JUNE NEWSLETTER 2026 | Volume 8 Issue 1

AdZU-JHS Faculty and Staff Conclude SHIFT 6.0, Renew Commitment to Service

Faculty and staff of the Ateneo de Zamboanga University Junior High School (AdZU-JHS) gathered on June 11, 2026, at NZ Blue Resort in Boalan, Zamboanga City for the culminating activity of the In-Service Training (InSet) 2026, marking the successful completion of a month-long professionalandformationprogram.

The culmination celebrated the collective journey of the faculty and staff through the sixth installment of the Shaping and Highlighting Ignatian Formation and Teaching (SHIFT) program. Guided by the Junior High School theme this year,“Juntos Servimos (TogetherWeServe): Building a Just,Compassionate,andFlourishingCommunity,”theformationinitiative sought to deepen participants' commitment to Ignatian values and excellence in education while aligning with the University's institutional thrust.

Throughout the month, faculty and staff engaged in a series of seminars, workshops, and formation sessions designed to strengthen their professional competencies, foster collaboration, and enrich their understanding of Ignatian pedagogy The program also provided opportunities for reflection on the vital role of educators in nurturing learners and building communities rooted in justice, compassion, and service.

AdZU JHS holds OrSem '26 for new Ateneans

JobDeverala NicaTorralba

Incoming Grade 7 students and transferees attended Ateneo de Zamboanga University Junior High School’s (AdZU JHS) annual Orientation Seminar (OrSem) on June 13, 2026 atAdZU JHS lobby, marking their first formal entry intotheschool’scommunity

The event, spearheaded by the Council of Leaders (COL), was organized to orient and familiarize the fresh batch of more than 300 Ateneans with the school’snormsandculture—followingthetheme,“JuntosServimos:Together weservebuildingajust,compassionate,andflourishingcommunity.”

“Junior high school really was filled with joy – not the joy of effortless happiness, but the joy of growth, resilience, and unforgettable memories,” said KateDemco,COLpresident,inheropeningremarks.

The culminating activity served as both a celebration of learning and a reaffirmation of the faculty and staff's shared mission as educators and formators. Through fellowship activities and community-building experiences, participants reflected ontheinsightsgainedfromtheprogram and renewed their commitment to serving students with competence, conscience,andcompassion.

As AdZU-JHS prepares for another academic year, the conclusion of SHIFT 6.0 stands as a testament to the school's continued dedication to forming educators who lead and serve with purpose, embodying the spirit ofJuntosServimosineveryaspectofschoollife.

AdZU-JHS FS undergo Basic Life Support Training

Ateneo de Zamboanga University Junior HighSchool(AdZU-JHS)FacultyandStaff participated in a Basic Life Support (BLS) Training Session conducted by the City Health Office Emergency Medical Services (EMS)atAVR1onJune5,2026.

The session aimed to equip participants with essential life-saving skills, including proper Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), basic first aid procedures, and appropriate responses during medical emergencies and life-threatening situations. Through hands-on demonstrations and guided practice, attendees gained practical knowledge that can help them provide immediate assistance while awaiting professionalmedicalcare.

Subsequently, the students were briefed onAdZU JHS’curriculum and subject areaheadsbyBb.JessaSeño,AssistantPrincipalforAcademics,alongwiththe introduction of Wednesday Formation cycle and school policies from Ma’am JanelleCañete-Asjali,AssistantHeadofthePrefectofDiscipline(OPD).

The program then shifted to its highlight team-interactive activities:TheYell & Banner making contest and the Bingo race — with each group competing for thetopspots.

Thereafter, a recognition followed for the top three winners of each event category,alongwithspecialawardspersection

The orientation capped with closing remarks from Fr Roberto M. Boholst SJ, theSchool’sPrincipal,expressinggratitudetowardthestudents.

OrSem has been held annually for incoming Junior High students, aiming to immersethemintheAteneowayoflife.

With the success of the event, embedding the school year’s theme, the students will then proceed to the Back-To-School-Year(BTSY) program and formal classes.

The training forms part of the school's continuing efforts to promote health, safety, and emergency preparedness among its personnel, ensuring a safer learning and working environment for the entire AdZU-JHS community

The session was facilitated by EMS trainers from the City Health Office, namely Aled Santos Damsani, Arnel Paragas, Christine Joy Pelegrin, and Baron Dospueblos, who shared their expertise and guided participants through thedifferentemergencyresponseprocedures.

By strengthening the emergency response capabilities of its faculty and staff, AdZU-JHS reaffirms its commitment to fostering a culture of preparedness and care within the school community

By

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Jlian Zefia

Divining-Grace

Longbeforethemorningbellrings,andlongafterthefinalechoesoffootstepsfade from the corridors, a quiet magic keeps AdZU JHS alive. It lives in the stack of graded papers, the carefully prepared lessons, and the dedicated hands of the faculty andstaffwhoworktirelesslybehindthescenes.Thisschoolyear,afreshandpositive spark is moving through this dedicated community as they prepare for a meaningful new chapter under new leadership. Stepping into the spotlight to lead the campus workforce is none other than Mr Nhel Mathew Divinagracia, the newly named FacultyandStaffClubPresident.

It serves as a highly significant role—and Mr Divinagracia is ready to bring his signature dedication, energy, and professional warmth to the position. Taking on this responsibility might have come as a total shock, but the new president is stepping up to the challenge. He admitted that simply being nominated left him completely taken aback, but knowing his colleagues believe in his capabilities has proven incredibly validating.

The true strength of any school relies on the unity and morale of its staff, and that is exactly where the FS Club President plays a vital role. This position serves as a strong, reliable connection among the school educators working behind the scenes. While managing a faculty club often proves much harder than it looks from the outside, drawing from years of teaching triumphs, cherished campus memories, and camaraderie with fellow teachers gives a leader the foundation needed to guide their peers. In truth, navigating these hidden, behind-the-scenes responsibilities means managingaheavyworkloadwhilekeepinggenuinenessfrontandcenter

“Balancing tasks can feel like a constant seesaw As a leader, I’ve realized that the hardest part is choosing the more loving option and consistently choosing the most compassionate,human-centeredapproachforeveryoneinvolved.”

This deep desire to support his peers is rooted in his favorite years spent inside the classroom. When looking back at his most cherished campus memories, it always comes down to the pure joy of teaching—sharing what he knows, exchanging ideas with his classes, and watching his students experience that sudden breakthrough when a difficult lesson finally clicks. Seeing that growth firsthand is what drove him to bring that same positive energy beyond the classroom and into the faculty room, ensuring it becomes a comfortable space where everyone's unique perspectives and ideasaregenuinelywelcomedandshared.

For the newly elected leader, this role is a wonderful opportunity to nurture a supportive, collaborative environment where every staff member feels appreciated, heard, and motivated. Every new president enters office with a top priority or a dream project meant to elevate the club’s impact for the school year His primary goal is centered on the overall well-being of the faculty rather than rigid logistics. Whilehappinessisadifficultmetrictomeasureona spreadsheet,seeingthefacultyenjoythejourney throughtheclub’supcomingprograms,activities, andeducationaltoursremainstheadministration’s ultimatedefinitionofsuccess.

Alreadyhighlyregardedacrosscampusforhis brightenthusiasmandapproachablespirit,he beginshispresidencysurroundedbyagreatdeal ofrespectfromhiscolleagues.Thistransition bringsawaveofpositiveexpectations,ashis felloweducatorsandschoolpersonnelknow firsthandthegenuinededicationhepours intohiswork.

Tokeepthemomentumgoingduring thisbusystretchoftheschoolyear,a collectivefocusonunityisalready beingsharedamongthefaculty andstaff.Whetherthrougha formalmessageof encouragementorbyinspiring peersthrougheverydayactions inthefacultyroomandthe hallways,thegoalforthis newchapteristobuilda vibrant,supportive foundationforeveryone oncampus,anchoredby afinal,powerfulreminder oftheirsharedresilience: “'Miracleisjustanother wordforhardwork.Every responsibilityyoufulfillisn't theresultofamiracle.Itisthe resultofyourdedicationandeffort.We allhavedayswhenwedon'tfeelat100%, butsimplyshowingupeverydayproves yourdevotiontothisinstitutionandto yourownaspirations.Allofourdreams cancometrue,ifonlywehavethe couragetopursuethem.”

Whentheschooldaywindsdownand thecampusempties,itbecomesclear whattrulykeepsAdZUJHSrunning. WithhimguidingtheFSClub,the comingmonthspromiseabeautiful seasonofteamwork,genuinefellowship, andcollectivepurpose.Afterall,the soulofAdZUhasneverbeenjustthe ringingbellsorthelessonstaughtinside theclassrooms—itisfoundinthe dedicationofthecampusworkforce whotransformtheseempty spacesintoahome.

A sit-down with the Brother behind the Council Caelan

Gullem

Tu Whom Much is Given

The Campus Ministry Office (CMO) has returned to bustling with its own affairs.

In truth, students follow an oddly routine premise. Some still arrive with unfinished requirements. Others wish to escape the clamour of one’s classroom. But in that disarray, most find themselves coming for a Brother knownforhisfist-bumpsandauthenticlaughter

Amid that familiar rhythm sits Bro. Thanh “Anthony” Tu Phan. Only two years ago, Ateneo de Zamboanga was completely unfamiliar The language wasdifferent,theculturewasdifferent;nearlyeverythingrequiredadjustment.

Now,thatsameJesuitBrotherfindshimselfentrustedattheheartofanother vocation:theCouncilofLeadersmoderator

“I never expected this to happen. However, I have always loved working with young people. Listening to their dreams, struggles, and desire to find themselves in a complex and confusing world has always moved me deeply I often want to remind them that even when life is challenging, it remains beautiful because they are loved. I encourage them to keep going and keep dreaming,”hepointedout.

As the day goes on, something quieter decides to take its seat. Not on a fanciedofficechair.Butinthelobbyafterdismissal.

“Sometimes, after dismissal, I stay in the lobby and simply observe the students. I see different expressions on their faces. Some are excited to go home, some are joyful because they can play with friends, while others look completelyexhaustedafteralongday.”

Itisinthesemomentshefindshimselflearningfromthem.

“Students have taught me courage,” he shared. “Many adults underestimate howchallengingstudentlifecanbe.”

“They have also taught me patience. In a world that often demands quick achievements and immediate success, I am inspired by the way students continueshowingup,”hecontinues,rootinghisreflectionsinwarmth.

It’s not everyday you meet a Jesuit. Let alone one from Vietnam. Let alone someone who pauses important paperwork, allows the afternoon breeze to settle, and goes outside of his office simply to wave at the people around.Yet somehow? Brother Tu does all of this while redefining what leadership really means.

Tobealeader,hebelieves,isneveraboutdirectingothersforpersonalgain. It begins with accompaniment—guiding communities through love, discernment, and service. Most meaningfully, however, it is found in being a servantyourself.

Some days, students say goodbye to Bro. Tu with a smile. Some exchange quick high-fives. Some end up sitting back down with him in the Campus MinistryOffice,suddenlytalkingaboutthebestfoodVietnamhastooffer No conversationslastverylong.Oddlyenough,noneofthemfeelhurriedeither

Tomorrow, the CMO will once again return to its familiar bustle. Students will come carrying unfinished requirements, stories from class, and math worksheets they have yet to answer Somewhere between those conversations,aJesuitbrotherfromVietnamwillstillbethere. Even if this timearound,youcatchhiminthecouncilroomnext door,hisdemeanorremainsquitethesame.Still offeringanotherfist-bump,anothersoftlaugh, andofcourse,anotherquietreminderthatthe heartofleadershipisfoundinwalking besideothers—notbehindthem.

Nica Torralba

Arrhythmia

Lub-dub Thump-thump Ba-dum

Heartbeats The persistent thudding in your chest, indicating that yes, the heart is successfullypumpingbloodtotherestofthebody,andessentiallysustainingyourlife Oneofthefirstthingsanursechecksthesecondyou’reoutofthewomb;aprerequisite tobeingalegally-certifiedliving,breathinghumanbeing

But on a heart monitor, wild, incessant spikes are not signs of strength They are warningsignals Aheartthatworkstoohardeventuallyworksagainstitself Runafew tests,andwhatonceseemedlikevitalitymayrevealitselfasanarrhythmia

Now, what’s that saying about having too many “good things”?After all, the value of something is not measured by how much of it exists, but by whether it continues to serveitspurpose Whatsustainsusinmoderationcanoverwhelmusinexcess

In a similar vein, school is something necessary for a functioning society It is where learningbecomesstandardizedandholistic,andwherewe’reperfectlyokaywithsitting stillforeighthoursaday,fivedaysaweek Right?Right?Wrong ThisiswhereAdZU’s shinynewproposal,FormationWednesday,comesintoplay

Formation has always been central to the Ateneo identity The university dedicates offices,programs,retreats,camps,andcountlessactivitiestonurturingstudentsintomen andwomenforothers Itisacommitmentsofundamentalthatitshapestheinstitution's mission itself Formation Wednesday, then, is a mid-week, much-needed day for students to commit to their clubs, bond with their classmates and above all, take a break,insteadofyearningfortheweekendstothepointofburningoutacademically

The Ateneo has never measured excellence through grades alone Its reputation is built just as much on the values it cultivates as on the knowledge it imparts A university can fill minds with information and equip hands with skills, but without forming compassionate, socially consciousindividuals,itfallsshortofitsownmission

Alas,anentiredaydedicatedtoformationonlymeansthatoneacademicdayaweekis sacrificed

During its first year of implementation in 2025,AdZU had to extend classes until the end of April to make up for the accumulated instructional days lost throughout the school year Inside the classroom, discussions are compressed while assessments, laboratory activities, and major requirements are repeatedly pushed back to accommodatethetighterschedule

For courses that already struggle to fit extensive syllabi into a single semester, losing a fulldayeachweekonlyintensifiesthepressureonbothstudentsandfaculty Whatcould havebeenpacedsteadilyinsteadbecomesaraceagainstthecalendar

Still, is placing such a strong emphasis on formation truly a bad thing for a Jesuit institutionlikeAdZU?

Yet the opposite is equally true Formation cannot come at the expense of the very academics that allow students to grow intellectually Because academic work is prohibited on Formation Wednesdays, the workload, instead of disappearing, overflows over into the remaining days of the week Theintendeddayofrest,overtime,oftenbecomesasourceofadded pressure as students scramble to catch up on lectures, deadlines, and examinationspackedintofewerinstructionaldays

Likeahealthyheartbeat,educationdependsonrhythm Toolittleformation leaves students technically competent but morally underdeveloped Too much, however well-intentioned, risks disrupting the balance that keeps academiclifesustainable

At the end of the day, it was never about choosing between forming the heartandsharpeningthemind Jesuiteducationiscalledtodoboth We, as a community and as an institution, should nourish the mind, equip the hands,and,moreimportantly,carefortheheart

Asinglepercentagecanshapethewayanentirestudentbody learns

Recent reports suggest that beginning this school year, students may need a 95 general average to qualify for honors, with grade transmutation no longer in place For many, the proposal reflects a stronger commitment to academic excellence Higher standards, after all, can make recognition more meaningful and encourage students to striveforconsistencythroughouttheyear

Yetnumberstypedintoanexcel-sheetrarelytellthewhole story

A higher average, naturally, also distorts the fine line between burnout and Magis To achieve such a standard means to put in extra hours, to maximize efficiency in memorizing, and at times, the need to sacrifice something elseinturnofconsistency Tobefrank,noteveryonehasthis sameamountofleniencyplacedintheirschedules

Everystudentlearnsdifferentlyand

often remain unseen inside a classroom When recognitionbeginstodependonchasingasinglenumber, learning itself may slowly become secondary Students may start asking not what they have understood, but whattheyneedtoscore

Ateneo has long been recognized for its academic standards, but its vision has never rested on academics alone Leadership, service, character, and compassion have always been part of what it means to grow as an Atenean Excellenceisimportant,butsoisremembering that education is meant to form people not simply produceimpressivereportcards

Thequestion,then,isnotwhetherstudentsarecapableof reaching a 95 Many undoubtedly are Rather, it is whether academic honors should reflect only numerical achievementorthefullerkindofexcellencethatschools aspiretocultivate Raisingthestandardiseasy Defining what excellence truly means is the challenge worth