St. Paul Academy - 43rd Foundation Anniversary

By: Sr. Jannet Nicer, AR.

Saint Paul Academy of Bantayan, Cebu jubilantly celebrated her 43id Foundation Anniversary last February 2-4, 2007. The days were filled with activities that moved the whole school community to high spirits. To open the celebrations, a Thanksgiving Mass was offered on the first day. It was followed with the opening of booths and other delightful shows and activities. The second day was especially set for SPA alumni day where our alumni gleefully played the exhibition games. The evening was a showcase of spectacular performances of the students highlighting the “Search for Paulinian Top Models”. The last day was the Family Day where parents enjoyed their parlor games, Bingo socials, and agape while the students presented the colorful Field Demonstrations. Our fourth year students portrayed the different festive dances; third year, Fiesta sa Nayon; 2nd year, ethnic dances and 1st year, an aero-dance.

As known to everyone, aside from administering SPA, the AR community of Bantayan administers another school, the Silvino Y. Du Sr. Memorial School, INC (SYDMS), an elementary school in Bantayan owned by Alexander Du. However, next school year, the AR Sisters will be leaving them for good. It wilt be the Carmelite Sisters of Our Lady (Carm.OL) from Dumaguete who will assist in the operations of the school.

The real good news is that, we will re-open Kindergarten in SPA this school year, 2007-2008. Its classroom will be fully air-conditioned and will be furnished with computer units and internet. Our efforts to improve the school is not only for the benefit of our constituents but also to continue the legacy of our elder Sisters who have worked hard and obtained the government recognition in 1966.

With 521 students and 110 graduates last school year 2006-2007, we are hoping for the best and for an increase of enrolment this coming school year. With the improved school facilities, like the new building, air-conditioned library, computer laboratory, kinder room, chapel plus the well-equipped teachers and the new set of AR community and school administrators, Sr. Elisa, Sr. Elma, Sr. Ma. Leoncia, and Sr. Elfleda, Saint Paul Academy will undoubtedly shine in the Island of Bantayan.