3rd Quarter

        It's the end of the third quarter, and what a journey it's been! It is, indeed, a bittersweet moment. From the humble beginnings of the first quarter to the triumphs of the second, I have learned a great deal and expanded my knowledge and understanding. Let us pause for a moment to reflect on the progress I've made.

      The third quarter was a period of personal and academic development. I am able to work on challenging projects, push myself in my studies, and learn something new every day. This quarter has also been a time of learning, getting to know myself better, and recognizing my own strengths and weaknesses. I've learned to recognize and embrace my areas of opportunity. It is critical to acknowledge how far we have progressed. Also, to see where we can still improve. Let us also take this opportunity to express our appreciation for the hard work we have put in and the progress we have seen.  

        As the third quarter ends, let us continue to build on the progress we've made thus far. In discovering new ways to challenge ourselves, explore new areas, and grow. Let us also embrace the present moment, take pride in our accomplishments, and look forward to what lies ahead with great anticipation and excitement. 

40 Days of Lent

   

       For many Christians around the world, the Lenten season is a time of fasting, praying, and penance. It is a forty-day period that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter Sunday, which commemorates Jesus Christ's resurrection from the dead. The length of the season is intended to represent the forty days Jesus spent fasting and praying in the wilderness prior to his public ministry. Christians are encouraged to spend the Lenten season praying, fasting, and growing spiritually.

   Traditional Lenten practices include fasting, prayer, almsgiving, and spiritual reflection. Fasting is meant to be an outward manifestation of an inward spiritual devotion, and it is typically practiced by abstaining from certain foods or eating less during meals. Praying is an important part of the Lenten season because it helps people focus on their faith and grow closer to God. Almsgiving is the practice of giving to the poor and is regarded as a charitable and compassionate act. Finally, spiritual reflection is encouraged during Lent because it allows people to reflect on Jesus Christ's life and teachings and gain a deeper understanding of their faith.

       The Lenten season is a significant part of the Christian faith, and it is regarded as a time to renew and strengthen one's relationship with God. It is a time when Christians can draw closer to God by praying, fasting, and reflecting. Individuals can gain a better understanding of the Christian faith and Jesus Christ's call to love and serve others through these practices. The Lenten season is a time for reflection on one's faith and preparation for Easter and the celebration of Jesus Christ's resurrection.

References:

California Catholic Conference. Devotions and Prayers for Our Second Pandemic Lent. Retrieved on April 28, 2023.

https://cacatholic.org/article/devotions-and-prayers-our-second-pandemic-lent

121st Highschool Day Celebration

       The Ilocos Sur National High School Day was held on March 25, 2023, with the theme "Renewed Commitment in Defying Odds to Transcend Heights of Excellence and Solidarity." Since its inception in 1902, this is the 121st year of celebration. With a brief history, the school's original name was Ilocano Normal School, which was established by Philippine Commission Act No. 372. Due to increased enrollment, they built a new building, which was completed and inaugurated on February 22, 1905. It housed the Vigan High School, Ilocos Sur's first public school. With the continuous increase in population, a larger area was required, and the provincial government acquired eight hectares of land on the west coast in the late 1920s. With the continuous increase in population, a larger area was required, and the provincial government acquired eight hectares of land on the west side of Vigan in the late 1920s. Vigan High School was renamed Ilocos Sur National High School in 1932.

       There are different activities conducted during the celebration of High School Day. In the first part, they held a thanksgiving mass attended by teachers and officers. The second was a program. The teacher's choir performed in the first half of the program. Ma'am Editha Bagcal, our principal, gave a welcome address, followed by a message from Ma'am Gemma Tacuycuy, our school division superintendent. The selected grade 10 students held an intermission number before the guest speaker was introduced. Dr. Bueno then delivered an inspirational speech, and the guest speaker was presented with a plaque of recognition. Before the awarding of outstanding teachers, employees, and retirees, the teacher's choir performed an intermission, and Mr. Rabo concluded with words of gratitude and a closing song. The celebration concluded with a field demonstration performed by selected 5 students per section and selected teachers in calisthenics and all grade 9 champions in festival dance. Hip-hop dance is also performed by the top three grade 10 students. Following that, traditional games were held, which were attended by teachers, and there are also booths and exhibits that can be visited. Mrs. Judeliza Refuerzo expressed her appreciation at the end of the field demonstration.

     Ilocos Sur National High School had a wonderful celebration for High School Day. During the celebration, there are numerous activities. It was a lot of fun for all of the students, teachers, and retirees who were invited. For the school, it is a very special and memorable day. A high school day, also known as a foundation day, is a day set aside for commemorating the founding of an organization or institution. It is an opportunity for an organization to unite and celebrate its illustrious history with the community, employees, and supporters.

References:

Ilocos Sur National Highschool. ISNHS celebrates its 121st High School Day. Retrieved on April 28, 2023.

ISNHS Supreme Student Government - SSG. Ariba, ISNHS. Retrieved on April 28, 2023.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0UytsfoD1kVrQ17F9VhUGbvoNZKytUsUmit1Kgg1tmiH9ZZA3dvEeypuL83zUyySXl&id=100057060325639&mibextid=Nif5oz

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02QeiBkSRD51tBMzeLyqGB2Rk3KFuKpaRSJZJqo7yLbdqcY6CWurBJWXt5MwXmevoql&id=100063553644950&mibextid=Nif5oz