Welcoming of New Students” event on July 7, held at the grandeur of the carnival-themed campus’ gymnasium.
Aimed to nurture a vibrant community spirit and instill the very essence of being a Sagradan, the students were greeted with an immersive experience of four Socio-Emotional Learning Activities. Collaborating with teachers across various grade levels, the OSA team ingeniously infused classic childhood games with a twist: such as hopscotch boards adorned with empowering words like “loved,” “important,” and “brave.” Additionally, each student received a personalized passport and wristband bearing a Sagradan Core Values Pocket quote of their own choosing.
Under an overcast sky, joyous smiles radiated from the young Sagradans as they wholeheartedly engaged in the main program, brimming with games that embodied the school’s core values. The spirited masters of ceremony, Teacher Janelle Dela Cruz, a sixth-grade advisor, and Sir MJ Veneracion, a third-grade advisor guided the proceedings and uplifted the day.
Furthermore, among the highlights were the exhilarating Family Fun Adventure, the Equality Race, the heights of Soar High, Build Higher! A-Maze-ing Sagradans, and Building Bonds, Breaking Barriers! Each game embodied a specific Sagradan Core Value, specifically Sense of Family, Love and Justice, Excellence, Self-Discipline, and Servant Leadership respectively. After each game, a subject area supervisor eloquently expounded on the significance of each particular core value, weaving a tapestry of comprehensive understanding for the young minds.
”To soar high, you start with what you have, and everyone is good with something,” Sir Dan Angelo Bagadiong, Science Area Supervisor, said in his speech, assuring and educating each student on how to actually achieve genuine excellence.
Additionally, the Human Bingo game, facilitated by enthusiastic grade six teachers, skillfully wove the threads of connection among the transferees, unearthing the commonalities that bind them together, and nurturing the seeds of possible lasting friendships.
”I have already talked to Eytan and he is kind of unique,” innocently remarked Viktor Caleb Mon, a newcomer from the fifth grade Voyager, when asked if he had already found a kindred friend.
Moreover, when asked about the kind of superpower he yearned for, Zach, a third-grade student earnestly replied, “The Power of Kindness.” Such awareness among the youth showcases the profound impact of love and compassion, and the far-reaching ripples they can create in the lives of others. The day evidently became an avenue to emphasize the paramount importance of inclusivity while embracing diversity within the realm of education.
Ultimately, this welcoming event transcends mere jollies, it also imparts a profound lesson to all attendees—that tender-heartedness and empathy possess immeasurable strength and ignite a positive transformation in the lives of others. A warm smile, a simple yet compassionate word, or a lending hand could wield incredible power, forging fresh bonds that could endure even for a lifetime.
by Reinlois V. Felipe