JUN 17
First Day of School
The thought of “First Day of School” makes my heart pump a thousand miles an hour.The free f lowing Milo, the smiles and hugs of my friends, the classroom lists, and the brand new materials I haven’t lost yet just makes me so happy! This year the WSC again prepared our First Day Gimmick. We do this to make your First Day of School extra exciting and to get you pumped for the school year! It was, however, quite different from all those other First Days of school because each batch went to a designated place for their bonding. Because of this bonding, I learned to plan for the activity way ahead of time and to know all the details before hand (even the last minute ones). Each batch had games and activities to help us get to know each other better and share our summer experiences. It was also so exciting to show to the whole High School our theme for the school year: “Tribes: living as one!” Our new tarpaulins, pins and bulletin board clearly showed that this year will be different yet still in keeping with the WR tradition., And of course, we had free f lowing Milo, super cute mugs and hot pandesal. I hope that we can pull off something this fun next year!
Sachiko Palaganas
AUG 14-22
Japanese Visit
The annual visit of the St. Joseph students is something that Woodrose looks forward to because it is an opportunity to meet new friends and learn more about Japanese culture. The girls have been coming to our school for the past three years already, and as their arrival was getting nearer, the Council along with the Program Committee started preparing a welcoming program for them. As soon as they got off the bus, the Japanese looked very happy to see us again. The whole high school student body welcomed them with bright smiles. The St. Joseph girls stayed with my batch as they were also Juniors and so we got a special glimpse of the youth culture in Japan. We enjoyed talking to them and having them join us in class. When we said goodbye to the Japanese the day before our th retreat, we all felt sad because we had such a good week with them. We hope that the Japanese had as much fun as we did with them and that we keep in touch! We are definitely excited to have the next batch of students from St. Joseph next year!
Alex Agoncillo
AUGUST
Student of the Month
For the past years, the Student Council has recognized the positive traits and honorable actions of exemplary students. In keeping with this tradition, the Student Counci has come up with the “Warrior of the Month” award, which is in line with the theme for school year 2014-2015 – “Tribes: Living as One.” This award aims to empower and motivate students to be more involved with school activities and display concern towards their school mates. It also intends to credit and recognize the students who demonstrate ideal behavior so that the student body can have a model student to imitate and respect. The criteria for this month are Initiative and Action. Initiative is one’s ability to act on her own; to do good without having to be told to do so. It means taking the first step in helping others and doing more than what is required of you. The Warrior of the Month also translates her words into activities. She instigates action and creates opportunities for others to follow her as well.
Grade 7: Belle Naval Grade 8: Kat Morales Grade 9: Neeka Jimenez Year IV: Aimee Fider
Cathy Cano
Letters from the Japanese Students
Dear Woodrose students and teachers, I am interested in learning about English and different cultures, especially Asian ones which made the Philippines interesting. Before I went, I heard that Woodrose students are wonderful, so I wanted to attend and feel the atmosphere of the classes in your school. I found that it was true – you are wonderful! I was so happy to meet you. See you again. Thank you for having us. I had a good time.
Thank you for letting us stay as exchange students. We made many unforgettable memories there. I was interested in the Philippines because I wanted to learn about different cultures in Asia and I have some Filipino friends. After I saw the Woodrose website, I became even more excited about visiting your school. In Woodrose, everyone was kind to us and we learned new things. During class, we were surprised that everyone responds to the teachers. Sometimes, English was difficult for me to understand, but the lessons were interesting. I also found pleasure in chatting with many friends during lunch time. I miss the Philippines so much. I hope to keep in touch with you. Please come to Japan and visit us someday!
I had really good time and I strongly remember the days at Woodrose. I took part in this trip because I wanted to change my shy personality. I was not confident in speaking English and taking to you because I was afraid of making mistakes. However, you always listened to me and smiled. Thanks to you, I am brighter and more cheerful. Thank you to everyone who supported me. This memory is my best treasure.
Thank you for all of your kindness. My sister joined this program 2 years ago and I heard that this school was very good, so I really wanted to join. On my first day of school in the Philippines, I was so nervous that I had to introduce myself in front of a lot of people at the morning assembly. However, after I did it, everyone clapped their hands and I realized that I will be able to make a lot of special memories there. Everyone in Woodrose was very kind, and they were full of energy. I cannot forget the faces of the III-A students when we entered the class room, because I have never been welcomed that way. I am so happy that I joined this program.
Letters from the Japanese Students
Dear Woodrose students and teachers, I am interested in learning about English and different cultures, especially Asian ones which made the Philippines interesting. Before I went, I heard that Woodrose students are wonderful, so I wanted to attend and feel the atmosphere of the classes in your school. I found that it was true – you are wonderful! I was so happy to meet you. See you again. Thank you for having us. I had a good time.
Thank you for letting us stay as exchange students. We made many unforgettable memories there. I was interested in the Philippines because I wanted to learn about different cultures in Asia and I have some Filipino friends. After I saw the Woodrose website, I became even more excited about visiting your school. In Woodrose, everyone was kind to us and we learned new things. During class, we were surprised that everyone responds to the teachers. Sometimes, English was difficult for me to understand, but the lessons were interesting. I also found pleasure in chatting with many friends during lunch time. I miss the Philippines so much. I hope to keep in touch with you. Please come to Japan and visit us someday!
I had really good time and I strongly remember the days at Woodrose. I took part in this trip because I wanted to change my shy personality. I was not confident in speaking English and taking to you because I was afraid of making mistakes. However, you always listened to me and smiled. Thanks to you, I am brighter and more cheerful. Thank you to everyone who supported me. This memory is my best treasure.
Thank you for all of your kindness. My sister joined this program 2 years ago and I heard that this school was very good, so I really wanted to join. On my first day of school in the Philippines, I was so nervous that I had to introduce myself in front of a lot of people at the morning assembly. However, after I did it, everyone clapped their hands and I realized that I will be able to make a lot of special memories there. Everyone in Woodrose was very kind, and they were full of energy. I cannot forget the faces of the III-A students when we entered the class room, because I have never been welcomed that way. I am so happy that I joined this program.
When I was in Junior High School, my English teacher was from the Philippines. Because of her, I was very interested in your country. Once I went there, I learned a lot from you. You were very hospitable and friendly because you talked to me a lot. I also really enjoyed joining your classes. I was impressed by how you participate in class so I learned to be more active. After I came back to Japan, I had a chance to act as the master of ceremonies for an English speech contest. I tried to use English often. I greeted people the way you greeted me. This helped me succeed in the contest. I treasure my memories of the Philippines. I'll never forget you. I will study more deeply so we can speak more freely in the future. I hope to see you again someday.
Spending time at Woodrose was a precious memory for me, though my visit was short. The first impression I had was the students are all cheerful and very nice. In our school, we barely greet each other so I was surprised and happy that the students I didn’t know greeted me! I was also moved that you accepted us as soon as we arrived. Thanks to your smiles, I felt comfortable arri and happy. I wish to be a person with a wonderful smile like all of you! I couldn't speak English very well but everyone waited for me until I said something in English, which made me glad. I will practice speaking English more so I can talk to you f luently. Next time, please come to Japan and our school, Saint Joseph and let's spend time together! Thank you for all your kindness! I love you so much!
Thank you for your kindness. I’m grateful for your warm hospitality. My seniors who went to Woodrose last year did a presentation for us about the Philippines. Then, I looked at some pictures which looked very exciting. They said that Woodrose is very fun so I was interested in your school. When I went to Woodrose for the first time, you were all very cheerful. I could relax because you welcomed us warmly, be greeted, and talked with me a lot. You made me happy. This was my first time to go to foreign school and talk with people my age. You inspired me because you are participative and I wish to be like you. When I talked to you, I also wanted to speak English f luently, so I will now study English well. These memories are my treasure! Please come to Japan someday.
Before I decided to join this trip, my senior students who had experienced it before encouraged me to take part. I'm glad I took this opportunity and met you. The days at Woodrose were as wonderful as I expected. You were kind enough to eat lunch with me and take care of me. I enjoyed everything we did together. I also thought your songs and dances were awesome! Your performances made me want we to practice it more until now (because I am a member of the chorus club). I was happy to know that you were interested in Japan and you asked a lot of questions about us. I wish I could have explained my ideas more when I was there. I want to practice speaking English more now. I hope we can meet you again in Japan! You are always welcome to our school!
, s n o i t a z i n a Org ar sities V & s b Clu
Bata Batuta Within the first term alone, Bata Batuta was able to host an acquaintance party and four visits to St. Rita's Orphanage, a home for children and infants. During the visits, the members seemed really happy taking caring of the children and simply playing with them. It was fulfilling to see the children smile and laugh. Because not all members have experienced attending a visit, the clubs plans to have more events wherein they can create a stronger bond with these children.
Handog Lusog Handog Lusog had three visits to the Sta. Rita orphanage. The members interacted with many of the children there, playing with them and making friends with them as well. They also made sure to bring them good food of course, which they cooked themselves in the H.E. lab. This term, Handog Lusog hopes to feed more of these hungry kids as well as put more smiles on their faces!
Gabay Gabay is an organization committed to guiding children through catechism and teaching basic academic lessons. Ever since club launching, it has already had two days of teaching! So far, members have gotten to know the children they will be spending time with. Recently, they did a storytelling of children's bible stories. Gabay looks forward to starting with the lesson proper soon!
Save Our Surroundings (SOS) SOS had its Acquaintance Party in early August and planned to have its second activity, International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) on September 20, 2014, which was unfortunately postponed to next year due to bad weather. This term, be ready for a visit to Paws Animal Shelter and Tree Planting for the months of October and November respectively! Also, SOS will be handling its first full general meeting on October 9 to formally introduce itself. Venue will be announced and be ready for an action-packed second term!
Puso-Red Cross
Puso-Red Cross is one of this year’s many promising organizations. Their first activity was the Leadership Development Program, headed by Philippine Red Cross trainers. Students who took part in this program are now recognized members of the Philippine Red Cross Youth. The organization also started on fundraisers for first aid kits, which will be distributed to the residents of Barrio Langgam, Laguna within the next few months. Moreover, Puso-Red Cross offered the Standard First Aid Training Program. Members who passed this training were given licenses that make them official First-Aiders. One of the beneficiaries of Puso-Red Cross is Bahay ni Maria, a home for the aged and mentally handicapped women (members spend quality time with the lolas by feeding them, listening to their stories, and dancing with them). This coming term, look out for more activities planned by the Puso-Red Cross organization!
World Youth Alliance The World Youth Alliance is a global coalition of young people promoting the dignity of the person and building solidarity among developed and developing nations (World Youth Alliance). As a division of the international organization, the Woodrose chapter lives out the thrust of WYA through media campaigns and outreach activities. During the first term, the socio-civic org had its acquaintance party, one outreach activity wherein they visited families from a financiallyconstrained communities and an exciting media campaign.
Inklings In the first term, Inklings members talked about Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, as well as The Elegance of a Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery. They got life advice and new perspectives when discussing the excerpts. For the second term, Inklings will be watching the movie and/or modern adaptations of these books and other books as well.
Sports Club
The Sports Club has done a lot in first term. With just a few meetings, they have done core exercises, phase running, and drills to better learn the game of Touch Football. They also played Patintero in celebration of Linggo ng Wika. The officers are planning for much more in store like rock climbing, and maybe even ice skating for their Christmas Party!
Debate
Since the summer of 2014, the Woodrose Debate varsity has competed in four interscholastic debate tournaments. Among them, the most recently concluded is the 20th Balboa Cup, which was organized by the Children's Museum & Library, Inc. last August at the Far Eastern University Diliman. A Woodrose team emerged victorious as back-to-back champions, defeating over 40 teams. The varsity is planning to compete in at least six more tournaments throughout the rest of the school year. Members will continue to train intensively during the upcoming months, with the guidance of Mica Pena, a Woodrose alumna who is the varsity's official coach.
Tennis
The tennis team practices every Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-6 pm. Despite all the workload and interruptions everyone still tries their best to attend. Their first game is on October 4 in Brent for the LSMS games. Eight players will represent the school, hoping to emerge as champions. Our ISTA games start 2nd week of October and that will continue on till next year.
Volleyball
Since the end of summer, the team has been training 11 hours a week to prepare for the season which started around August. Our senior team is currently playing in the League of Southern Manila Schools against 25 other teams and our junior team is playing in APSAM, a tournament for Muntinlupa private schools. There are more tournaments to come, and the team is preparing well in its practices to hopefully win its games.
Softball
Since the start of the school year, the Softball Varsity has been preparing for many upcoming tournaments. One of these is the ongoing Southern Classics tournament help during the weekends in ACC. So far, both Palo A and Palo B have been awarded as champions in each of their divisions. The next two legs of the tournaments will be help in Nuvali and the varsity teams are going to do whatever it takes to bag the championship trophy. Another tournament that they are preparing for is PRISAA which is held every October against De La Salle Zobel to represent Muntinlupa City in the NCR Meet. The varsity aims not to win for itself, but to bring pride and honor to the school.
Badminton
Since the start of this school year, the Badminton Varsity has welcomed new members to the team. The players train every Tuesday and either on Thursdays or Fridays from 4-6pm. The team spends most of the time practicing their dynamic skills and are now focusing on team strategies to prepare for the upcoming tournaments.
Swimming
Although the team is off-season, the varsity has been training hard every Saturday at the Alabang Country Club swimming pool. The team is composed of 20 swimmers. We are preparing for interschool competitions specifically the League of Southern Manila Schools at Brent International School set on October 11, 2014. Still under the coaching of Coach JS Sampan, we plan to enter with a solid relay team & individual swimmers with a good number of individual events.
Chorale
The Woodrose Chorale is the official singing varsity of Woodrose. Last July 27, they performed in the Singapore Conference Hall for the Maior Caritas: Singafour Festival. They were invited by Filipino composer John Pamintuan to perform his songs (they were the only Filipino & foreign choir to be invited by Pamintuan). After this, they were invited by the Government of Kagoshima, Japan to perform in the Kagoshima Asian Youth Festival this October to represent the Philippines. The Woodrose Chorale has given its members so many wonderful opportunities to foster leadership skills, discipline, responsibility, & dedication. They get to grow as performers, become a family, & most importantly, do what they love doing – singing.
Rosette
This year, Rosette aims to release at least one printed issue within the school year. If possible, we aim to publish a special second issue that features creative writing. We are also in the process of setting up an online Rosette through Facebook and Tumblr which will debut the new concept of “Humans of Woodrose”, based on the Facebook sensation, “Humans of New York”. Online Rosette will also set up writing, art, and photography contests for the student body to join and whose winners will be published either on the site or in the printed issue. Additional articles, artwork, and photographs will also be posted, along with Woodrose achievements and events. Rosette encourages the students to join the contests and to send their insights and reactions about recent Rosette issues or posts to the Rosette Staff through the site.