The general in-service training for school year 2024-2025 officially commenced on July 1 with a Eucharistic Celebration presided by Rev. Fr. Carmelo Estores. It was followed by a general assembly at the Main AVR which was facilitated by the personnel in charge,  Ms. Marjorie Grefal. The morning session started with the morning prayer, singing of the National Anthem, recitation of the pledge of allegiance, singing of the Manresa School hymn and recitation of the school’s vision and mission statement. This is the customary way of conducting the morning prayer and flag ceremony that will be part of the daily encounter and routine of the pupils and students during the school year.

Sr. Joji Silorio, F.I. welcomed everyone with her words ”the journey is on'' and presented the directional theme for the school year which is Hijas de Jesus Educative Family: Growing in Faith, Journeying Towards Hope and Living in Love. Then she introduced to the assembly the new faculty and staff who rendered a heartfelt Tiktok dance about their inspirations from OCWE (Our Characteristic Way of Educating) during their in-service training. Sr. Jeck presented the Global Compact on Education (GCE) through a video made by Mr. Solas and she explained its background, roadmap and the response of the school to the calls in two specific actions namely: to listen to the voices of children, adolescence and young people; and to safeguard and cultivate our common home. The general assembly ended with a moment of sacred silence and the closing song entitled “Panalangin sa Pagiging Bukas Palad.”

After the health break, Sr. Jeck conducted a session about Community Building and Orientation for Servant Leadership to the top administrators, coordinators and office heads.  The talk included a crossover game and processing that led to salient points about synodality, conflict management and resolution, listening attitude, valuing and journeying with one another, joyful and loving service, and Christ centeredness. The session became more meaningful as the group freely shared their insights, feelings and takeaways from the encounter.

In the afternoon, Sr. Jeck set the direction for the year ahead as she met the different groups namely: the top level administrators as overseers of the four key areas; the strategic plan committee members and heads/in-charge; the apostolic calls in-charge and members; and the persons assigned for the web news and facebook account. The different teams and committees were given the time and task to discuss, revisit, evaluate and update the plans and programs assigned to them.  The five key areas of the strategic plan includes the following: 1) Curriculum and Instruction 2) Character Formation 3)  Community Engagement, 4) Social Responsibility/Environment and 5) Well-Being, Viability and Sustainability of the school. The apostolic calls include 1) Discerning in Common 2) Living from the Perspective of Laudato Si’, and 3) Getting Closer with Young People. The teams and committees which include an alumni representative enthusiastically worked together for the implementation of the activities and programs for the common good and further improvement and development of the school. 

  The latter time of the afternoon was dedicated for the first general meeting of the Pastoral Ministry Team. Sr. Jeck and Mr. Archee Curiba, the Pastoral Team Head, welcomed the old and new members of the team composed of 6 lay educators, parent couple volunteers and 4 Hijas de Jesus sisters. Six evangelizing functions are being done by the team every year in order to create an atmosphere that facilitates the deepening of one’s relationship with Christ as well as build an educative community centered on Him. These functions include Pastoral Accompaniment for Students and Employees, Pastoral Animation, Pastoral Formation-Organization, Family Ministry, Youth Ministry, and Vocation Ministry.

Indeed, the journey is on for another year full of challenges, dreams, desires and hope for a brighter and fruitful future as the sisters, teachers and staff continue to  pray, prepare and work together in a synodal and fraternal way.

By Ms. Loi Mandario