Principal's Message for the Mass of the Holy Spirit on August 18, 2020

A grace-filled day to our Senior High School family. 
 
God is in our midst. He is in all things. He is constantly moving in everyone and through everyone. Let me share with you how we witnessed this during the past three months. At the beginning, we, like all educational institutions were confused and uncertain about how school would adapt to the pandemic. But the Holy Spirit guided the University leaders and the entire ASHS community moved fast, came together and reimagined how online education the Ateneo way would be. All your teachers, together with all the coordinators, underwent a very rigorous and intensive training just to be equipped with skills and tools to give you virtually the same quality of Jesuit education we have been known for. Our non-teaching staff also willingly took on various tasks to accomplish our pressing goals. The custodians and security personnel readily went to work on a rotational basis to continue keeping our campus clean and safe. Everyone was on their toes and worked relentlessly in preparing for this school year.
 
The Holy Spirit also brought to our community two excellent Jesuit leaders in mission. We warmly welcome our new University President, Fr. Bobby Yap, SJ, and our VP for Basic Ed, Fr. Jonjee Sumpaico, SJ. to whom we pledge our full support.
 
And so, here we are, with new superiors and a new learning platform ready to make great things happen. We are together. Though physically distant we are united in spirit – in the Holy Spirit. Though we had glitches, these imperfections brought out the goodness in all of you. Your teachers eagerly described to us how you gladly helped them and your classmates when technical difficulties occurred. Your enthusiasm in learning online is also impressive. Keep the goodness and excitement going all year round because many challenges will surely come your way.
 
Remember that for the most part of your education, you will be on your own. Your success is in your hands. Practice self-mastery with responsibility and self-discipline. Get rid of unproductive habits and develop those that will always bring you closer to your goals. Create routines. Design and follow a schedule that will work for you. If you have suggestions on how to make online learning better let your teachers know. Always communicate with them and do not approach them when things are already out of your control.
 
At this point, let me commend our Sanggunian for choosing a very relevant and inspiring theme for this year – Padayon – which means Keep Moving. As we experience a global emergency and crisis, that is exactly what you need to do…to keep moving. But we encourage you to keep moving with an Ignatian mindset - “Find God in all things.” “Find God in all things” is the school’s theme this year.
 
Padayon…yes…keep moving as eager discoverers of the presence of God in every one, in every place and in everything. If you open your minds and hearts to the Holy Spirit and cooperate with Him, you will see very clearly the little and big wonders within you and around you as you work, study play, create and achieve together.

Kaya naman, araw-araw, ito ang gawin ninyong patakaran: Sama-sama. Walang iwanan. Walang bibitiw. Walang mahihiyang humingi at magbigay ng tulong. Lahat ay magkakaloob ng pambihirang pang-unawa, pagkalinga at pagmamalasakit sa isa’t isa. Ang mga katangiang ito ang magpapagaan, magpapabilis at magbibigay kahulugan sa inyong mga gawain. Ang ganitong samahan ang magpapatibay at magpapalakas sa inyo.
 
With the help of the Holy Spirit, we will courageously and creatively conquer all the challenges. We will remain ….. Senior High, Strong!