PHILIPPINES - St. Joseph School – La Salle’s first weeklong founding anniversary with the theme Transforming Lives through Accessibility and Excellence opened with a Masskara dance symbolic of Bacolod’s grand festivity at Oscar J. Hilado Civic Center, March 14.
School Principal Mrs. Shally Claver said that this year’s commemoration of SJSLS’s 62nd year was to make key offices take part in the preparation for a more festive celebration. “We involved the different core committees, the Parent Association officers, and stakeholders in running the program with the desire to offer a vibrant celebration,” Mrs. Claver said.
Various performances were presented by different groups. The Glee Club rendered two upbeat songs by Katy Perry and Dance Arts members danced to the beat of September.
Part of the production number was Br. Mark Basan II FSC and Br. Abram Michael de Leon FSC crooning One Direction’s Night Changes.
Another attraction was the cosplay walk by selected student participants and a staff member donned in colorful costumes inspired by their chosen fictional character.
Also “Through the Years” video prepared by the Coordinating Council for Students Activities (COCOSA) was shown to relive how SJSLS has continued to transform lives through accessibility and excellence.
Moreover, School President Br. Joaquin Severino Martinez FSC said in his speech, “It’s very good to have a sense of history of why St. Joseph School – La Salle exists.” The President also said that so many things have changed over the years and that the students are now reaping the benefits of the continued commitment of many people to the Lasallian mission.
Meanwhile, St. Joseph and St. La Salle Look Alike participated by students across grade levels kicked off the Academic Breakthrough competition.
Br. Emmanuel Hilado FSC, the school’s former president, Br. Normandy Dujunco FSC and Br. Emille Kiusi Masevilla FSC also graced the opening day. In the afternoon, the four Brother Houses, Benilde, Jaime, Miguel, and Mutien competed in basketball and volleyball games which were participated by the adult members and the students. The championship games were played the day after, March 15.
The first-ever weeklong celebration of the school’s anniversary is a collaborative effort of the Academic Council, Principal Council, and Discipline Council. The launching of St. Joseph Week is the brainchild of Br. Abram Michael de Leon FSC, the Lasallian Ministries and Vocation Office (LAMIVO) head. “What better way to celebrate these achievements than to gather our vibrant community as one? We have so much to offer and be proud of!” Br. de Leon said.
Br. de Leon envisioned St. Joseph’s Week as a celebration of the school’s rich history and significant milestones. “We must remember where we started, so we can continue to uphold the legacy and live out the mission of our founder, St. John Baptist de La Salle,” he added.
Moreover, the Parents Association officers have also facilitated the special participation of selected Masskara dancers as one of their initiated activities. The Ruby and the Golden Jubilarians as well as other alumni will also be in attendance during the solemnity of St. Joseph, March 19.
The School Director Mrs. Analie L. Lomocso said that the collaboration of different offices and stakeholders has created a unifying effect. “The celebration highlights our achievements and triumphs despite the hardship and with that we remain committed to continue our thrust to offer excellent and accessible education,” Mrs. Lomocso added.
Several other activities to be participated by faculty, staff, students, parents, alumni, and stakeholders are lined up in the remaining days of this one-week celebration. (Layout: Kyle Martin Gonzaludo; Photos: Katrina Gwen Cobias, Julieane Norine Cuenca, Dannah Marie Faramiran, Liahona Haley Javelona, Anthony Eul Reyes, and Christan Tizon)
