Prepares for the challenges of the “new normal”

The Garden Angels Integrated School, Inc, (GAIS) recently held a one-day comprehensive training for its teachers in preparation for the upcoming school year 2020 – 2021.

The In-Service Training (In-SET) was held last August 3, 2020, with the theme “COVID (Challenges and Obstacles Vitiating the Intended Delivery of education) ka lang, GAIS Teachers kami.” It eyed to prepare the GAIS Teaching Force (GTF) for the “new normal” and instill within them excellence despite the condition the entire world is facing.

In particular, the program saw a number of intensive talks and seminars to discuss pertinent matters that concern the delivery of quality education given that no face-to-face classes will be realized.

Originally, the training was scheduled for the entire week — 5 days, but due to the announcement of the president putting Bulacan under the modified enhanced community quarantine setup, the school had to adjust.

Members of the board, namely, Ms. Lady Caritativo and Sir Amber Caritativo, first took the stage to discuss some tips and advice on how the GTF can be prepared to work amid the pandemic and to actually cope up with such challenges. The newly assigned school’s Guidance Facilitator, Tr. Regina Clemente was the next speaker, who talked about various alternative learning delivery modes that the GTF can employ for the school year.

               Subsequently, Tr. Marilen Yao, the school’s vice-principal, discussed the processes that would be done for the school year such as the delivery and submission of the G-HELP (GAIS Home Engagement Learning Package) and how the GTF should assess student progress and learning. She likewise mentioned how the conduct of classes – such as online discussions via Messenger Room and prepared video presentations – should be done.

               After the very informative talk of Tr. Lhen, Ma’am Cynthia Caritativo, the school’s principal and directress, took the limelight and talked about one of the important topics during the In-SET, that is, the G-HELP. Ma’am Cynthia particularly explained to the group the logic behind the G-HELP and how it could be done step-by-step.

Other members of the GTF were also tasked to deliver short talks, including Sir Reiven Santiago who discussed “The GAIS Students’ Academic Needs Assessment Results,” and teachers Hazel Agustin and Eula Magbitang who explained about “Netiquette: How GAIS Teachers should use Social Media Platforms.”

Sir Ruel Mariano took charge of the ice breakers during the entire day that allowed the GTF members to “unwind” a bit considering the challenges they face.

               While some individuals go against the continuation of education and are actually campaigning for an “academic freeze,” we, at GAIS, believe that learning must never ever stop. We must never stop believing and stop surviving. Accordingly, the GAIS and the GTF are persistently preparing for the opening of classes.

As of writing, the opening of classes for S.Y. 2020 – 2021 will still be on August 10 despite the recent announcement made by the President Duterte, placing Bulacan under the modified enhanced community quarantine yet again. This week will only cater to the Orientation Week of the students that will be done online. ###