OPENING REMARKS by Ms. Karen P. Samante, Assistant Principal for Formation
Photo credits to: Mr Paulo James Fabrigar

To our dear school principal, Fr. Frank Dennis B. Savadera, esteemed school administrators, faculty and

staff, parents, guests, and awardees of SY 2021-2022, ladies and gentlemen, maayong hapon!

Xavier University Grade School, as a Jesuit Institution, not only celebrates the academic achievements

of each learner, but more than ever, we celebrate the total person formed through the varied

experiences the school has provided, and the Ignatian values being promoted, in collaboration with the

home. Not only do we celebrate the academic success of these children, we also acknowledge their

feats at learning independently and being resilient in the many changes they have to struggle in the

flexible learning set up. Equally, we acknowledge the sacrifices of our parents and guardians who

continually nurture the education of these children.

Two academic school years have passed without a recognition program, since the COVID 19 pandemic

halted most of the things we usually do face to face. We are grateful that the current city alert level has

granted us this opportunity to finally gather here, to celebrate the achievements of our children, albeit

still limited since we still follow IATF protocols. This recognition is not like what we are used to. As much

as we want everyone to be here, there are tough decisions the school must make. We thank you for

your understanding and continued support.

Whether you are physically here or virtually present, we all celebrate similar stories- our capacity to rise

above challenges, our ability to innovate and be flexible, and our desire for continuous learning and

growth. (I’m sure our parents here would agree, that the flexible learning set up we had allowed you to

learn a skill or two, as you guide your children in their asynchronous activities, most of all the

performance tasks.)

So, together we thank God for all these blessings amidst the struggles.

On behalf of the Xavier University Grade School administrators, faculty and staff, I welcome you to this

Recognition Program. Once again, good afternoon!

The honor pupils of Grades 1 and 2.
Photo credits to: Fr. Frank Dennis Savadera, SJ

CLOSING REMARKS
Fr. Frank Dennis B. Savadera, SJ
Principal

Our dear HONOR students and parents, our XUGS teachers, staff and administrators … MAAYONG BUNTAG sa tanan!

Today is indeed a happy occasion for all of us.  After 2 years of not holding our Recognition Day (because of the pandemic), we gather here to stand proud and joyful … as we celebrate our accomplishments for the past year.  As a way of congratulating ourselves, may I ask you to give one another a BIG round of applause?

And much like in the Olympics, we have handed you either a gold, silver, or bronze medal to recognize you for your HARD WORK … for listening attentively to your teachers; for submitting your homework as our teachers required; for participating in class no matter how challenging online conversations can be; for being extra interested in reading and writing, in solving problems, in communicating in languages, in learning more about the world and your faith.  Who amongst you have thus far a PERFECT ATTENDANCE in class (can I see your hands).  Can we clap for our perfect attendance awardees?  We clap because we honor you for simply SHOWING UP … showing up when it is difficult; showing up when it is easier to just lie down in bed and extend your sleep; showing up to class to raise your hand and ask your teachers about topics that you may have difficulty understanding.  Our dear students, you are being recognized here today firstly for SHOWING UP.  Even as you grow older, you would eventually think of excusing yourself; I don’t need to be there; I can be absent; this topic has NO use for me … and so I need NOT be around!  If you find yourselves feeling this way, our dear pupils … FORCE YOURSELVES TO SHOW UP … and not only showing up … but as well being absorbed, being engaged in the wonderful things and events transpiring around you. This is what learning is about!  And today, we congratulate you … that by showing up … you have learned more than you have ever imagined.

 

Today, this Recognition Day … we congratulate as well your parents, your learning supervisors, and our dear teachers for SHOWING UP and being more engaged in this mission of educating for excellence; for learning themes that truly matter; to engaging in a kind of education that hopefully in our own little way can mean positive changes in the world.  What do we do with our learnings and medals and honors then?  We subscribe to what St. Ignatius himself said:  Let’s all venture to SET THE WORLD ON FIRE!  Set the world on fire with God’s love; with God’s Hope and with God’s JOY to share with one another.

Congratulations everyone!  

The XUGS Recognition Program Working Committee
Photo credits to: JoeArt Photography