Celebrate the birthdays of our dedicated faculty and staff
Honoring Our Mentors: Teachers' Day Celebration
As the sun rose gently over the tranquil waters, casting a golden glow that promised a perfect day, AVCPS educators from the Deanery of St. Matthew gathered in the serene setting of D' Captain's Cabin Resort to celebrate the Teacher’s Day, a celebration dawned with a sense of reverence and excitement.
The morning began with a serene Holy Mass presided by Rev. Fr. Andy Peter M. Lubi, deanery director. Prayers filled the air, and gratitude radiated from every heart, honoring the educators who guide and inspire.
The highlight of the day arrived with the Amazing Race, a team-building activity that sparked both camaraderie and competition. Teachers were grouped according to the seven fruits of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. Each group set off with determination, ready to tackle the challenges ahead.
The first station required teams to memorize scripture verses from the Bible. With a mix of seriousness and laughter, teachers recited the verses, some stumbling but all determined to encourage one another. Next, they processed with lit candles to symbolize their journey of faith, creating a beautiful sight as they made their way to the next station.
At the second station, the atmosphere turned playful and dramatic. Each team had to burn representations of the seven deadly sins while carefully protecting the image of St. Matthew from the flames. The teachers cheered each other on, laughing at their task and united by the spirit of teamwork.
As the race continued, teams pulled out their phones to answer trivia questions in a Bible quiz. Groans and cheers erupted as they raced against the clock, their competitive spirits shining through. The final challenge involved completing the twelve gifts of the Holy Spirit, where creativity and collaboration took center stage.
After the exhilarating Amazing Race, everyone gathered around the pool sharing the gifts of the Holy Spirit bestowed upon them in which they had a symbolic sharing of these gifts among one another.
After lunch, the resort transformed into a playground for teachers. Some congregated for karaoke, filling the air with laughter and melodies, while others engaged in spirited volleyball matches, their competitive energy now directed toward friendly sportsmanship. Some teachers chose to unwind by the pool, basking in the sun and enjoying much-deserved rest.
As the day wound down, the joy of connection lingered in the air, echoing the deeper bonds forged through shared experiences. Teacher’s Day was not just a celebration of educators but a reminder of the vibrant community of St. Matthew formed through love, laughter, and learning.
Beachside Bonding: Faculty Socialization Activities by the S
"Most people think of love as a feeling," says David Richo, "but love is not so much a feeling as a way of being present."
HIA APNAPEA enjoyed a perfect beach setting with the tranquil waves and gentle breeze that set the mood for a much-needed break from the usual routine, shedding their usual work attire for casual beachwear, and embracing the sun-soaked afternoon for a relaxed yet enriching experience. Rev. Fr. Andy Peter M. Lubi, school director, led the afternoon’s activities with a blend of spiritual insight and practical wisdom. Fr. Andy emphasized the ultimate importance of mission, communion, and participation in synodality. His talk was both insightful and engaging, seamlessly weaving in the significance of David Richo's 5As: attention, acceptance, appreciation, affection, and allowing. The relaxed atmosphere allowed these concepts to come to life through various games and activities, encouraging everyone to delve into meaningful interactions and strengthen their connections. Laughter and camaraderie filled the air as colleagues bonded over shared experiences and newfound understanding. As the final rays of sunlight dipped below the horizon, faculty and staff left the beach resort feeling rejuvenated and more closely bonded, carrying with them the spirit of 5As:
1. Attention to the present moment; observing, listening, and noticing all the feelings at play in our relationships.
2. Acceptance of ourselves and others just as we are.
3. Appreciation of all our gifts, our limits, our longings, and our poignant human predicament.
4. Affection shown through holding and touching in respectful ways.
5. Allowing life and love to be just as they are, with all their ecstasy and ache, without trying to take control.
