Message from the Vice President

On Thursday, 26 August 2021, we start our classes for this First Semester of SY 2021-2022. May it be a good beginning – filled with excitement about teaching and learning and formation work in modes that are adaptive and fulfilling. Our administrators and non-teaching teams are also ready with their generous support. 

I want to thank the Loyola Schools community for our steadfast journeying together through all the challenges and opportunities that the last year offered us. We are here now graced by those experiences of determination, hope, courage, and rewards from our successes.
 

To situate us better this school year, we have updated policies and guidelines, as you may have read in the community announcements from the ADAA/ADGP. Our Primer has also been amended: (https://ateneobluecloud.ateneo.edu/LS) Forging Hope on Re-imagined Paths (that we charted last year). It contains, among many things, LS memos and guidelines for your easy reference. May I also announce that our LS Bulletin is now in a News Room format? Which means news and features are regularly updated. I hope you will find time to go to the News Room using this link: http://www.ateneo.edu/ls/loyola-schools-bulletin. The latest feature is the inspiring story of Sab Ongkiko, BS Biology 2005, Master Teacher in Culiat Elementary School, for being this year’s Metrobank Outstanding Filipino awardee and Quezon City’s Transformative Educator. 

While we recognize that we live in perilous times, we also remind ourselves that it’s how we live in situations like this that measures who we are. Many of our country people have shown us very good and inspiring examples. We are blessed to have some of them close to our own experiences. 

Pope Francis, in his book, Let Us Dream, has beautifully articulated what living in a time of trial evokes in us. We can learn from his reflections that, I think, also affirm our own: 

We are living a time of trial. The Bible talks of passing through fire to describe such trials, like a kiln testing the potter’s handiwork (Sirach 27:5). The fact is that we are all tested in life. It’s how we grow.

In the trials of life, you reveal your own heart: how solid it is, how merciful, how big or small. Normal times are like formal social situations: you never have to reveal yourself. You smile, you say the right things, and you come through unscathed, without ever having to show who you really are. But when you’re in a crisis, it’s the opposite. You have to choose. And in making your choice you reveal your heart. As we continue to join hands in our community this school year, may we make choices that reveal our stand on the side of truth and justice, care and compassion; and from day to day, may we live with lots of joyful hope. 

Yours sincerely,