The Montessori De Sagrada Familia recognizes that the active involvement of parents in their child’s education is a testament to their genuine support and dedication to their overall well-being.
In a show of educational partnership, the momentous gathering in the event of Parents’ Orientation signified the second day of the Jumpstart Week, held on July 7, 2023, at The Chapter: MDSF Social Hall, further amplifying the hashtag ElemPower, and of course, the invigorating theme of, Happy, Healthy, and Extraordinary.
In sync with its 27th year, the institution ardently announced that classes were back in full swing for the academic year 2023-2024, echoing the World Health Organization’s proclamation that the COVID-19 pandemic was no more than an ordeal of yesterday.
Led by Ma. Cristina Perez as the Master of Ceremony, the orientation provided a comprehensive overview of the school’s vision, mission, teaching approach, as well as its rules, policies, practices, and student affairs programs. The school principal herself, Mrs. Maria Carmela Santos-Ong, extended a warm welcome to the parents, expressing appreciation for their appreciated presence. She also introduced improved and more challenging assessment methods in order to truly align with the learning goals in a 21st century classroom, in accordance with the new curriculum consultant, Ms. Steph Barredo’s recently conducted workshops on student engagement and 21st-century learning for teaching.
“Education goes beyond mere memorization” – Sir Jomar Dela Cruz, the Vice Principal for Academic Affairs, said as he emphasized the need to empower young learners, equipping them with the skills to transcend traditional learning and efficiently navigate the ever-changing world. Some ways to realize this is to encourage creativity, curiosity, and holistic experiences in the classroom. Sir Jomar envisioned informed and compassionate future citizens who engage with society, display empathy, and make a positive and lasting impact on their communities.
In addition, the orientation also introduced a new proficiency scale under the grading system and addressed submission deadlines, grace periods, and intervention programs. The use of GChat was also announced as one of the official communication tools. And to improve parent-teacher communication, the concept of three-way conferences were introduced, where students will be actively participating and presenting their portfolios to their teachers and parents.
Furthermore, the parents’ engagement proved crucial as the event approached its conclusion with the election of parent representatives. Amidst the guidance of the homeroom advisers displaying banners boldly, parents located their designated seats in accordance with their child’s respective year level and section. Each section then formed a circle, as the advisers initiated the nomination process. The onus fell on the parents however to make their voices heard, as they put forward nominees for consideration. Each section put forth candidates, but only the top two, determined through consensus, would emerge as the chosen representatives of the parent body. These select individuals will serve as trusted voices, diligently disseminating vital updates and crucial information throughout the academic year.
Sir Christian Anthony Valino, the department’s School Well Being Officer, also highlighted that bullying prevention and intervention is imperative as always, a responsibility that we must and we will do. Positive reinforcements are also necessary to foster positive relationships and enhance learners’ overall well-being, instilling them at an early age the power of empathy.
Moreover, the event covered other essential topics such as health protocols, extracurricular activities (including scouting, sports, and campus journalism), curriculum modifications, campus management, technology integration, device policies, code of conduct for visitors, disciplinary procedures, acceptable and unacceptable behaviors, and other significant units of school life.
by Reinlois V. Felipe