BURSTING AT THE SEAMS
JHS student population increases, add'l classrooms built
JUMP-STARTING
ORSEM 2024 guides grade 7, transferees, friendship established
Ateneo de Zamboanga Junior High School built an additional two classrooms within the campus due to the sudden hike in population amongst the JHS students.
Located on the third floor of the AdZU JHS building, the new classrooms are currently occupied by the Magis Classes: Grade 8 St. Peter Faber and Grade 9 St. Robert Bellarmine. While these classrooms are brand new and offer several advantages, they also come with some drawbacks.
The most notable benefits include larger classroom spaces and improved facilities. According to a student using one of the new classrooms, “The new classrooms seem innovative because they have sturdier
POPULATION SURGE POPULATION SURGE
JHS tackles challenges
Ateneo de Zamboanga University Junior High School is expanding to meet the rising number of students, thanks to improved socioeconomic conditions and the school’s strong reputation.
Mr. Arvin Giva, Assistant Principal for Academics, attributed this growth to the city’s evolving socio-economic status and the school’s achievements, such as PAASCU Level III Accreditation.
furniture, which overall enhances the atmosphere.” The furniture and facilities have been enhanced to provide a better learning environment.
However, students have reported some issues, particularly with airflow. “Though it has better facilities, most students find it hard to focus because of the heat,” noted another student. Despite having the same number of electric fans as other classrooms, the lack of adequate airflow remains a concern.
While the new classrooms have their pros and cons — in the end, the renovation was necessary; Not only to consider the new students but to also accommodate the bigger space of AdZU JHS.
The Orientation Seminar (OrSem) 2024 at Ateneo de Zamboanga University Junior High School was a big hit, helping new Grade 7 students and transferees feel right at home. The event featured a range of fun activities, including energizers, the Amazing Race Tour, and the Flag & Yell competition, all designed to make students feel welcome and engaged.
Malaika Alma M. Saddaramil, a transferee from Grade 9, found the seminar particularly helpful. “OrSem helped me feel more comfortable and welcomed by allowing me to meet new friends and get to know the campus,” she said.
For Grade 7 student Athena Jayda J. Pescadera, the competitions were a highlight. “One of the many things I learned from OrSem was through the competitions we participated in. My classmates and I realized that teamwork and proper cooperation give us the opportunity to learn from one another and to strive for improvement,” she explained.
Transferee Ita Belle Diaz also shared her excitement: “Since being with my class during the orientation, I’ve gotten myself familiar with not only my classmates but also the events and activities we might have in the future. This has gotten me excited for what Junior High has to offer me during my first year here.”
To accommodate more students, JHS has added new classrooms. “Ideally, it’s an advantage to have more students, but it will also require us to have more facilities,” Mr. Giva said.
He also addressed concerns about classroom heat, noting that adding air-conditioning might raise fees, but remains a possibility.
Traffic management within the campus and the impact of the pandemic on academics are also being addressed.
Mr. Giva mentioned that traffic solutions are being explored and that the curriculum is being updated to help students who have struggled academically due to the pandemic.
OrSem 2024 succeeded in making new students feel like part of the AdZU JHS family. It provided them with valuable information and fostered a sense of community, setting a positive tone for their junior high school experience.
These changes are set to enhance the educational environment and support the school’s growing student body.
Anya Xyrene Ramos
Nina Angela Luza
Jaela Benisse Bazan
Grade 9 -St. Campion’s students of AdZU Junior High School gathered during Schola Brevis.
Grade 7 student expressing his expectation in an interview on his new school environment.
Ryan Akim L. Annani
Ryan Akim L. Annani
St. Ignatius the Musical Makes an Encore
St. Ignatius of Loyola’s story is central to the Ateneo experience. From Christian Life Education(CLE)lessonstodailyactivitiesand school celebrations, the life of St. Ignatius is deeply ingrained in the hearts of every Atenean.
Last year, a student-led musical brought his life to the stage. This year’s iteration saw significant changes. “There are a lot of changes, especially in our cast. Since last school year, many grade 10 students have graduated. So we need to scout new cast members to fill their roles,” said Ms. Carmela ThereseTeves,theplay’sdirector.
Importantly, this play was largely studentrun, with teachers only offering guidance. It showcased students remarkable dedication and creativity, handling every aspect of the play, from choreography to set design. Their enthusiasm and professionalism brought St. Ignatius’s story to life, leaving a lasting impressionontheaudience.
The second run of Ignacio de Loyola the Musical continues to emphasize themes of faith, perseverance, and service, highlighting the Ignatian spirit of “Omnibus Amare et Servire Domino” (In all things, Love and Serve the Lord). Originally written by Mr. EdwinPiedadJr.andFr.NorlanJuliaS.J.,the production stars Edgardo Luis Atilano as Saint Ignatius and is a collaboration between Punlaan,CompaniaMusicadeAguila,Danzar Atenista,andtheCouncilofLeaders.
The production also provided invaluable opportunities, helping students develop skills in teamwork, leadership, and artistic expression. The collaborative environment fostered a strong sense of community and shared purpose, reflecting the values instilled inthemthroughtheireducationatAteneo.
GROWING PAINS:
OUR FAMILY, FACILITIES, AND FINANCES
Eunica
Great news! Our JHS family is growing! With the addition of a new section for the previous and upcoming grade 7 batches, it is evident that our enrollment rate has been increasing since 2022! However, with this great news comes even greater needs.
As in any family, an increase in number leads to a need for more resources. For instance, when you're first starting a family, you might opt to buy a small lot: still adequate for three people, but cozy enough it isn't overwhelmingly spacious.
After a few years of living in peace, you'll grow used to your living space, comfortable enough to adopt a pet, have a new child, or maybe even both.
Eventually, you find that you've pushed the boundaries of your limited space, and now the cozy, small lot is just a little too overpopulated.
In that sense, classrooms house classes of students; families. Within the four walls of a classroom, students accumulate information that serves as a foundation for their future contributions to society, extending far past the confined space.
Thus, much like our homes, these areas should be a place of utmost comfort both physically and emotionally.
However, even with the recent construction of two new classrooms on the third floor, we find that there is still a lack of rooms to accommodate everybody. Certainly, much like how parents continually strive to manage and evenly distribute budgets, administrators are looking into this matter.
But we have to understand that every sudden increase or demand leads to more financial complications.
In the meantime, let's take it upon ourselves to help out in our ways. We can start by conserving water and the other resources our school provides, to lessen the expenses and make more financial room for the expansion of our building.
Let's take this minor inconvenience to be a positive indicator of our ever-growing JHS family.
Nutrition and St. Ignatius’ Month are jointly celebrated in July in collaboration with the Christian Life Education and the Technology and Livelihood departments.
“Appreciating the hard work … [and] acknowledging the nutrition role in our bodies. Take inspiration from their efforts and try to make a positive impact. Together, we can grow a healthier and more sustainable future" Ms. Gregorio of the TLE department pointed out in her speech
Events were announced during the Back To School Program on July 10 as an intro of the merged events within July.
Before-long events such as the play “Ignacio:The Musical” which will be viewed during Schola Brevis, “Indak para kay Ignacio” would compete for eliminations the next week after Schola Brevis, while events such as the Feria de Ignacio which will happen on July 26, and Iggy’s Community Pantry in July 22-25 would occur around late-July.
There will also be minor competitions for each grade level: “NutriIggy Henyo” for grade 7, “Vene Y Pinta” for grade 8, “Himig ni Ignacio” for grade 9, and an “Ignatian cosplay” for the grade 10.
Nina Angela Luza & Eunica Normin Kanindot
Valerie Nicole Panes
THE VOICE
Normin Kanindot
Valerie Nicole Panes
Fatima Aisha Jikilulla
Eunica Normin V. Kanindot
Edgardo Luiz singing a ballad while portraying St. Ignatius in Loyola the Musical.
Fr. Roberto Boholst S.J.'s story begins in a small farming community with limited opportunities. Despite challenges, he dreamed of higher education and a deep desire to serve. Through hard work and scholarships, he earned a bachelor's degree in Education, graduating cum laude from Ateneo in 1997.
After graduation, Fr. Boholst took on various roles, from teaching Physics and Chemistry to serving as a guidance counselor and campus minister. Early in his career, he felt something was missing, which led him to the priesthood. Despite initial aspirations to be a doctor, lawyer, or computer scientist, his calling to the priesthood was undeniable.
His humble beginnings in the island of Olutanga, a Jesuit mission area instilled a profound sense of duty in him. Influenced by figures like Father Jojo Magadia S.J., he was inspired to serve communities. In East Timor, Fr. Boholst helped pioneer a
Jesuit High School, balancing administrative and academic duties and developing inclusive policies. Returning to the Philippines, Fr. Boholst embraced his role at Ateneo de Zamboanga University Junior High School, calling it his "dream school." His connection to Ateneo runs deep, as he received a scholarship
A Conversation with Fr. Roberto Boholst, SJ
In line with the new vision and mission, this school year's theme is "Navegamos: Anchored in Faith, Steered by Excellence." Navegamos is a Spanish word that means "to sail," or literally, "to navigate."
However, while most of the student population is familiar with its meaning, it is less known that "navegamos" is not a singular verb — it's the plural form of "navegar."
for his education there. As JHS principal, he aims to leave a legacy of excellence and holistic development.
He emphasizes, "Education is not just about academics. It's about forming individuals who are knowledgeable and prepared to serve others."
Fr. Boholst's journey reflects this school year's theme: Navegamos: Anchored in Faith, Steered by Excellence. Despite many challenges, he conquered the tide under God's guidance.
In choosing "Navegamos: Anchored in Faith, Steered by Excellence" as this year’s theme, we are called to reflect as a community. "Navegamos" signifies not just the act of sailing or navigating, but the shared experience and effort of all of us moving together towards a common destination.
Understanding that "navegamos" is a plural verb emphasizes the significance of our theme. It is a reminder that our journey is not a solitary endeavor. We navigate through challenges and opportunities together,
supporting one another along the way, as one Community.
This theme also serves as an invitation to actively engage with our community. Being "Anchored in Faith" speaks to the core principles and beliefs that guide us, providing stability and direction in turbulent times. Meanwhile, being "Steered by Excellence" challenges us to strive for the highest standards in all aspects of our academic and personal development. It calls for intentional efforts to achieve excellence, both individually and collectively.
Last year's theme propelled us to move, this year's theme takes it further by incorporating a
more deliberate drive towards a goal; towards our shared vision and mission.
@adzujhs Parents’ Bulletin
Eunica Normin Kanindot
Eunica Normin Kanindot
Feria de San Ignacio unites JHS cmty in celebration
Hailey Aguilar
In line with the feast of Ateneo de Zamboanga University’s Jesuit founder, Ignatius of Loyola, the Feria De San Ignacio was held at the Junior High School lobby.
Student clubs and organizations set up their booths, each offering activities and showcasing info. and description of their clubs. This provided opportunities for new students to explore their interests.
Various booths sold goodies, ranging from pastries and sweets to accessories, photocards, and trinkets such as stickers, pins, and personalized bookmarks.
Some booths also provided mini-games, such as the Young Ateneans’ Science Educators (YASed) and the Junior Peers Circle (JPC), while the Council of Leaders re-opened their ‘Café of Leaders’, serving drinks and pastries mimicking a café.
INDAK PARA KAY IGNACIO
CLE and ENG dept, Grade 10 triumphs
The Christian Life Education and English department and the Grade 10 hailed as champions of the fitness dance competition during the culmination of Nutrition Month 2024.
Other clubs, such as the Blue Eagle Publications (BEP), Information Technology Society (ITS), and JPC, collaborated to create a photobooth that captured the joy and the spirit of St. Iggy.
While booths are occuring, students could choose a song at the center stage of the lobby, with many singing along with their friends and classmates.
In celebration of St. Ignatius of Loyola and Nutrition Month, a Zumba dance-based competition, "Indak para kay Ignacio," was held.
The competition featured a mix of dances and exercises performed by different grade levels and departments.
The judges declared the English and CLE departments and Grade 10 as the victors of the dance competitions
During the first round, the CLE, English, Grade 8, Grade 10, Filipino, and Staff teams emerged as winners.
‘love is shown through deeds’-Guerero
JHS CMTY PANTRY CELEBRATES THIRD ANNIVERSARY
Aligned with the Technology Livelihood and Christian Life department’s Nutrition & St. Iggy’s month program, students of different grade levels donated goods such as fruits and vegetables placed in the pantry outside the JHS Lobby.
The third year of Iggy’s community pantry continues to reach and help beneficiaries from Brgy. Tumaga.
This year's community pantry went on for 4 days straight—lasting from July 22-25 as each day is assigned and sequenced to each grade level.
AdZU JHS also provided a medical consultation with Dr. Sharon Francisco, a collab with the Yakult company for a mascot, and an orientation about the benefits of probiotics.
Ms. Rica Amor, head of CLE department
departments performed a mashup of popular Zumba songs, including the viral hit "Selos" by Shaira.
This event was a highlight of the culminating program, encouraging students and staff to engage in physical activity and emphasizing the importance of fitness and wellness in a fun and competitive environment.
says to “Bring that certain act to also share to our adopted community, the blessings that we have and most especially to touch not just the lives of those who benefited from the Iggy pantry but also to the students who shared their blessings who are very much generous in being socially involved.”
Not only do the beneficiaries benefit from this event for all the goods given, but Ateneans also get to be ‘with, and for others’ in which they practice ‘generosity,’ a known value of their patron saint.
Ms. Noemie mentions, “It's about reflecting our Ignatian Values: the Cura Personalis talaga like being an atenean, and we have this term din that St. Ignacio has that ‘love is shown through deeds,’ with our simple thing or simple vegetable, but the impact in our beneficiaries, malaking tulong na talaga ‘yon sa kanila.”
Zachary Bryce Sontillano
Faculties of CLE and English department perform a Zumba dance during the Nutrition Month Culminating program. Photo by Ryan Akim L. Annani
Abot Kamay volunteers selling sweets and pastries during the Feria de Ignacio fundraising event.
Photo by Ryan Akim L. Annani
Fatima Aisha Jikilulla
Grade 8-St. Canisius Student hands over fresh fruit and veggies to a beneficiary from barangay Tumaga.
Photo by Ryan Akim L. Annani