BRAVE AT 15: SSIS-M

To kick-off the festivities, members of the SSIS-M community joined the #WeAre15 social media campaign, Feb 13. All the participants showed enthusiasm in their creative shots showing the number 15 through selfies, edits, and group photos with props such as medals, stuffed toys, books, food, etc.

The school formally began the week-long celebration on Feb 14 during the school’s weekly general assembly where the events for the week were introduced, along with the competition for the “Longest 15”. The student council also hosted a short program consisting of a short game and a small toast. On the evening of the same day, fifteen (15) sky lanterns were sent out from the grounds of SSIS-M with the faculty, staff, and their families in attendance.

A parenting talk was conducted on Feb 15 where pioneer parents Mr. Floro Marasigan and Dra. Imelda Siasoco, celebrity mom, Ms. Melissa Ricks-Macatangay, and psychologist Dr. Gayle Gomez shared their respective journeys in parenting. Alongside this, the launching of the “15 Years Ago…” social media blast received thrilled responses. Members of the SSIS-M community shared their ‘then and now’ achievements such as being a student fifteen years ago to being a teacher fifteen years later.

During the fourth day of the celebration, students of each class set aside their academic tasks and bonded with their classmates through playing games and watching movies during the Kings’ Day. The first day of the live Kings Olympics followed in the afternoon where students showcase their skills in executing different basketball, volleyball, and football drills.

On the fifth day, the school hosted a spiritual convocation and Thanksgiving service, with Fr. Randolph Lopez and Pastor Aaron Gerard Santos for the Catholics and non-Catholics respectively. The second and last day of the live Kings Olympics followed in the afternoon where students showcased their skills in executing more volleyball and football drills, along with jump rope and sipa.

The week-long celebration culminated on Feb 18 with a two-hour virtual celebration entitled, “BRAVE at 15”. Several videos were presented throughout the event such as interviews with the school’s pioneer students, alumni, teaching and non-teaching staff, historic principals, and the community dance where students danced to the song, “Brave” by Sara Bareilles. Entries from a few students and teachers for the “I Love SSISM” video-making contest were also shown.

Despite it being virtual, the SSIS-M community still found it memorable as they have enjoyed the activities prepared throughout the week.

“The 15th year anniversary brought students, teachers, and staff together to celebrate this milestone of Stonyhurst. As a student, I enjoyed the activities and helped fuel my school spirit”, said Bianca Rubio, a Grade 12 student.