NEWS
RHEIMS SPECIAL: OCTOBER
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2020
WHO, DOH partners against Covid-19 by Lance Crisostomo
Francisco Duque III (left) and Dr. Rabrinda Abeyasinghe (right) takes a photo opportunity as the turn over of equipments and medical supplies from the World Health Organization to the Department of Health takes place. photo from WHO
The quest for the victory against the coronavirus disease is still on as the Philippines continue its battle against the coronavirus disease that has changed the way the Filipinos lived for the past several months now. As of October 27, 2020 there are a total of 373,144 cases which is comprised of 37,489 active cases, 328,602 recoveries, and 7,053 deaths. As the battle against the coronavirus continues, the Department of health received Covid-19 processing and encoding equipments, personal protective equipments (PPEs) and other
medical supplies this month from the World Health organization. “As we support the COVID-19 response of the Philippines, WHO commits to strengthening health information systems and supports the timely sharing of data, which together with quick action to contain transmission is critical in saving lives,” Dr. Abeyasinghe said. The supplies turned over included KN95 masks, gowns, face shields, medical gloves, googles, surgical masks and processing and encoding devices specifically for the Epidemology Bureau of the DOH. With the equipments and sup-
plies that have been received by the nation, DOH Secretary Francisco Duque reiterates the importance of following health protocols which are vital in the success of this battle versus the coronavirus disease. “Mahalagang maintindihan natin na ang labang ito ay nangangailangan ng pagtutulungan. Bawat isa sa atin ay malaki ang papel na ginagampanan lalong-lalo na ang ating mga kababayan. Wala pong silbe ang mga health commodities na ito kung hindi kayo mag-iingat at susunod sa ating mga minimum health standards,” Duque stated.
DULAANG ANIMO: WE ACT AS ONE by Dave Domingo
Head of Public Relations Lei Abillion announced that the Dulaang Animo is recruiting members for their ‘latest projects’ and the film-making category for the Children’s Museum and Library, Inc. (CMLI) Online Conference 2020 (ONCON). In an interview, Abillion mentioned that the Dulaang plans to educate students about the Theater, illustrating that on Tuesdays there may be a release of Theater terminologies and on Thursdays: Theater plays. “Yes, we are picking students for the short film making for CMLI and for our latest project,” she added. Additionally, the Head of PR invited students to join the Dulaang Animo, saying “for those students who are interested to join, please reach out to the page ‘Dulaang Animo 2020-2021’ or message any members of Dulaang Animo. We will be as responsive as possible.” Abillion also articulated that there will be difficulties in executing activities given our current situation, hinting that it will be hard to teach acting online and there will be complications with regards to reaching out to students. “But we are doing our very best to make the Dulaang Animo work,” Abillion stated.
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Kristine P. Fortuno and Josenia S. Hernando, DepEd officials, visits ASJ to assess the school’s online class system. photo from Ms. Clea Bulda
DepEd OFFICIALS MONITOR ASJ’S ONLINE CLASS SYSTEM by Jade Magno Monitoring officials from the Department of Education visited Academy of Saint John to assess the readiness of the school in delivering online learning modality, October 22, Thursday. “The only thing we prepared was the documents that DepEd may want to see. Other than that, everything was easily verifiable,” said Vice Principal, Miss Victoria Gallardo. The health protocols, physical set-up of classrooms and offices, availability of LMS, website for the custom domain, strong internet connection, and curriculum content of the school were all easily verified, Gallardo added. According to the Vice Principal, Dr. Kristine P. Fortuno and Ma’am Josenia S. Hernando were the two DepEd officials who went to ASJ to assess the readiness of the school for online classes.
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RHEIMS SPECIAL: OCTOBER
NEWS
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2020
LASO SEMINAR, PREPARATION FOR NEW BATCH OF OFFICERS by Dave Domingo
Lasallian Assembly of Student Officers (LASO) organized its first online leadership training, to strengthen students’ leadership skills, “to empower, and to remind the students that leadership still exists in a virtual environment.” 2019-2020 LASO President Francis Bartolome made known that the online leadership training on Oct 16 also served as the preparation for the new batch of LASO officers. “We are looking for students who would run the LASO 2020-2021 Council. Since kakatapos lang ng AirClass officer elections, we had to train them,” said LASO moderator Min Figueroa. According to Bartolome, the theme of the training was ‘The Efficiency/Effectiveness of a Student Council in Online Learning.’ The invited speakers, Kristoffer Red de Leon and Genette Apostol , discussed the effectiveness of online leaders, the strategy to be used to achieve efficiency, being open minded, and the seven habits of highly effective people by Stephen Covey. On the other hand, Figueroa said that the training was open for all but the organizers required the newly elected AirClass officers to participate in the training .
Genette Apostol talks about the seven habits of highly effective people by Stephen Covey during the leadership seminar for the Grade 5 to Senior High School students organized by the Lasallian Assembly of Student Officers (LASO) on October 16 via Zoom Meeting.
“The participants were the Grade 5 and 6 students with Junior and Senior High School students,” Bartolome added, noting that LASO took into consideration the maximum amount of participants a Zoom meeting can handle. The LASO moderator also pointed out that the leadership training was open to all to cater to the non-popular leaders. “We don’t want to single out the non-popular leaders, there are students who are not popular but we know they have the guts,” she added.
The online leadership training was headed by Francis Bartolome, LASO Vice President Mervinne Militar, LASO Secretary Fiona Tabi, LASO Committee Head Lexi Grepo, and LASO Grade 9 Representative Tasha Pascual, under the supervision of Miss Min Figueroa. Regarding future seminars, Bartolome stated that the answer will be coming from the next batch of LASO officers. In an interview, Figueroa said that the medium used was Zoom accompanied by the game Among Us and Mentimeter.
QUIZ BEE MONTH CONTINUES ONLINE by Jade Magno
Academy of Saint John continues to carry out the quiz bees for different subjects online via Schoology for the quiz bee month. This October, quiz bees for grade school and high school are distributed online via Schoology with specific teachers monitoring them through Zoom. The eliminations started on October 6 with English and Math quiz bees being given to the students, followed by Science and Filipino quiz bee on October 7, Christian Living and Araling Panlipunan quiz bee on October 8, Nutrition and Pop Ed quiz bees facebook.com/Rheims2020 @Rheims2020
on October 9, and lastly. Bible quiz bee and Spelling bee eliminations were held last October 12. Quiz bee finals commenced on October 13 with the Math Quiz bee followed by English quiz bee finals on October 14, Science quiz bee finals on 15, Filipino quiz bee finals on 16, Christian Living quiz bee finals on October 19, Araling Panlipunan finals on October 20, Nutrition quiz bee finals on October 21, PopEd finals on October 22, Spelling bee finals on 26 and finally, Bible Quiz bee finals happened last October 27.
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RHEIMS SPECIAL: OCTOBER
EDITORIAL
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2020
PERFECT ATTENDANCE AWARD: IS IT FAIR? by Seann Carpizo
As we all know, online classes have become the current norm for education in today’s society. With the exclusion of face-to-face interactions thanks to quarantine, our homes have now become our very own personal classroom. Through online learning platforms, students have been given the tools and necessities they need to progress throughout the school year. And being at home, one would think that school has never been more accessible and convenient at the time. But despite remaining at our abodes, problems regarding attendance remain to be just as prevalent, if not more for some students. The primary foundation of online learning is the internet.
Everything is accessed and processed through the web, and it would follow that one requires a good and stable connection to get the most of it. Unfortunately, that is not the case for many students. In places with lack of good signal or internet providers, those students find difficulty in finding a foothold within this new educational environment. Because without it, then everything becomes affected, most often their attendance. It has been a common thing for students to be unable to join, be late, or constantly disconnected from classes due to the aforementioned issue. Not only that, but being at home also means that you are presented with duties and tasks that may be required of you by your family. Especially for students with younger siblings, aside from school responsibilities they are also burdened with
household tasks. This can deal a heavy blow to their schedule and time management, more often than not leading to late attendances or even missed classes. With such being the case, the yearly perfect attendance award definitely seems unfair for this school year. There are factors that attribute towards the atten dance or lack thereof for students, in which those two reasons given above are completely valid and should be given thought and consideration. The times during today’s pandemic is unpredictable at best, or worst rather. Until things start to settle, the award should be set aside for now. Teachers should modestly focus towards the learning of students, as well as on always keeping check on them. In times like this, we should be always looking out for one another.
7 out of 10 ASJ students are having a hard time in online classes Christian Dave Domingo, Editor-in-Chief Lance Jerson Crisostomo, Associate EIC Jade Magno, News Editor Seann Carpizo, Cartooning and Editorial Renz Bautista, Features Justine Benedict Yalung, Poem Mitzen Sotelo, Poem Cassandra Mae Remotigue, Caption Allexandra Pascual, Cover Artist Marcus Diego Mugol, Layout Mr. Kent Bryan Colocado, Adviser
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by Jade Magno Academy of Saint John high school ed that their AirClass experience students stated their AirClass expehad been smooth so far. riences through an interview and a “My AirClass experience has survey conducted online. been doing well. So far so good. In a survey conducted from Oct. I am able to catch up with classes 24-28, 73% of the respondents said even though some give me a hard that they are having a hard time learntime to learn about the topic of othing because of online classes. er classes.” Militar said. “Medyo nawawala po ako sa As stated by Saldivar, he apprelesson because of the loss of interciates his teachers as they are connet connection.” Ivann Saldivar, siderate in terms of submissions and a Grade 12 student said. they are making sure that the students According to Mervinne Militar, learned from their lessons. a grade 10 student, the time given On the other hand, 65% of the to each class is not sufficient for the respondents said that the AirClass students and not all can join quickly Schoology website made their onin the zoom classes since not everyline class experience easier. one has stable devices and unlim The number of students that took ited internet connection. the survey were 80, all came from the However, 55% of the stuhigh school department. dents who answered the survey stat-
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RHEIMS SPECIAL: OCTOBER
EDITORIAL
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2020
A ROCKY CLIMB TOWARDS ACADEMIC ACKNOWLEDGEMENT by Seann Carpizo
The pandemic today has been cause for changes in our educational system amongst many others throughout the country. With online classes being implemented, the environment for learning has drastically changed for better or worse. Schoolworks are now done through educational platforms, gradings can now be automated, and of course class sessions are done via video calls. With these things in mind, can we still say that academic rankings for this school year remains fair? In this topic, one thing to address immediately is the fact that academic rankings are in direct correlation with students’ outputs and grades. If there’s anything unfortunate in regards to today’s online learning, it’s that not everyone can adapt to this situation very well. Aside from obvious reasons such
as lack of a good connection or of a proper working device, students are unique in their learning faculties. Some students are visual learners, some are practical learners, and ultimately some may not be used to studying and listening only through a screen. Today’s mode of education lacks one key factor in schooling: socialization. Communication is limited as compared to face-to-face learning, and for students who rely on discoursing with their teachers to further understand, a simple video call may not suffice, let alone through chatting. With the lack of in-depth, thorough and comprehensive interaction students can find themselves dragging behind in understanding their modules. With all of these nuances, I don’t think honorary lists and rankings are going to be very fair and just in
Art by: Seann Carpizo
their dissemination. There are too many loose threads to consider and pay mind to, making an accurate portrayal of the grades and academic performances of each student prove to be difficult. It would be better for everyone to simply focus on the core of education–the progress and development of one’s skills and knowledge. At the situation we are in, teachers and students like should put all their effort onto learning and understanding
what they need for the next chapters of their lives, rather than heed and worry for their standings academically. This is something that should not only be applied today because of the pandemic, but should be the standard for education all the time without exception. The school is a place of learning for students, not bounded and judged by numbers, but by their application, wisdom, and practicality.
WHAT IS A STUDENT GOVERNMENT AND WHY DO WE NEED IT?
by Dave Domingo
On Friday, Oct 16, the Lasallian Assembly of Student Officers organized an online leadership training with the purpose of forming a new batch of leaders. Through this activity, LASO has been receiving an influx of new members to continue the organization. Notably, LASO has been part of Academy of Saint John as a student government for a big part of its history but the question is, “why is it needed?” First and foremost, what is a student government? facebook.com/Rheims2020 @Rheims2020
The student government is a group of students that are responsible for managing events, initiatives, policies, and programs in school. They are usually elected by the student body or appointed by the school officials. They are tasked with communicating the concerns of the student body to the administrators, they are our eyes and ears as Miss Min Figueroa, the LASO moderator, put it. Their importance is evident. The fact alone that they are the representative of the student body can make
you realize why they are integral to the school. Our concerns are their concerns. But the importance of student government is not confined to just inside the school. The student government is an outlet for students who want to involve themselves in organized leadership. You see, organized leadership is and will be an important aspect of our lives, from the school, occupation, neighborhood organizations, or even retirement homes. The student government gives a place for these want-to-be leaders
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to grow and become actual leaders. If the student government works properly then students will learn the skills and traits crucial to becoming leaders in society. Apart from the intangible aspects it also provides practice. The student government contributes much to creating active leaders. The necessary action that must be undertaken is to encourage this practice and let it take root. The saying “the youth is the hope of the future,” is very overused but it is also very true.
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ASJ
RHEIMS SPECIAL: OCTOBER
FEATURES
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2020
AMIDST PANDEMIC
by Renz Bautista
The Covid–19 pandemic taught us the new normal of working. We were introduced to the Work from Home (WFH) scheme where meetings, presentations, and passing of work are only done online through video conferencing and sending of documents through private message or by e-mail. The teachers and staff still report to ASJ, but in set schedules and specific reasons. As the second quarter proceeds, the teachers and students have become more adept in working online and using online applications and presentations. The teachers and students are now confident in working on their assessments through the Learning Management System (LMS), Schoology. During the month of October, which is the Quiz Bee Month, the quiz bees are also held online through Schoology and Zoom. “Tunay na mas nagiging abala ang mga kaguruan ngayun sa paghahanda para sa pagtuturo arawaraw at maging sa mga obserbasyon na nagaganap at isa ako sa mga naobfacebook.com/Rheims2020 @Rheims2020
serbahan.” Ms. Jen Sidon, a High School Mathematics teacher, said regarding the preparations and the online observations made by the school supervisor, Mr. Jose Ramelle P. Javier. “We are working on skeletal force, schedule of reporting per department is strictly followed para po ma observe ang social distancing, others are allowed to work from home.” Mr. Cris Dulutan, the Mathematics and Science Coordinator, said regarding how ASJ proceeds with their day-today routine. “Protocols are strictly observed, employees need to undergo body temperature checking before entering ASJ premises to ensure na walang may symptoms. Wearing of facemask is a must, to ensure social distancing, may room assignment din per teacher. May hand sanitizers and alcohol po per room and doorknobs are sanitized every hour by the utility personnel para siguradong malinis.” he also added. Normal operations involving buying books from the Business Office and teachers physically reporting is still done inside the ASJ premises. A new policy regarding the buy-
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ing of books are in place to minimize the number of people going to the business office. Books can now be bought and placed under the student’s account. This gives a relief to the parents because they can save and pay for the books on a later date. The school organizations continue their legacy, mission, and passion to provide service even during the pandemic. “The pandemic is not a hindrance for the Dulaang Animo to discover the hidden talent of the students. We are planning to have short films that are to be portrayed by the chosen students.” Lei Abillion, the Head of Public Relations of Dulaang Animo.
“The Academy of Saint John continues to take a stance to continue to serve the teachers and students during these difficult times. Students are also determined to continue in devoting their time and effort in rebuilding their organizations during the pandemic.”
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Eighteenth:
NEVER SHALL WE FAIL “From being a seed full of uncertainties to a fruit bearing tree.” The Academy of Saint John is on its 18th year of being an educational institution molding and forming citizens who can be prime contributors to the progress of the Phillipine society and the world. For over 18 years, ASJ has been making itself known not only in the City of General Trias but also across the nation. Like any institution, ASJ had a rough start. It was faced with a lot of challenges and trials from the processing of papers to the construction of the school buildings to the management of its starting years. All of these were significantly hard obstacles to surpass especially since it was just the beginning but through the dedication and unity of the faculty, staff, owners, and the Board, ASJ was able to rise over all of these obstacles and are able to deliver quality education for the youth. Year after year, ASJ continuously makes history from the rise of the number of enrollees to the expansion of the institution to the numerous achievements that it achieves yearly.
I, myself, am a witness to this development and success of ASJ throughout the years.Year after year, ASJ continues to conquer the competition from the District level to even the National level bringing home lots of achievements and awards. The batches who graduates from the school yearly are the epitome of the graduate attributes that a graduate from our school is instilled with. These are the values of being Christian, Compassionate, Competent, Confident, Committed, Conscientious Citizen and Proud Filipino. This clearly manifests that ASJ doesn’t only focus on the academic side but it aims to develop and mold the youth to be a man of knowledge and good character. However, this 18th year of ASJ is probably the hardest year that it is in. The coronavirus pandemic has affected the school so much. The normal system and routine are not applicable for this school year due to the quarantine raised across the nation. Teachers and students are no longer allowed to meet in classrooms and have their normal class setup. With this, ASJ is now on
by La
the road to making great es in terms of its class m This is a whole new eryone is forced to adap new normal way of educ and flame of desire to d youth amidst any obstac nity to find ways in orde sion and Mission of educ be assets and contributor All summer long, journey to finding the and learning manageme student and teachers alik and other procedures are ASJ’s very own AirCla ready to take us to a who year. The birth of AirCla ical milestone in ASJ’s h in its years of existence its classes through the on The 18th year of A ly. Technical problem
ance Crisostomo
t adjustments and changmodalities and setup. w venture for ASJ. Evpt and adjust to a whole cation. The Animo spirit deliver education to the cles boosted the commuer to continue ASJ’s Vicating youth so they can rs to our nation. the school was on its perfect class modality ent system that could aid ke. Several studies, tests e done. After all of these, ass was born and was ole new ride for this 18th ass marks another historhistory. For the first time e, ASJ would be holding nline modality. ASJ didn’t start smoothms and major adjust-
ments hit both the faculty and students. This lasted for a number of weeks. Some students even complained on some inconveniences which were resolved then by the faculty in charge of the online modality platform.
“No pandemic would stop ASJ from achieving its vision and doing its mission.” From there on after several weeks of problems and adjustments, the AirClass was finally flying smoothly yet we cannot avoid some minor problem to kick in but stil they were manageable. The school took everything step by step. All the hardwork, stress and adjustments paid off. ASJ is one of the remaining schools who are open amidst pandemic delivering quality education to the youth.
May it be face to face or online, ASJ is still sticking to its roots and is dedicated to its mission and vision. Nothing can hinder ASJ from delivering the quality education that it has been known for years now. The faculty and staff may experience hardships but they are doing their best and is driven by the passion and dedication to teach and be an inspiration to the youth. The students also experience hardships but they are dedicated to learn and strive to be better daily for their future. We cannot deny that we didn’t expect the 18th year of ASJ to be like this. We were used to seeing our friends daily sharing laughters and tears with them. We were used to talking and learning via face to face however as the pandemic struck the country, we were all forced to adjust to a new normal setting and ASJ is no stranger to such. As we are on a roll on this 18th year, it truly shows ASJ’s resiliency and dedication to providing quality education and keeping the Animo burning. Never shall we fail as our Alma Mater states.
Dissemble Morning star, solace in fervid shine, cloaked in early greys, hosted by the azure expanse, Flares slung around the hours. Hot yawns blow through dry lips, Midday breezes whisper through moist skin. Heavy eyelids, blurry thoughts, Gorge on heat and haze. Be sanguine with your chores, Cradle back and forth. Pace the floor with dust and moot, Obese on acid and fatigue. Watch the sky shift, Painted in gold and crimson. Star, solace in dimming shine, cloaked in passing blues.
- Justine Benedict Yalung
I Tire
No matter how many times you say sorry, I can’t be bothered to listen to such ennui. You go to my door and there, you’re to me for company But in my stupor, your words are nothing more than a cacophony. Bring me to the front door and hear the door click, I feel the air twist and I’m sick. Turn my chin up to see the sky, and whistling through your lips is another sigh.
- Justine Benedict Yalung
Silver Lining For our world is now covered by a blanket of darkness, Where shadows roam the lands and where the skies are dull and sunless, Now the doors are shut and the living are just surviving, Under this grey cloud I’d look for the silver lining. Do you hear all the shouts and cries of the night? Do you see our kind bade farewell as they return to the light? When you feel so helpless and when you think hope is all but gone, Just keep fighting young warrior, you are strong. For in this black there still is a spark, A spark of hope, the flame that’ll light up the dark, Beyond these clouds, I still can see the light, Because I know that today’s gloom will pass, and the future is bright. We are the silver lining, in life’s blue, No need to search for it, when you can have it within you, And when the time comes, when you feel broken, tired, and torn. Be that silver lining, soon the sun
- Mitzen Sotelo