Ang Tanglaw First Issue (June-Sept 2014)

PSB garners candidate status to PAASCU
by Ella Jemimah T. Omapoy
Philippine School (Bahrain) is
making a history as the first Philippine
School Overseas that is now a candidate for Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU) Accreditation. The
Federation of Accrediting Agencies
of the Philippines (FAAP) attested this
through a certificate signed by its President, Fr. Antonio S. Samson, SJ, Ph.D.
In a letter sent by PAASCU President Fr. Joel Tabora, SJ, he happily announced the following decision of the
PAASCU Board: “The Board at its meeting held recently was in unanimous
agreement that the Basic Education
Program of the Philippine School (Bahrain) is eligible to apply for a formal survey one year after receipt of this report.”
He further expressed, “With the
School’s dedicated personnel, knowledge of its strengths and weaknesses,
and its available resources, improvement should not be hard to achieve. To
the administration, faculty and the students who have devoted so much time
and effort working towards accreditation,
we extend our hearty congratulations.”
Ms. Concepcion V. Pijano, PAASCU
Executive Director, also congratulated the
whole PSB academic community for passing the preliminary survey which was conducted by the PAASCU Preliminary Survey Team on November 26 and 27, 2013.
It can be recalled that the members of the Preliminary survey team
Philippine School (Bahrain) receives Candidate Status certificate from PAASCU; (left) Ms. Concepcion V.
Pijano (upper right); and the members of the PAASCU Preliminary Survey Team (lower right)
of evaluators were Dr. Cynthia C. Arcadio
- Chair, PAASCU Commission on Basic
Education, Mr. Marc V. Hernandez - Chair
PAASCU Commission on Elementary
Education, Mr. Jose Ramelle E. Javier Member, PAASCU Commission, Principal
of La Salle Green Hills, Ms. Ma. Lutgarda G. Carlos - Division Head, Academic
Non-teaching and Students Services,
Claret School of Quezon City, and Ms.
Concepcion V. Pijano - Executive Director.
PSB celebrates 116th Independence Day
by Grant Abriel R. Amandy
The bliss of the first week of
June in Philippine School (Bahrain) set
the mood of everyone to celebrate the
Independence season. Parties in various ways are set to freeze other local
tourists on their footpaths and experience the Filipino culture first hand.
With the theme “Pagsunod sa
Yapak ng mga Dakilang Pilipino, Tungo
sa Malawakan at Permanenteng Pagbabago” (Following the Footsteps of
Great Filipinos, Towards Widespread
and Lasting Change), the Philippine
School (Bahrain) tied-up with Ramli
Mall, Aali (Bahrain), to showcase the
Filipino talents, skills, and ingenuity.
The areas that the Evaluation team
carefully examined during the school
visit included goals and objectives,
faculty,
administration,
curriculum
and instruction, student services, library,
physical
plant,
laboratories
and school-community involvement.
School Director Dr. Geronimo R. Salem Jr. said that this PAASCU accreditation
is a continuing process and commitment
of the School to educational excellence. #
WHAT’S INSIDE?
Nutrition in emergencies
peaks nutrition month
see page 6
Buwan ng Wika highlights
Filipino roots and culture
see page 7
PSB ranks second in
the first CFO
Contestants show off their artworks
The program kicked off at 9:00
with a prayer led by PSB History teacher
Mr. Claudio G. Baldoman. It was then
followed by the singing of the Bahrain
and the Philippine national anthems.
see page 4
see page 7
Elementary pupils reap the
fruits of their labor
see page 10
Kindergarten starts school year
with fun-filled activities
see page 11
My dear students, the new school
year has been rolled out smoothly. I hope
it will be for the whole school year and
beyond. At this point, let me share my
thoughts on leadership and opportunities.
We are in a time when the world
needs effective leaders. This is the same
time when we face the most significant
challenges in history brought by advancement in technology that necessitates new
ways of thinking. Indeed, technological
changes present both the opportunity
and responsibility to cultivate your potentials. You bring innovation, a focus
on the values of community and diversity. You are active, but open, receptive
and willing. You face difficult times, yet
keep a positive outlook for the future.
You are not only at a turning point in your
life, but also for the community, our nation and the world. This turning point
doesn’t have to be a time of anxiety. But,
it’s a time of opportunity for prosperity.
Leadership potential is not important. What matters most is how
that potential is cultivated and developed.
Individuals with high leadership potentials may never become great
leaders if they lack support and fortitude. Yet those with less potentials,
given the right encouragement, opportunity and drive may truly become great.
Your enrolment at Philippine School
(Bahrain) enables you to start the road to
leadership. The administration, teachers,
parents and friends support you, believe
in you, and provide you with opportunities
that will give you every ounce of success.
So, take the challenge. Embrace the opportunities. Study smartly. Join interest
clubs to develop your potentials. Lead
in class discussions. Think critically and
creatively. Make the best projects and assignments. Excel in everything you do.
PSB has opened up an opportunity for you to excel through our work
for PAASCU accreditation. We are now
granted the Candidate Status which
means we can proceed to the road of
excellence. Expect that your school
through the K to 12 curriculum will create opportunities for you to develop
your knowledge, skills and values.
On your part, always do things
above and beyond what anyone expects
you to at school, at home, in your community, for yourself, or for others. Do
this and you contribute positively while
gaining the recognition and appreciation
from your family and peers. Your generation is defined by the brilliant ideas you
put into action. You’ll be recognized for
your individual achievements. But you’ll
be remembered for your collective ability to craft the world of tomorrow. Feel
proud, be inspired, and celebrate. Come
tomorrow though, take life head-on.
by Angeluz O. Padua
EDITORIAL
Teenage Peer Pressure
Peer pressure is the social influence of peers to change their attitudes,
beliefs and behaviors to group norms.
It is also called conformity pressure.
It has become a norm in our human
nature. One should know that an affiliation with peer pressure is not a bad
thing. It is defined on how one respond
to a particular subject. We are influenced, both positively and negatively.
values are outsmarted by his desires.
A negative peer poses contrary values
taught in the family. Negative behavior is considered as the major negative effect in peer pressure. It is the
cause of all the aforementioned effects.
Ang Tanglaw believes that people
of all ages are affected but youths are
most likely to become infected of peer
pressure. Adolescents start to decide
among themselves–to choose between
right and wrong. It’s the phase where
they spend more time with their peers.
There are many changes transpiring
at the physical and psychological level. This is the part of their lives where
their vulnerability is most challenged.
On the other hand, being with
good peers can help one’s self-improvement. Peers will make one reflect and
further develop good habits. They will
encourage you to do your best in your
academic performance. Socializing with
peers will unknowingly enhance your
communication skills. They will also give
you glimpse of what the world is outside
the four walls of your house. It can help
one to think on better perspective. Peers
will change the way you think, positively.
Peer pressure can lead you to make right
choices in life. In short, good peers will
pressure one to excel in one’s endeavors.
Giving in to peer pressure and
conforming them can cause misfortunes in many factors. It roots from the
idea of “everyone is doing it”. People
affected have low self-esteem, feeling
of loneliness and social dissatisfaction.
In school, one may show apathy in his
studies then later shows poor marks on
his academics. One is prone to bad influence if one spends most of his time
with his negative peers because his
Ang Tanglaw believes that we can
avoid such unfavorable circumstance in
many ways. Change should start within
us. Knowing ourselves intently can build
up our sense of identity. That way, we
can recognize our interests and dislikes. We will know who we should go
with and avoid. We must also be true to
ourselves. More importantly, we should
not be afraid to say ‘no’. We believe
that, that will spare you from dilemmas.
Ang Tanglaw
Editorial Board and Staff
2014-2015
Editor-in-Chief Ella Jemimah T. Omapoy
Associate Daud Jalel M. Macapundag
Editors
Wrenz Luwi M. Ouano
Managing
Hans
Norbert B. Navarro
Editor
Section Editor
Kim Tracey R. Ladaga
Layout Editor
Louise Althea G. Acosta
Brentt Russel R. Nerves
Dawn Cyrill B. Aldave
Grant Abriel R. Amandy
Evangeline Neal P. Sales
Hannah T. Roa
Layout Artist
Jovianne A. Francisco
Photojournalists Rian Gabrielle A. Sablan
Arkiel G. Ventican
News Writers
Cartoonists
Angeluz O. Padua
David Isaiah D. Tiongson
Elementary Writers
John Benedict M. Alianza
Darvesh Jed M. Macapundag
Patrick LG V. Caluza
Jasmin Arabella R. Banhaon
Zahra P. Reyes
Bon Jasmin A. Framil
Claire Alphonsine F. Cabading
Vanessa H. Flores
Kaye M. Figueroa
Andrea Jasmin B. Navarro
Mrs. Melinda C. Darangan
Mrs. Lina H. Al-Hariri
Elementary School Coordinators
Mr. Ronneil U. Vergara
Moderator
Consultants
Ms. Gydabelle B. Naval
What Intelligence Truly Is ‘Miracle in Cell No. 7’
The ability to solve calculus and F i l m R e v i e w
complicated algebra, to comprehend
the different mysteries of the universe,
to memorize the dates of when ancient
sailors set out to find land, and to be informative and knowledgeable on nearly
every topic under the sun. Is this intelligence? Close enough, but not yet.
Then what is it? Is it described
by your scores on your last quarterly
exam, or how high your IQ is? Still, no.
Intelligence is not defined by the
abilities of what a person’s mind can
do. The dictionary states that intelligence is the ability to reason and understand; the ability to acquire and apply
knowledge and skills. It is the ability to
comprehend the many different things
around us and use it in a good way.
However, would you consider a
fish unintelligent if you based its capabilities on how it climbed a tree? Of
course not! The environment of a certain person does not limit his/her abilities
and learning capacity. It is our physical
and intellectual handicaps that limit us.
Dr. Geronimo R. Salem
Furthermore, one cannot say that
he/she has no intelligence. I believe that
everyone has a different kind of intelligence to a certain degree, even if the
lowest is on par with the intelligence of
an inanimate object. Intelligence varies
from person to person, some on a higher
level, and some on a not-so-high level.
Climate
Change
B
Intelligence is also directly proportional to the hard work and eagerness of
a person. As long as you don’t give up on
this specific matter, then you may as well
expect good results out of it. Failing in
your math exam doesn’t mean you can’t
do anything about it. All you need to do
is to set your mind to your goal and commit yourself to whatever you want to do.
Elementary Principal
Dr. Ferdinand J. Epoc
High School Principal
School Director
ahrain’s climate surely has
changed. From its previous southeastern winds now changed into humid and hot southwestern winds. Our
climate is hot and humid nowadays.
As you could observe, the present
climate is burning our skin. This doesn’t
mean that our skin is really burning, but
it means that the climate is so hot that it
is penetrating to our skin. Strictly speaking, it is likely to stay indoors whenever the sun is shining. Seriously, who
wants to get burned? Me! Just kiddin’!
Enough
of
the
inspirational poster stuff. One thing I’d like to
get straight though, is that intelligence is not defined by numbers,
but it lies in our own perspectives, on
how we see the world and adapt to it.
the
Intelligence
eye
of
is
the
in
beholder.
Miracle in Cell No. 7, directed
by Lee Hwan-Kyung is a South Korean comedy-drama film about love
between a mentally challenged father, Yong-Goo (played by Ryu SeungRyong), accused of murder and rape,
and his adorable daughter, Ye-Seung
(played by So Won Kal). The film was
first released in January 23 last year
and is currently the third highest grossing Korean film of all time. It has also
received 12 nominations and 2 wins.
- S P O I L E R S A H E A D For a “comedy-drama” movie 2
hours and 7 min. long, it’s quite of a challenge for the director. Most of us know
that comedy and drama usually can’t really go well together. Only a few movies
have been able to pull that off, movies like
‘Ghost Town’ by award-winning screenwriter and director David Koepp. First
hour of ‘Miracle in Cell No. 7’, I thought
it was preposterous, jam-packed with
unrealistic and unnecessary characters,
although, the set design and the lighting
was perfectly fit for the movie. But it was
during the remaining hour that I realized
the movie’s true beauty. It was amazing
how Yong-Goo’s cell mates fought hard to
prove him innocent, even after his death,
and how Yong-Goo, despite being a mentally challenged person, chose to sacrifice
his life for his own daughter. It reminds us
of our parents, knowing that if they were in
Yong-Goo’s situation, they would do the
same for us. The movie also reminded me
of the way we should treat mentally challenged people. They deserve our understanding and care best, because they too,
have feelings—they know what it feels like
to love and to get hurt, like every one of
us, because they too are human beings.
Despite the fact that it’s a family
melodrama and a kid less than 15 yearsold was involved, many profanities were
said throughout the movie and even some
suggestive content. Children aren’t supposed to be exposed to such at an early
age! But I must say, So Won Kal did an
astounding performance in the movie.
Without her, the movie wouldn’t be as
moving as it is. Overall, for a comedy-drama movie, it’s nothing new, it isn’t really
a tearjerker and a masterpiece as people have said it is but, it’s a very inspiring movie to watch. Rating: 7 out of 10.
Valencia and Sevilla triumph the SC and BP highest posts
by Rian Gabrielle Sablan
The elections on July 3 to different
positions in the Batasang Pambata (BP),
the pupil government of elementary
school pupils and Student Council (SC),
the student organization for high school
students was described by most students as a neck to neck race. In the end,
Nathan Isaiah Sevilla won his position
as the Batasang Pambata President for
this year while Mycah Daniella Valencia
won as the Student Council President.
Led by Student Activities Coordinator Mr. Dante Gamboa, the COMELEC
(Committee on Elections) supervised the
whole election process, which made sure
that everything will be done properly.
Aside from the elections, there were
several election campaigns done before
the officers were elected: the Room to
Room campaign and the Miting de Avance
which were held on July 1 & 2, respectively.
In the room to room campaign,
each party visited all the classes,
introduced
themselves,
gave
flyers, and did short performances.
The Miting de Avance was a program conducted to give each student
an idea of who among the candidates
would be best qualified for the different
positions. The different parties discussed
their platforms and proposed activities, which were intended to be implemented should they win the elections.
During the election proper, which
was on July 3, all students came to the
computer laboratories to cast their votes.
COMELEC Chairman Ivan Mangubat remarked that the whole process went smoothly because all the
members performed their roles. #
PSB celebrates...
from page 1
School Director Dr. Geronimo R. Salem Jr. opened the celebration with his remarks plainly said in the national tongue.
In his message, Dr. Salem emphasized the importance of looking back on
the value of the Independence Day celebration. “Narararapat lamang nating
pahalagahan ang mga pasakit na naranasan ng ating mga ninuno upang makamit
natin ang kalayaan sa ngayon ay ating natatamo. Magbigay daan sana ito upang
tayo ay magsikap na tulungan ang bawat
isa at ang ating bayang Pilipinas,” he said.
He added, “Ang kalayaang ating
natatamo sa ngayon ay hindi dapat lamang na maging isang kwento sa hinaharap bagkus ito ay isa sa maging paalala sa
bawat isa na tayo ay iisang bansa na dapat
manguna sa pagiging daan tungo sa pagkakaisa, pagkakapantay-pantay at pag-unlad dala-dala ang kulturang tatak Pilipino.
MAGIS and F4 exchange opinions during the Miting de Avance.
The
cers of
following
the Student
students
were
proclaimed
Council and Batasang Pambata
Student Council
as
offirespectively:
Batasang Pambata
President: Mycah Daniella Valencia
Vice President: Hannah Macaraig
Secretary: Eugenie Marie Pranada
Treasurer: Ian Dwight Villarojo
Auditor: Nathalie Dalupang
PRO: Jelyza Siwa
Margaret Laurente
Business Manager: Nouf Hana Olaes
Geaver Nicole Cortez
Sergeant-at-Arms: Miguel Carlos Belano Johnred Lopez
Representatives
Grade 7:
JF Nichols Cortez
Grade 8:
Lady Jane Luna
Grade 9: Jeric Benitez
4th Year: Ma. Loisa Mahinay
President: Nathan Isaiah Sevilla
Vice President: Andrea Ayala
Secretary: Chime Rosaldes
Treasurer: Imee Alexandra Peralta
Auditor:
Jasmine Banhaon
PRO: Trishya Bethel Agcaoili
Business Manager: Patrick Caluza
John Alianza
Rwee Dhi Cesar Quinter
Sergeant-at-Arms: Jiro Salayo
Antoinettte Bagunas
Darvesh Macapundag
Representatives
Grade 4: Rembrandth Rosaldes
Grade 5: Jamie Banhaon
Grade 6: Bernadette Pachoco
Primary Voice, Middle Voice,
and PS Voice, Poster Making,
and Filipino Delicacies Exhibit
Meanwhile, student-artists wore a
festive look as they gathered for a poster
art contest. With their skills in drawing,
coloring, and sketching, students emblazoned the aesthetic meaning of the
celebration. The winners for the poster
making contest were: Intermediate Division Champion: Rembrant Rosaldes;
High School Division Champion: Gaity Piencenaves.
In the end Dr. Salem said, “Today,
not only the children, but also the parents, are very keen about this competition. It is amazing to see how children
perceived this, how parents dealt with it
and how the community responded to it.”
Students from PSB once again
showed their prowess in singing as
they serenaded mall passers-by with
their most soothing voices. Mall goers stopped, swayed, and hummed
with them as they performed their song
renditions on stage. Three categories
were held namely the Primary Voice,
the Middle Voice, and the PS Voice.
The winners were the following: Primary Voice Champion: Sarah
Jean M. Reyes; Middle Voice Champion: Aubrey Jan Haduca; PS Voice
Champion: Hazel Mary Marqueda.
Indeed, the Filipino penchant
for singing is legendary. Anywhere,
the odds dictate that a person or two
would be belting out a tune. This is
true to all communities where Filipinos are especially in Philippine School.
He also thanked the partner organizers of the event, Ramli Mall manager Mr. Praven CY, and
event coordinator Mr. Amrith. #
GUIDANCE
CORNER
The power of learning is learning
to acquire power; and that is asserted at
Philippine School Bahrain. SY 2014-2015
would be another academic milestone to
a more dynamic, a more structured and
vibrant basic educational institution of
OFW-children. PSB’s legacy is demonstrated by its populace as it continues to
spring up -- conducive learning environment, better learning resources, adept
staff and administrators, and highly qualified line-up of teachers are among the dimensions. These underpin to uphold the
mission and vision of the school. The academic excellence bears clear conception
of how students’ learn and what is important to know. It is the direction to perfectly shape the young minds…that would
enrich the personality and well-being of
the Filipino learners. Our beloved Board
of Governor members and school’s administrators exerted much effort to conform to the high standard of learning. The
reason we are rigorously preparing for the
formal visit by the PAASCU in order to ensure and affirm that our institution is at par
with other schools not only in the Philippines but also here in Bahrain as well as in
other Philippine Schools in the GCC. The
high school level is on the high spirit and
making it seriously to obtain such accreditation. The action plan is our framework
focusing on curriculum and instruction,
supervision of instruction, school environment and school’s community relations
and involvement. Along this line, students
engagement deepen on the implementation of homeroom guidance, inclusion of
conduct in the learning areas, intensification of iCARE, enforcement of iSpeak and
contextualization of the 21st century skills.
Together we shape the PSB’s future.
“Nothing in the world is worth
having or worth doing unless
it means effort, pain, and difficulty” - Theodore Roosevelt
First and foremost, I would like
to express my gratitude to God for
making all these things possible. Furthermore, I thank the students for
entrusting me a great responsibility being the leader of the student body.
We, the Student Council want
to become a part of the everyday life
in strengthening unity and camaraderie among the students. We assure that
the students will not remorse for voting us. We want to build trust with the
students and exert our outmost efforts
just to serve the student body enthusiastically. We may not be the perfect
Student Council but we are into perfection and we only offer the best for you.
The PSB Student Council is a student organization established to aid in
instilling values that we ought to manifest. We are always open for your feedbacks to fully strengthen the foundation of our leadership skills. We want
to break the barrier of communication
between the Student Council and the
students. We are here to be the voice
of the student body by presenting your
needs and opinions to the administration. Our goals will be achieve with your
cooperation and support to the Student
Council. We all aim for one thing –that is
to have a better and fruitful school year.
It may be so much of responsibility, such that may be impossible
to handle but together we can do it.
High school students
readying for college
entrance test
by Mr. Glenn D. Raz
Philippine School (Bahrain), in
its effort to facilitate student development, has been conducting programs
and activities that will enhance student potentials from their earliest years
in school until their senior year. The
school wants to ensure that students
are taken care of not only during their
terms but even after they graduate.
Hence, it has tied up with different institutions which conduct entrance examinations to senior students to give
them options for college education.
To provide the senior students
with adequate preparation for college
education, the school, through the Guidance and Counseling Office, has come
up with a College Entrance Examination
Review Program. This program aims to
acquaint the graduating students to the
processes of test-taking, possible test
contents and formats involved in admission tests of different colleges and
universities. This will also help them
enhance their knowledge on the subject matters of admission tests as well
as develop psychological readiness,
attitude, and confidence in taking the
college entrance examinations. Furthermore, they will be trained to observe
proper testing behaviors before, during,
and after taking the admission tests.
The program runs for nine (9)
Fridays which starts in July and ends
in October, just in time for college entrance examination schedules. Facilitated by competent teachers, this
year’s program started on July 25,
and will be culminated with a simulation test on October 24, 2014.
The program also serves as
an extension service of the school
since it is open to Filipino students
enrolled in other schools in Bahrain.
by David Isaiah D. Tiongson
Through the college entrance examination review program, the school
hopes to boost the competence and
confidence of the graduating students. In due course, they will be wellequipped with skills in taking one of the
most important exams that will serve as
their first step in achieving their future. #
Nutrition
by Hans Norbert B. Navarro
in
emergencies
peaks
nutrition
month
The
Philippine
School
celebrated
the
Nutrition
Month
this July. The theme of this year’s
celebration is “Kalamidad Paghandaan: Gutom at Malnutrisyon Agapan,”
focusing on nutrition in emergencies.
The Science and Technology
Department organized many activities, such as different cooking activities, poster making, and poem writing
contests which were designed to educate students on proper nutrition, good
eating habits, and healthy lifestyle.
All schemes were classroom-based.
For the poster making and poem
writing contests, students were asked
to interpret and emphasize the theme of
the celebration. Importance was given
to creativity, originality and relevance
of content in selecting the winners.
The High School Department had
different food preparation activities. The
Grade 7 pupils were taught how to turn
left over ingredients into an amazing
meal. Guest parents, Mrs. Angie Bergonio
and Mrs. Sharon Martinada, were invited
to demonstrate. The Grade 8, on the other
hand, showed different ways to cook eggs.
The Grade 9 students were given a bag
of goods and were asked to cook in their
PSB high school
teachers conduct first
quarter InSeT
by Ms. Ivy Jan O. Simbala
To foster a pedagogical environment characterized by competence, communication, collaboration, and creativity, the first quarterly
in-service training was conducted on
4 & 6 August 2014 with the theme,
“The 21st Century Teacher: Bridging Learning Now and Tomorrow”.
The InSeT was conducted as part
of the professional responsibility of the
faculty to continually learn and improve
their craft to suit the changing needs
of time and to meet the challenges of
the K to 12 Enhanced Basic Education.
Workshops and planning sessions were conducted on interdisciplinary integration of the 21st
Century Skills in project making.
Fourth Year students choose their best ingredients
for their sumptuous dish at the PSB Supermarket.
own style. For the Fourth Year, they undertook the mission of preparing nutritious
meals good for 4 persons for a budget
of 3BD only. To highlight the importance
of breakfast, all high school students
were asked to bring a breakfast meal to
be eaten during homeroom period while
their adviser explained its importance.
The culminating activity was held
FCMT partners with PSB to hold YLP
by Kim Tracey R. Ladaga
The Filipino Club Mabuhay
Toastmasters (FCMT) has commenced
its 2nd Youth Leadership Program
(YLP) at Philippine School (Bahrain)
on August 22. The program’s unique
eight-session will end on October 11.
In an interview, FCMT President
Melanie S. Cruz said “This activity will
help the participants develop their communication and leadership skills. Leadership development is vital because organizations take on the personality of their
leaders. Leadership training and development can maximize productivity, shape
a positive culture and promote harmony.”
She added, “participants learn
to 1. overcome nervousness when
speaking before an audience 2. organize and present ideas logically
and convincingly 3. listen carefully to
Teachers
were
also
introduced to the different e-learning
portals like the Edmodo and Quipper Philippines which serve as alternative platforms for teaching.
The first quarterly in-service training for high school was spearheaded
by the Mathematics Department. #
on August 10. Certificates were given to winners to recognize their
achievements on the different contests. The school nurse, Mrs. Grace
Macaraig, was invited to explain the
importance of breakfast and proper
nutrition. Selected students from the
4th year performed a song about nutrition as the program came to a close. #
Participants of 3rd YLP intently
listen to the invited speakers.
others’ ideas 4. offer advice to help others improve their speaking and leadership skills and 5. participate in - and even
lead - group discussion or meetings.”
She further said “Participants are
selected for what they can become,
not for what they already have done.
Often teenagers perceive the course
as a supplement to their high school
education, or to prepare for college.”
“Participants
increase
their
self-confidence as they learn. They
also make new friends and have fun.
Toastmasters is an enjoyable learning experience,” she finally uttered. #
PSB relaunches
‘iCARE’ program
by Brentt Russel R. Nerves
To promote the cleanliness and
orderliness of the school campus, PSB
high school department relaunched
the ICARE Program last August.
Each classroom is assessed on
its sanitation and discipline using three
colors; red for poor sanitation and
student discipline, orange for good
sanitation and good student discipline and green for the cleanest classroom with most disciplined students. #
Buwan ng Wika highlights Filipino roots and culture
by Dawn Cyrill B. Aldave
The Buwan ng Wika celebration is a month-long school-wide
event where in everyone remembers the Filipino roots and culture.
In an interview, Languages Department Head Ms. Cynia H. Tuazon
said “We remember the importance of
Filipino- our very own language. In this
celebration we also remember in our
hearts the former president Manuel L.
Quezon, known as the Ama of Wikang
Pambansa and his contributions to the
present language we Filipinos are using.”
The eloquent students who won in
poem and essay writing are – 4th year Hans
Norbert B Navarro, Grade 9 Janella Mae
D. Sarmiento, Grade 8 Brentt Russel R.
Nerves, Grade 7 – Grant Abriel R. Amandy.
The artistic students who won in
Poster Making are – 4th year Dahniel S.
Mendoza, Grade 9 – Chrystelle Dane B.
Pachoco, Grade 8 – Elyzza Anne B. Romanes, Grade 7 – Shaima Avendano.
The students who won in the Oration Competition are – 4th Year Joel
Patrick Santiago, Grade 9 – Emmery
T. Lawan, Grade 8 – Arkiel G. Vantican
Grade 7 – Jean Madeline S. Lapeña.
The students who won in the Extemporaneous Speech – 4th Year – John
Banyuhay Performing Arts Troupe dances to the tune of Sayaw sa Cuyo.
Kenneth S. Reyes, Grade 9 – Hannah Macaraig, Grade 8 James B. Elloso, Grade 7 – Lian Ross E. Butin.
The students who won in the Debate Contest are – Jazel B. Dizon, Ivan
Christian G. Mangubat (Best in Debate), and Joseph Galileo D. Francisco.
The students who won in the Singing Contest are – 4th Year Jed D.G.
PSB ranks second in the first CFO
Inter-School
Culinary Contest
by Ella Jemimah T. Omapoy
Philippine School (Bahrain) ranked
the overall 2nd place in the 1st Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) Culinary Contest on May 1, 2014 held at Enderun Colleges in McKinley Hill, Taguig.
Different Philippine Schools Overseas
(PSO) from Bahrain, Qatar, Dubai, Oman
and China participated in the event.
Five teams competed in the High
School category while four teams in
the Grade School category.
In the
high school level, PSB’s representatives were Ronald Ivan Bendanio, Ella
Jemimah T. Omapoy and Mycah Daniella S. Valencia. The grade school representatives were Jan Patrick Bergonio
and
Simon
Claude
A.
Olegario, Grade 9 – Gaity C. Piencevanes, Grade 8 - Alfred Lawrenz D. Garcia, Grade 7 – Franzine Mae A. Tagayun.
And finally the sections that won
in the Inter-Section Interpretative Dancing Contest are – 4th year Mapagkawanggawa and Maalalahanin (tie), Grade
9 – Makasining, Grade 8 – Masinop,
and Grade 7 – Mapagkakatiwalaan. #
Seniors shed lights at inter-class speech contest
by Daud jalel M. Macapundag
Naco.
The contestants cooked dishes
made in the traditional way and by using
Mama Sita products. Mama Sita is a popular brand in the Philippines that makes
ready-made sauces and seasonings.
The competition was live streamed
via the internet on the CFO’s website.
PSBians were interviewed in
Idol sa Kusina with Chef Boy Logro
and Mars hosted by celebrity moms,
Suzi Entrata-Abrera and Camille Prats.
Multi-media company GMA 7 was one
of the sponsors in the said event. #
The PSB representatives to the 1st CFO Culinary Contest with their
coaches, Mrs. Marissa A. San Diego and Ms. Gracielii G. Ancheta.
Fourth Year students perform their Congo
Philippine School Bahrain’s senior students shed the lights in the inter-classes Congo speech competition
which culminated the First Quarter activities of the school year on August 13.
Each class interpreted the
poem “If I Were a Voice” by Charles
Mackay. The audience watched with
awe as the fourth year students performed.
They were given about
one and a half months to prepare.
In an interview, one student
quipped “It was well worth it. This Congo
strengthened the bonds among students
and improved our communication skills.”
In the end, Fourth year Mapagkalinga won first place, with IV Maalalahanin as the second and IV
- Mapagkawanggawa on the third.
Mr. Ronneil U. Vergara, AngTanglaw moderator and the English
teacher spearheaded the activity. #
GUIDANCE
CORNER
School year 2014-2015 is another
learning-fresh year. I take the greatest
pleasure to greet all students and their
families. I feel truly grateful for their demonstration of continued trust, support
and active participation as the school embarks on new initiatives this school year.
United in the belief that the foundation for a child’s future learning begins in
the kindergarten and elementary school,
teachers and staff remain strong in organizing sound educational experiences
that maximize children’s learning opportunities towards their holistic development. Beyond academics, education at
Philippine School (Bahrain) emphasizes
the importance of the development of
social and emotional skills together with
moral values and principles. The school
constantly cares and attends to the children’s needs through the zealous actions
of a caring team of educators whose
dedication goes beyond the call of duty.
Starting this year, the Life Skills
Education Program (LSEP) which puts
prime concern on emotional intelligence
and health will become a full-blown
special curricular program. Club activities aimed at strengthening leadership
and enhancement of children’s talents
will become more regular. Research
skills for enhancing creative thinking will be integrated and strengthened
across grade level learning areas. Regular curriculum review and teacher development activities will continue to be
part of the school improvement plan.
As the principal of the elementary
school, I sincerely express my gratitude
and appreciation for the encouragement
we receive through the positive response
and constructive feedback of discerning parents, guardians and administrators. Our supportive actions and trusting relationships as a school community
contribute largely to the school’s ethos of
commitment to learning and excellence.
I continue to look forward to
a warm, respectful and nurturing
school environment for the advancement of the best interest of children.
Best wishes to the PSB community!
Professional development
for PSB teachers
by Zahra P. Reyes
Our beloved teachers learn something new every day, even when teaching!
A teachers’ workshop was held at Saint
Mary’s University of Bayombong, Nueva
Vizcaya, Philippines on April 25-26, 2014.
This
seminar
was
conducted by Dr. Samuel R. Soliven,
a school’s division superintendent.
This workshop was held for the capability building of the professionals of
Philippine School (Bahrain), with the focus on the K-12 curriculum. School director Dr. Geronimo R. Salem Jr., high school
principal Dr. Ferdinand J. Epoc, five high
school teachers and eight elementary
school teachers attended the seminar.
Another seminar-workshop was
held last July 31 entitled Planning Workshop and Assessment Articulation. This
was faciltated by Grade Level team leaders to all the KG and elementary teachers.
Meanwhile last August 4 and 6, a
seminar entitled Contextualizing 21st Century Skills at PSB was facilitated by Elem
Principal Ms. Gydabelle B. Naval together
with the department heads Mrs. Ana Maria R. Banhaon, Mrs. Leda T. Baluyot and
Ms. Ma. Josephine N. Buaron, to all teachers in the KG and elementary teachers.
To the teachers, keep on
shining! Teach more, learn more. #
I would like to express my sincerest gratitude for entrusting me this
great task and responsibility, especially
to my fellow students who believe in
me and the other elected officers. Truly
we are honored to be of service to the
school and represent the student body.
We, in the Batasang Pambata, are
aiming to strengthen communication, effectively address students concerns, and
promote a culture of academic excellence
in our school. We seek to promote good
school spirit by developing harmonious
relationship throughout the entire school.
We want to help the students develop positive attitude while learning, gain self-confidence, become more creative and be prepared to face the challenges in the future.
We will always be ready to give
support and assistance to all activities of the faculty and school. We want
to encourage all of you to be part of
our proposed programs and activities
for our school and the student body.
We will try our best to work diligently to serve all of you and our school. May
this school year be a good and fruitful
one for all of us! May our good Lord bless
every good work that we will be doing!
Guidance office
administers IQ Test to
grade 4 students
by Patrick LG V. Caluza
Last July, an IQ test was
conducted to the Grade 4 pupils. The results were presented to
the parents, pupils, and teachers.
More IQ tests will
as the pupils grow older.
sults will be monitored and
and will be shown to the
be held
The rerecorded
parents.
The parents continue to provide support to their children in collaboration with their teachers. #
COC: The Epic Game
Clash of Clans? What is it? You
probably see this on Facebook or
hear it from your friends. FYI, it is the
top-grossing application on Google
Playstore and iTunes. It is a real-time
strategy game developed by Supercell, a Helsinki-based company.
The game revolves on the concept
of building and defending. Each player
can either join or create his own clan.
Clans are similar to alliances where you
can strategize and help each other to
progress. The game play consists of managing a village, often referred to as a base
and attacking other people. The main goal
is to loot your opponents and gain trophies. Trophies are ways to measure not
a player’s strength but mere dedication.
C.O.C. has become a big hit to
people of all walks of life. Young and
matured minds alike are captured by
the game’s addicting quality. Perhaps
it owes this to the fresh approach accompanied with modern touches by
the developers. According to clashers, it is a fun way to pass time. Taking
a break from work, one can really enjoy
launching a revenge attack on someone.
If there is anything that you can
learn from this game, it is patience. It
takes a lot of effort to build a village and
huge time just to maintain it. You can literally spend hours and not notice the
time that passed. Whilst this can provide temporary enjoyment, one should
learn to prioritize. Put down your gadgets
once in a while and talk with real people.
Elementary pupils celebrate
Gargaon Festival
by Claire Alphonse F. Cabading
Elementary students happily receive candies during the celebration of Gargaon.
The Gargaon Festival is an
event in our school that happens in
the month of July. We usually share
or give candies with each other.
The Gargaon Festival for the Kindergarten pupils was held on July 17,
2014. They wore Arabic clothing and
went to the Primary and Intermediate
Grades classes for candies and other
goodies. For the Primary Graders, their
Gargaon Festival happened on July 10,
2014. They also wore Arabic costumes.
They
watched videos of Gargaon
events. They had candies to share with
other grades and sections. And, they
went around classroom greeting and
chanting “Gargaon!”. For the Intermediate Graders, it happened on July 17,
2014 along with the Kindergarten pupils.
They had an opening program in the
main lobby which started at 8:00 AM.
After that, they went movie-viewing in
the AVR Room. They also brought candies to share with other grade levels. #
Exhibits cap first quarter card distribution
by Darvesh Jed M. Macapundag
Children’s artworks put on display at the exhibit room of the Elementary department.
The
Quarterly Exhibits capped
the First Quarter card distribution
which showcased the projects made
by the students in all subjects. The exhibits displayed all the artistic work of
the students during the first quarter.
“After seeing all their hard work
for making these creations, parents
will see the true talents of their children. Their child may not be that good
at academics, but when it comes to
arts, they excel at it,” one teacher said.
“This day is not only for the parents
to feel proud, but for the students as well.
They will see all their hard work finally
paying off not only for the grades, but also
for the satisfaction of seeing a beautiful
creation that they made,” she added. Finally, she quipped “People always love to
see something beautiful, especially if students made it themselves. They will also
be able to see their classmates’ products
and compliment it. They might even suggest for people to look at the amazing
products made by their classmates.” #
Elementary conducts
student orientation
by Andrea Jasmin B. Navarro
At the beginning of the school
year, students’ orientation was held
for the KG, primary, and intermediate grades. Its objective was to
provide information about the different services of the school relevant to the students’ development.
During the orientation week, a
video was shown about counseling,
psychological testing, career guidance,
homeroom guidance, research, followup, and individual inventory. These are
important as they helped the teachers in
knowing their students’ intellectual capacity to assisting the students to make
decisions, defining goals, and coping
with problems related to education.
A computer tour was conducted to familiarize the students
to different school facilities. The
students’ handbook was also discussed to inform the students of the
school’s mission, vision, as well as
the rules, regulations, and policies.
“I like it here because I easily
understand the lessons and I feel welcome,” said a new grade 6 student
when asked how he was doing so far.
May
our
elementary
department keep on prospering as
they continue on their studies. #
PSB organizing fun
and learning clubs
by Bon Jazmin A. Framil
The Intermediate department organized the clubs for the intermediate
Grades, the clubs started on August
28, 2014. The clubs are: COMMARTS,
Sci-Tech Masters, Prime Thinkers,
Social Studies Club, PSB Banyuhay
Dance Club, PSB Banyuhay Vocals,
Malikhaing Pinsel, Young Chefs, Peer
Support and Sports Club. “We are
planning to have more games,” Ms.
Buaron said. Their activities in the first
day were: Election of Officers, Logo
Making, and the Club Orientation.
The Primary grades are also organizing themselves. Primary Grades
also will have fun and learning clubs.
Their clubs are; Reader’s Circle, Malikhaing Pinsel, Boys Choir, News
Writing and Poem Writing added to
the annual membership to scouting.
This is a very nice way to improve
students’ talents and skills. Furthermore,
this is another way to see what our talents
and for us not to be shy on showing them.
This is a very impressive way of seeing the
students of PSB’s best talents and skills. #
Elementary pupils reap the
fruits of their labor
PSB celebrates greatness of our national language
by John Benedict M. Alianza
by Darvesh Jed M. Macapundag
Advanced students pose with
their certificates
It has been a tradition at Philippine School (Bahrain) to recognize
the academic excellence of the pupils
during the Achiever’s Day. For this
quarter the Achiever’s Day was held
last August 28, 2014 at the PSB Main
Lobby during the culminating activity
of Buwan ng Wika. The awardees received their certificates of recognition
designated as outstanding pupils, top
five in academics and excellent performance in the different subject areas.
In preparation, the teachers prepared exhibits along the hallways showcasing the different outputs of the pupils.
On the card day itself, a class meeting
per level was held wherein the class Advisers reported the class achievements,
upcoming activities and a short openforum for any concerns of the parents.
The individual Parent-Teacher conference followed. This was
held to let the parents know their
child’s progress in school, their
strengths and weaknesses, and give
a chance for the advisers to personally meet the parents of their pupils. #
Intermediate grades
maximize sci-lab use
by John Benedict M. Alianza
This year’s activities kicked off with
Students dancing in their traditional costumes
In this year’s Buwan ng Wika celebration, we had the opportunity of honoring our national language, Filipino. The
activities were celebrated in the month
of August with this year’s theme, “Filipino: Wika ng Pagkakaisa.” During the
first few weeks of the celebration, contests were held related to the activities.
The first contest was Slogan Making.
The artistic pupils who won the
Slogan Making Contest are: Grade 4 –
Ahron S. Mendoza, Grade 5 – Angellei
O. Padua, Grade 6 – Chime J. Rosaldes.
The bright pupils who won the Spelling Contest are: Grade 4 – Trisha Karyelle L.
Bugayong, Grade 5 - Reyvil Ember B. Santiago, Grade 6 - John Benedict M. Alianza.
The pupils who won the final contest,
Composition
Writing,
are:
Grade 4 - Yasser Mohammad Yousif,
Grade 5 – Drake Jedediah R. Engcot, Grade 6 – Chisshelly T. Manibog.
The culmination of the celebration
of the Buwan ng Wika was highlighted
last August 28 at the PSB Main Lobby.
Different folk dances and OPM songs
were rendered by the pupils from different
classes. Parents and guests witnessed
the said culminating activity. Certificates
of recognition were given to winners in
all categories and contests.
The celebration was spearheaded by the Filipino
teachers, Ms. Liza Roja and Mrs. Ana-liza
Noblejas together with the head of department, Ms. Josephine M. Buaron. #
Elem studes celebrate Nutrition Month
by Vanessa H. Flores
a good start. Now, the intermediate graders are finally using the science laboratory.
Like last year, they started to use it for experiments. “We all know that this lab has
all we need to learn. The grade 6 students
now use the laboratory,” said one student.
“The activity was dissecting. The
class was organized into groups. Each
group would cut in half an animal’s heart.
We used a lamb’s heart. During this activity, we learned many different and interesting things. We inspected the parts of
the heart. It is fun experience for children
interested in Science. It gives a wonderful activity. This is an activity that others
would hopefully do too,” he further said. #
The celebration of Nutrition Month was astounding. It
was celebrated last July
with
many
classroom-based
activities.
Philippine School launched its official
website last August 21. The website
contains information about the school, its
policies, rules, and many other features.
Visit philschool-bh.com to
see more of life in PSB.
They had the Vegetable Festival, in which students from different
schools had a chance to volunteer to join.
Both
Kindergarten
and
Primary Grades had a coloring contest
and Mommy Chef. The other kindergarten activities were collage making,
Batang Malusog, drawing, and painting.
and even made a lot of new friends.”
says a grade 6 pupil when interviewed.
They also had a Hat-Making event,
which was not a contest. It was all for
fun in the celebration of Nutrition Month.
Nutrition
Month
Celebration
was fruitful. Everyone had fun while
learning how to live a nutritious life. #
Primary grades had a Hat-Making
Contest, and a Poster-Making Contest.
The winners were judged from classroom to classroom. The last was the Intermediate Grades, who celebrated differently from the KG and Primary grades.
“I learned a lot of things during the
Nutrition Month Celebration. I actually
had a lot of fun in the Vegetable Festival
Students show off their delicious food art
KG exhibits creative artworks
by Kaye M. Figueroa
Parents’ annual meeting sets
goals for quality learning
by Kaye M. Figueroa
The Parent’s Orientation was
held on two occasions, one for Kindergarten and primary on June 27 and
the other one was for the intermediate
and the high school levels on July 4.
For the Elementary’s Parents Orientation, there was an orientation to the
school’s vision, mission, core values
and history. The school Board of Governors, administrators, faculty and staff
were introduced. They also introduced
the new teachers. They discussed the
directions based on the K to12 Basic Education Curriculum with focus
on the development of 21st century skills.
Colorful artworks of the KG students
The KG students’ creative artworks were exhibited during the card giving day on Friday, August 22. Parents were very happy to know that their children improved their creativity skills with the help of their teachers. One parent commented “The exhibit was so artistic that we took pictures of them.” #
Kindergarten starts school year
with fun-filled activities
by Jasmine Arabella R. Banhaon
Shahnaz Bahman introduced
the Life Skills Education Program
(LSEP) to the parents. The parents and
teachers talked about the student
ma-nagement and discipline, academic policies, school procedures
and the school curriculum and
school services. There was a brief
dicusssion on the grading system.
Meanwhile, the teachers, department heads, administration and staff of
the intrmediate and higschool level were
also introduced to the parents. The
main objective of the orientation was to
inform the parents about the academic
policies school rules and procedures.
The Home School Support Council, the parents’ forum in PSB was also
organized. Teachers and parents met
in the designated classrooms for discussion on policies and procedures.
each
Parent
grade
representatives
for
level were appointed.
The HSSC is primarily organized to provide avenue for the parents to channel their support in terms
of brilliant educational ideas expertise,
time and resources for the enhancement of education of the students
The orientation has a good objective and it ended up with good results. #
Kindergarten pupils showing their reading skills in one of their reading classes.
It’s
school time once again! The
classes opened last June 9, 2014.
The kindergarten teachers kicked
off the school year by preparing orientation activities in their creative
and well-decorated classrooms to
welcome the LKG and HKG pupils
who might feel nervous and scared.
The orientation week has lots of
fun-filled activities. It started with the
morning ceremony followed by the Circle
Time that included storytelling, singing,
dancing, and getting-to-know-you activities. The first week also included the
establishing of classroom routines like arranging bags, expected behavior in and
out of the classroom, going to and from
the toilet, preparation for dismissal time
and much more. Socializing activities were
also conducted in order to help the pupils
get used to the faces of their classmates. #
WELCOME TO PSB FAMILY!
Elementary School Teachers
Cyril C. Salvatierra
Janine Avigail L. Gerpacio
Ronald A. Cavero
High School Teachers
Elizabeth M. Caliguing
Jacqueline R. Docayso
Rogie B. Garan
Kristoffer Aron D.V. Putungan