Opening of Classes for Academic Year 2023 – 2024

As the formal commencement of the School Year 2023–2024 took place early on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, millions of students around the nation started flocking to their schools. This marked the second year of face-to-face classes after the shift to distance learning modalities caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pinaglabanan Elementary School (PES) was equipped and ready to welcome enthusiastic learners. Based on data provided by the school guidance advocate, approximately 1,200 learners attended the opening of classes.

Learners were instructed to proceed to the Multi-Purpose Building to attend the flag ceremony. All the teachers, guards, selected Girl Scouts, SSG, and SPTA officers collaborated to help the pupils locate their designated areas. Finding their respective places was made much easier by teacher-made signs indicating grade level and section. While we waited for the other students to arrive, uniformed personnel assisted us in keeping everything in order and ensuring everyone's safety. At exactly 6:30 in the morning, the flag ceremony began. The Grade 6 teachers were assigned to facilitate the first flag ceremony. One of the uniformed men led the "Panatang Makabayan and Panunumpa sa Watawat ng Pilipinas" while some of the chosen Grade 6 pupils stepped up on stage to lead the DepEd’s national calisthenics exercise program, “Galaw Pilipinas,” which would be part of the daily workout routine in the school.

Following the event, our school principal, Mr. Vito L. Mengote, welcomed the parents, teachers, and most especially, the learners. In addition, he expressed his sincere appreciation to the Girl Scouts, SSG, SPTA, and uniformed men for their unwavering support and help in making the start of school a success. He also introduced all the teachers according to their assigned grade level and requested them to take the platform to be fully recognized. As our principal called the names of the teachers, the students were filled with excitement.

Eventually, the teachers assisted their learners as they took steps toward their classrooms. The learners were eager to see their classrooms, interact with their peers, and meet their teachers. They were fascinated when their classrooms appeared to be roomy, spotless, and organized. Meetings always began with a round of introductions and an explanation of the classroom rules.

After the class was over, the teachers helped their students exited the classroom and headed to the gate. They reminded them to stay away from strangers and waited for their parents or guardians to pick them up. According to the principal's assessment of events, the start of classes was a resounding success.

Article Written by:

Wilma O. Rosales

Teacher III – Pinaglabanan Elementary School