Asia/Philippines/Metro Manila/Manila/St. Francis School/

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Coordinates: 14°34′56″N 121°00′51″E 14.5823219, 121.0141844

St. Francis School

Location & Contact Information
- Address, Directions, & Map:
  - New Panaderos St., Sta. Ana, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
- Telephone Numbers: +632 5634541, 564685, 5624315
- Official Website: High School Department
- Email: sfs_manila@yahoo.com
History & Memorable Moments

Next year, 2009, SFS will celebrate her Golden Anniversary

Overview, Photographs, & Video Links

ST. FRANCIS SCHOOL Sta. Ana, Manila High School Department SY 2008-2009

VISION-MISSION-GOALS

Vision In the midst of economic-political-cultural challenges, St. Francis School of Sta. Ana, Manila, being a Catholic, Franciscan co-educational institution, serves as a beacon which envisions a community imbibed with the Franciscan values of simplicity, humility, joyful brotherhood, justice, peace, and reverence for creation through its delivery of Primary and Secondary Educational programs.

Mission With the two-fold mission of St. Francis School, which is to evangelize and to develop excellence and competence in the field of study, we are called to promote the holistic formation of the youth through Catholic-Franciscan values and relevant quality education.

Goals • To instill Catholic-Christian values through Religion classes, outreach programs and parish involvement; • To promote the Franciscan values of simplicity, humility, justice and peace, joyful brotherhood, and reverence for creation by witnessing to them in daily life; • To develop creative, analytical, and critical thinking with high sense of Christian moral values. • To develop and place their God-given talents at the service of family, church, and society; • To equip them with knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed either for higher education or for the world of work; • To develop the habit of industry and inculcate work ethics for socio-moral and economic upliftment; and • To form good citizens and dedicated Catholic-Christian leaders who appreciate the historical and cultural heritage of the Filipinos and are committed to social transformation.

Brief History Recognized by the government in the SY 1959-1960, the Catholic St. Francis School of Sta. Ana, Manila, is owned and administered by the order of Friars Minor (OFM), or simply the Franciscans, of the Province of San Pedro Bautista. SFS has a long history of existence in this 6th District of Manila. The early friars, since their arrival in 1578, saw to it that the youth, in their places of assignment, be given the Christian perspective in life. Thus, in their best capacity and knowledge, the Franciscans considered the education ministry as very essential, not only for Christian character formation, but also for the service of the realization of the Kingdom in this part of the world.

The Grade School Department SFS started as an informal educational center teaching the youth the basics of the Christian faith and the 3R’s. In 1913, it became a formal school called “La Escuela Catolica de Sta. Ana” under the administration of the Religious of the Virgin Mary (RVM) Sisters. In 1957, the RVM sisters decided to move out and open their own exclusive school for girls, the present St. Mary’s Academy. The OFM friars felt the need to put up their own school for boys and they re-established the convent spaces of the former Escuela vacated by the RVMs. Thus in 1959, St. Francis School was born. Government recognition for its Kindergarten and Primary courses were given on June 13, 1960. The school was registered as a non-stock and non-profit incorporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 21, 1962. On July 1, 1963, its complete intermediate course was recognized by the Government.

The High School Department In order to accommodate the SFS elementary graduates, the friars decided to expand the school with a complete high school curriculum. On August 3, 1964, the first and second years of the Secondary Course were recognized by the then Bureau of Education; and on July 3, 1967, its third and fourth years were also approved. During the SY 1966-67, SFS was already a completely recognized exclusive school for boys where the elementary and high school departments were housed in the historic corridors and halls of the centuries-old Sta. Ana convent and in a flat annex structure of wood at the back of the convent which was built and inaugurated on October 4, 1968.

On September 28, 1968 SFS became a member of the Catholic Education Association of the Philippines.

SFS Coeducational With the construction of a massive and concrete 4-storey building, SFS became coeducational in SY 1974-75. It was a combined decision made by the Administration, faculty members, and parents as the trend in education was to democratize and provide a sound psychological, healthy and family atmosphere within a Catholic school setting. In the SY 1991-92, a new 3-storey structure was built to literally give more rooms to an increasing student population. The building, which was blessed on February 5, 1992, was mainly subsidized by the Missionzentrale of Germany. It was also a work of cooperation among the parents, friends, faculty members and students.

Mission Formation of SFS Personnel With its years of existence and experience as an education institution, SFS has so much to offer to its pupils and students. The Catholicity of its orientation and dimension puts the school in touch with what the trends are in education and the changes taking place in socio-economic political fields, as well as in the fields of morals and the latest in doing theology.

The mission of SFS is two-fold: evangelization- formation, and excellence and competence in the secular field of studies. The two-fold tasks envision a complete and total Christian young boy and girl ready to assume their responsibilities to their country as the main objective of the then Department of Education Culture and Sports. From the many church documents on catholic education, there is always emphasis on the Gospel formation of the youth in order to bring to unity the many facets of studies into one direction: the building up of the Kingdom of God, the kingdom of justice and peace, the kingdom where everyone is a brother and sister in the name of the Son of God, Jesus Christ. The academically and spiritually mature personnel of St. Francis School are the leaders toward the march to a shared and bright future – this is our mission.

Towards the Third Millennium SFS is a school of the third millennium. It continues to proclaim the timeless Gospel values lived by St. Francis of Assisi – seeing and loving the incarnated, crucified and eucharistic Christ in the poor and the neglected of the society. It allow students to gain knowledge, wisdom, and truth of God through the realities studied in the classroom and experienced in creation; to form students to appreciate his Filipino identity and uniqueness, at the same time conscious and responsive to global issues and concerns.

The School Seal

The SFS seal or logo carries the emblem of the Franciscan Order. It is a perspective of the Greek letter “Tau” (or the Cross) with the wounded hand of Christ and the stigmatized hand of St. Francis of Assisi. This is symbolic of the identification and compassion of St. Francis for the poor and crucified Christ. Underneath the “T” and the crossed hands is the peace motto: “Pax et Bonum” which means “Peace and every good.”

CURRICULUM OBJECTIVES

To develop in its students the necessary curricular knowledge and skills that will make them fully prepare for higher studies, as well as to take their respective places in the world outside the school, the following subject area orientation aims to:

1. Religion: to bring about human persons who are intimately related with the Risen Christ who is present in life, events and people; who frequent the sacraments because they know that Christ nourishes His people through them; who are aware that they are unique individuals gifted with special charisms and capacities to partake in the life of the Church; who are imbued with a sense of mission to create a better world of brotherhood with all men; who are animated with the gospel spirit of St. Francis of Assisi- of peace, joy, simplicity and love for their fellows, especially the poor and less fortunate; 2. English and Filipino: to effect cognitive, affective and psychomotor changes in the development of communication arts and skills such as listening, speaking, reading and writing various forms of literary genre; and applying what is read and studied to contemporary social, cultural and religious life; 3. Science and Technology: to enable the students to see the realities of life; to grow in understanding the facts, concepts and principles so that they will be able to think scientifically, logically and critically; to develop experimental problem-solving skills used in the investigation and evaluation of human behavior through the application of scientific discoveries; 4. Mathematics: to develop the ability of the students to think critically, and to increase their proficiency to analyze complex problems methodically; to instill in their mind mathematical concepts, as to operations and relationships that are useful in the solution of problems found in other disciplines; 5. Makabayan: the learning area where deeper appreciation of our cultural heritage and history is developed including the development of patriotism and national identity and where learning is first contextualized in relation to the learner’s physical and social environment. This consists of the following:

  5.1.Araling Panlipunan:  to impart to the students an acute awareness of politico-socio-cultural events, past and present, and to make them understand the effects of such events on human life; to remind the students of their catholic responsibilities to their neighbors by encouraging participation in causes that seek to elevate their socio-economic status or provide just dues; to cultivate willingness to relate with their neighbors and understand their problems; to discourage elitism by which they shirk off their social responsibilities;
  5.2.Technology & Home Economics:  to make the students understand the value of work and appreciate related areas in practical arts like the latest in information technology; for the achievement of satisfying personal, family and national economic goals; and
  5.3.MAPEH (Music, Arts, Physical Education, Health):  to provide the students the opportunities to develop poise, balance, self-discipline and stamina through the physical activities which contribute to the formation of a healthy attitude essential to normal growth; for the students to be physically strong and mentally fit to meet the requirements of a useful life of service to others; and
           5.4. Edukasyong Pagpapahalaga:  to know, appreciate and abide by the universal standards of morality which guide students in their relationship with God, their families and society; to exercise responsible freedom in responding to current local and global issues and problems in making decisions and in setting objectives in life, and in evaluating the morality of an act.

ADMISSION

FRAMEWORK OF REFERENCES

1. Admission is a privilege and not a right, and is discretionary upon the school, which is not charged with the legal responsibility of providing education to those who do not satisfy its admission requirements (Manual of Regulations for Private Schools, p.299). 2. Private schools have the right to impose other rules and regulations for the admission of students aside from the entrance examination (MRPS, p.300). 3. Every school has a right to determine which applicants it shall accept for enrollment. It has a right to judge the fitness of students seeking admission and re-admission. A student’s failure to satisfy the academic standard the school sets shall be a legal ground for its refusal to re-admit him (MRPS, p.304).

SFS ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

NEW STUDENTS

1. Must have a qualifying average on the Report card of 82% and above. 2. Must have a grade in Conduct of at least 82% or its equivalent. 3. Must present a Letter of Good Moral Character from the Principal of the previous school. 4. Must present original and photocopy of Birth and Baptismal Certificates of the child, and Marriage Contract of the parents. 5. Must qualify in the entrance examinations.

TRANSFEREES (FIRST YEAR TO THIRD YEAR)

“After the two-week period above-mentioned, no further enrollment will be allowed, without prejudice however to subsequent transfer by an enrolled student from one school to another during the school year, provided the consent of both schools is obtained. As a general rule, interschool transfer after the enrollment period are discouraged, especially in the cases of student who are expected to graduate from a course of study during the school year at the secondary or tertiary levels of formal education (Article XIII. Student Admission, section 62, Rules of Registration. MRPS).

1. Must fulfill requirements stated on nos. 1-5 on new students. 2. Must be a regular student, i.e., no back subjects.

NB: ST. FRANCIS SCHOOL DOES NOT ADMIT TRANSFEREES OR NEW STUDENTS IN THE FOURTH YEAR.

OLD STUDENTS

1. Must have a grade in Conduct not lower than C or its equivalent. 2. Students who lacked units must have taken the failed subjects and passed during summer (Junior students who fail this requirement will not be admitted for 4th year and will be requested for transfer).

PROBATION

A student may be readmitted on PROBATIONARY STATUS on the condition that said student:

    1.  shows an average rating in academics, as well in Conduct
    2. must be favorably recommended by the Committee on Academic Performance/Discipline (composed of the Principal, Subject Area Coordinators, Advisers, Subject Teachers, Guidance Counselor, Prefect of Discipline).

NB: A quarterly evaluation will be conducted by the Committee on Academic Performance/Discipline to assess if the student had successfully met the condition/s imposed, which will mean that the student will be taken out of such status; if not, said student will receive a Conduct grade of “C” from the 1st-3rd quarters; if on the last quarter the student still has not met the requirement/s, a “C-“ will be given and subject for Recommendation for Transfer without Certificate of Good Moral Character.

BASES FOR NON-READMISSION

1. A rating in Conduct lower than C or its equivalent. References: a. All educational institutions shall teach the rights and duties of citizenship, strengthen ethical and spiritual values, develop moral character and personal discipline” (Philippine Constitution, Art. XIV, sec. 3) b. SFS Vision-Mission-Goals c. Behavior and Measures of Discipline, SFS Handbook d. Disciplinary Measures, SFS Handbook

     2.   Habitual delay and/or failure in settling school financial obligations.

Reference: Academic Policies, no.8, SFS Handbook

     3.   Membership and/or involvement in any organization, fraternity/sorority, gangs and other similar dubious aggrupations (cf. Disciplinary Measures, SFS Handbook)
     4.   Habitual and/or deliberate non-attendance on school-calendared activities without the school’s approval (cf. Behavior and Measures of Discipline, SFS Handbook)
    5.   Those who took summer classes in another school without permission from the Principal. 
    6.    Recommendation by more than one faculty member due to poor academic and/or behavioral performance.

ACADEMIC POLICIES

1. The High School Department follows the Basic Education Curriculum (BEC). 2. SFS enrollees are presumed to desire not only academic excellence but also a true catholic education. Hence, full participation in the activities for catholic formation and practice of conduct befitting Catholics are necessary. 3. Recollections and Retreats are part of our religious education and guidance program; thus, attendance is required for the aforementioned. 4. The grading system is by averaging (DepEd Memo #33, s.2004; #39, s. 2004). The required grade for passing is 75%; and the general formula for grade computation is:

            Raw Score___      X 50  + 50
         Number of Items

The final grade shall be determined by averaging across quarters by subject only (DepEd Memo No. 33, s. 2004). 5. Students who fail in 3 or more units are automatically retained. 6. The Periodic Test rating in a subject per grading period make up 25% of the report card grade; while daily classroom work, written and oral homework, and special projects are the bases for the other 75% (DECS D.O. No. 70, s.1998). 7. In case of absence from the Periodic Test due to illness or to some other serious reasons, the parent/guardian must notify the Class Adviser or the Principal immediately. A medical certificate must be presented in case of illness. A special test will be given a week after the scheduled Periodic Test. Failure, still, to take said special test will mean a failing test mark. 8. In cases when, due to very serious reasons, the student is not able to settle financial obligation for a scheduled periodic examination, the student may be allowed to take the special test after the scheduled examination on the strict condition that the parent/guardian seek approval from the Principal or Director, and to that effect execute a promissory note. As a rule, the note is accepted only if it promises to pay on a date not later than two weeks after the date the promise is made. A second promissory note shall not be honored unless the previous or earlier promise has been fulfilled/settled as promised. 9. A special schedule is observed during periodic examination days. No extra curricular activities, or making of projects in any subject, are allowed during the week preceding the examinations. 10. Every instruction given regarding daily quizzes and periodic examination should be observed. Honesty must be practiced at all times- all actions that may be interpreted as cheating should be avoided. Cheating is subject to disciplinary sanction: a proven or clear cheating shall be meted with a zero score and a C- in conduct with suspension. 11. Print out grades will be issued at the end of each quarter. Parents/Guardians are given notices of failures and will be requested for special conferences with the Class Adviser. It is, however, highly encouraged that parents/guardians should confer with the Class Adviser at least once a month, in the afternoon of the First Friday of the month (Parent-Teacher Conference), and more often for students with unsatisfactory conduct and academic performance. 12. Academic success depends mostly on good study habit and careful accomplishment of academic requirements. Ordinarily, diligence and correct methods of study eliminate the need for private tutoring.

     (NB:  SFS teachers are not allowed to tutor any SFS students from    the same or different department).

13. Students are encouraged to participate in extra curricular activities except when participation bear adverse effect in their studies, in which case such participation is not allowed.

GRADING SYSTEM: Distribution of Weights Per Subject

MATHEMATICS: Quizzes…………………… 20% Long Tests……………….. 20% Seatwork…………………. 15% Assignment……………… 5% Recitation………………… 15% Periodical Test…………… 25%

SCIENCE: Quizzes……………… 10% Long Tests………… 15% Experiment…………… 20% Assignment………… 5% Recitation………… 15% Periodical Test…… 25% Project…………. 10%

COMMUNICATION ARTS (English & Filipino): Periodical Test…………… 25% Quizzes………………… 10% Long Test……………… 20% Assignment…………… 5% Class Standing

  *  Performance Assessment
      (Role Playing/Simulation/Debate/Argumentation/
        Extemporaneous Speech/Reporting)……     15%
  *  Theme Writing
      (Content, Mechanics, Organization)………   10% 
  *  Written Outputs
       (weekly outputs, book reports for 1st-3rd levels;
        Practicum paper for 4th year)……………    15%

MAPEH Periodical Test… 25% Quizzes… 10% Performance… 15% Practical Test… 30% Unit Test… 10% Project… 10%

ARALIN PANLIPUNAN Periodical Test… 25% Quizzes… 25% Recitation… 25% Unit Test… 10% Assignment… 5% Project… 10%

TLE Periodical Test………. 25% Quizzes/Unit Test…… 20% Recitation…………… 15% Project/Seatwork…… 20% Laboratory…………. 20%

COMPUTER Periodical Test… 25% Quizzes/Unit Test… 20% Recitation… 10% Seatwork/Assignment… 5% Project… 20% Laboratory… 20%

EDUKASYONG PAGPAPAHALAGA

RHGP (25%)

Attendance……… 30% Behavior………… 20% Participation (classroom activities, contests participation, other activities)… 50%

EP (75%)

Written Output…… 20% Participation/ Recitation………… 15% Behavior…………. 20% Project…………… 20% Periodical Test…… 25%

RELIGION Periodical Test… 25% Quizzes… 15% Class Standing-

 *Seatwork/Recitation..	30%

Assignment… 10% Project… 20%

CONDUCT 1. Attendance and Punctuality………………25% 2. Personal Deportment…………………… 25% • obedience to school rules & regulations / polite / honest / behaves well while inside campus, and outside while wearing school uniform / refined in speech & actuations / always in complete and proper uniform / avoids unnecessary body accessories / diligently follows prescribed haircut/style

3. Academic Demeanor…………………….25% • works without being told and without complaint / finishes assigned work in time / initiative and resourceful / brings to school all necessary academic materials / shows excuse letter when absent on the previous day / pays attention in class and participates actively

4. Franciscan Core Values…………………25% • manifest the spirit of simplicity, humility, justice and peace, and reverence for creation

The highest conduct grade is 100, with 75 as passing, expressed in letters based on the following Table of Equivalence:

A+ = 97-100 A = 93-96 A- = 90-92 B+ = 85-89 B = 83-84 B- = 80-82 C+ = 77-79 C = 75-76 C- = 70-74

MERITS, AWARDS, HONORS

The High School Department follows DECS’ D.O. no. 65, s.1998, in determining said merits, awards and honors for the graduating students: 1. The designations Valedictorian, Salutatorian and Honorable Mention shall apply to graduating high school honor students. 2. There shall be one Valedictorian and one Salutatorian; however, in case of a tie between two candidates, both may be declared Valedictorians and/or Salutatorians. 3. The number of honor students to be declared Honorable Mention shall be no more than one percent of the total number of graduating students. 4. The Honor Selection Committee shall be composed of all the subject teachers of the graduating class, Advisers of 4th year, the Registrar, with the Principal as the Chairperson. 5. Any member of the graduating class is eligible to be a candidate for honors if he/she meets the following: 5.1. the student must have no grade lower than 85% in any subject; 5.2. the student must have completed the curriculum years within the prescribed length in years, meaning four consecutive years. However, students who spent more than four years of schooling may be given consideration due to unavoidable circumstances such as serious ailment, calamities, and peace and order situation as the case may be; documentary proofs should be presented; 5.3. the student must be an active member of at most two authorized organizations or clubs in SFS; 5.4. the student must have conducted himself in conformity with the school rules and regulations, that is, the student must have no conduct grade lower than B+ in all grading periods of his fourth year. 6. The following criteria and corresponding weights shall be used in determining the Valedictorian, Salutatorian and the Honorable Mention awards:

6.1. Academic Excellence (7 points): this shall be based on the general average of the grades of the candidate; 6.2. Co-Curricular Activities (3 points): this shall be based on the active participation of the candidate in not more than two authorized student organizations or clubs (literary-musical activities, sports, travels in relation to school work, civic activities, research, school paper, church/parish involvement, etc.) (NB: for specific point distribution, see Appendix)

7. The following are the Special Awards: 7.1. Dr. Jose P. Laurel Award: normally given to the Valedictorian; 7.2. Gerry Roxas Leadership Award: given to one who passes the criteria of the said award; 7.3. Subject Area Proficiency Awards: the student who gets the highest final grade in a subject will automatically be the best on said subject area (in case of a tie, deliberation will be conducted). 7.3.1. Best in Religion: a practicing Catholic; regular Sunday Mass goer; active participation in school Masses and other school religious activities; active in outreach program; have a high grade in Religion; and recommended by the Adviser, Religion Teacher and Religion Coordinator, and approved by the Principal.

         7.4.  Other awards deemed by the school.

8. Loyalty Award: conferred to graduating students who have been continuously enrolled in SFS from the first grade to fourth year. This gold award signify not just a length of time being in SFS but the student’s love and ardent pursuit for a catholic, Franciscan education.

9. Franciscan Charism Award: the highest award given to the student who had completed ten years of residency; exemplary conduct (no behavioral case whatsoever during his/her high school years); witnessed the Franciscan ideals of simplicity, fraternity and joy.

For the selection of undergraduate honors, the following are implemented: 1. Any member of the undergraduate classes is eligible to be in the honor roll from the first to the fourth grading period if the student does not get a grade lower than 85% in any grading period. 1.1. the averages of the students in the undergraduate levels are ranked from the first to the fourth grading period: • the student who ranks 1 will be the First Honor • the student who ranks 2 will be the Second Honor • the student who ranks 3 will be the Third Honor • students who qualified for honors will be given due recognition.

2. Only the grades in a particular year level are considered in the selection of the honor students.

3. Residency is not considered in the selection of honor students.

4. The student must conform with the rules and regulations of St. Francis School, i.e., no grade lower than B+ in conduct, in any grading period and no case whatsoever.

REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION

The graduation ceremonies held at the end of the school year is a public confirmation that those receiving their diplomas have worked satisfactorily for their own development and education according to the objectives of the school. Thus, the following should be met: 1. satisfactory completion of academic requirements; 2. satisfactory behavior indicative of a catholic Franciscan education; 3. clearance for liabilities; and 4. attendance at the retreat, rehearsals of graduation rites.

The graduation attire should be agreed upon by the students, parents, class advisers and administration. Parents/Guardians are highly encouraged to be present during the ceremonies.

NB: A summerian candidate for graduation, or a student who receives a failing grade in Conduct and/or due to a serious violation of this Handbook during the 4th quarter, will not be allowed to join the graduation ceremonies.

BEHAVIOR AND MEASURES OF DISCIPLINE

Identification Cards: all students are required to wear their properly laminated IDs on their uniforms upon entering and while within the school premises. A student who loses his ID must get a temporary ID while his application for a new one is pending in order to be allowed to enter into the school. Stickers and other decorations are not allowed on IDs. IDs which are not properly displayed shall be a point for minor offense.

Attire: Students should wear the prescribed and complete school uniform. The prescribed uniform is:

1. Boys: mocha polo jacket with school seal on the breast pocket with long chocolate brown pants, plain white t-shirt/PE t-shirt for the undershirt, black socks, low cut black leather shoes.

2. Girls: straight mocha dress with two box pleats in front and at the back, four inches below the knee; opening in front with brown buttons and brown piping from the neck down on the side of the button holes; brown piping on the collar and sleeves; brown belt with plastic buckle on the first hips; brown bias tie; white socks; black leather school shoes.

3. There is a separate prescribed uniform for P.E. 4. Modification of the school uniforms because of fads will not be tolerated. 5. Gala uniform: to be worn during special occasions like First Friday Masses, graduation, etc. 5.1. Boys: short sleeves, white polo barong with hidden buttons; brown pants; black shoes, black socks;

        5.2.   Girls:  long-sleeved white dress with box pleats, 4 inches below  the knee; brown bias tie; white belt with white buckle; chemise; black school shoes; white socks.

Nota Bene: the official type of clothing material should be followed for those who will have the uniforms done on their own.

Haircut: every first Monday of the month, haircut inspection will be conducted by the Class Adviser: 1. Boys: maximum tolerable; the hair must be cut thinning downward and not touching the collar; the sideburns should not extend to more than half of the ear’s length with the ear visibly exposed; bangs should not exceed the eyebrow level; skinhead/semi-kal style and shaving of forehead is disallowed; gelled-spiked hair is prohibited; no moustache or beard. 2. Girls: undercut and hairstyle which will make the student look like the opposite sex is prohibited.

Textbooks: all students are required to have and bring to school their complete set of prescribed textbooks and other materials necessary for schoolwork; said items should not be left in the classrooms at the end of the class day.

Punctuality and Regularity of Attendance: 1. Students who have incurred absences of more than 20% of the total number of school days shall be dropped, or such absences shall cause the student to fail in the year or subject/s (cf. Bur. Man. IX, 127). 2. The inner gate will be closed at exactly 7:00AM for the Morning Prayers/Rituals/Mass. Parents/Guardians of students who failed to report on time will be called by the Prefect of Discipline and/or the Guidance Counselor to fetch said late students.

Courtesy, Respect, Reverence, Order: 1. Classes in the first period in the morning starts with the prayer of the “Memorare” and Class Prayer; and “Peace Prayer” at the last period in the afternoon. 2. When the subject teacher enters the class, any class officer will say, “Teacher on the floor;” the class silently stand; the teacher makes the sign of the cross and greets the class “Good morning/afternoon, (full name of the section). Pax et bonum;” the class answers, “Good morning/afternoon, (name of teacher). Pax et bonum;” then the teacher asks the class to take their seat, to which the class respond “Thank you.” Relative to addressing female teachers, whether married or single, students will use the politically neutral term of “Ms.” When a visitor enters the class, any class officer will say, “Visitor on the floor” and the class stands up and immediately greets “Good morning/afternoon, visitor” and they all silently take their seat. When the class ends, the teacher makes the sign of the cross, while the class stands up, and bid farewell with “Goodbye, (full name of the section,” and the class answers “Thank you and goodbye, (name of teacher.” 3. Students are expected to stop eating, to be silent and orderly at the sound of the bell signifying start of classes. Students must observe the procedures of orderly entrance and exit from the classroom. The same orderliness and silence are also expected between periods. If the teacher fails to arrive within the first ten minutes, the class president or any other class officer should inform the Class Adviser, or the Guidance Counselor, or the Prefect of Discipline. 4. Everybody should keep silent whenever the teacher is speaking or a classmate is reciting in class. 5. A student should never stand or leave his chair without the teacher’s permission. He should strictly follow the seat plan. 6. Students should stand straight when reciting and never answer nor make remarks unless he had the permission to do so. 7. No student is allowed to leave the room, not even between periods, unless he has the permission of the proper teacher, and a Hall Pass will be provided for this. 8. While classes are going on, others who are already dismissed should maintain silence within the building/premises and strictly NO LOITERING along the corridors. 9. During morning rituals, one should show that he knows the meaning of the ceremony by standing and participating in the entire ritual- praying the Peace Prayer, singing the National Anthem, reciting the Panatang Makabayan and Panunumpa sa Watawat, and singing the School Hymn; the Handbook should be brought by the student. 10. Students should maintain an atmosphere of prayer, silence and respect while inside the parish church or school chapel. 11. Students should be refined in their speech and should avoid harsh and vulgar language, shouting and talking too loud, teasing, joking and giving ridiculous names to their friends which often times cause quarrel. Students must be like brothers and sisters to one another. 12. Immediately after the bell for the morning break, signifying recess, all classes will pray “Grace Before Meal;” and “Grace After Meal” before resumption of classes. 13. All classes must temporarily stop and actively participate in the praying of the “Angelus” at 12noon. 14. Students will not be allowed in some off-limits designated areas in the campus. 15. No student should be around the campus at 530PM, except those still with official school business and duly supervised by concerned teachers.

Safety of Students: 1. Students are not allowed to leave the school premises without the permission from the Principal or other duly designated authority from the time of arrival to dismissal. If the student, because of medical reason, need to go home, a request form from the Clinic, signed by the nurse or doctor, should be presented to the Class Adviser, and properly countersigned by the Principal or duly designated representative; however, said student should be fetched by their parent/guardian or any other family representative who should log in their names (student and fetcher) to the guard’s logbook. 2. Students are required to spend their recess and lunch breaks outside of the classrooms, i.e., at the covered rooftops or at the quadrangle. During these recess and lunch break, no ball games will be allowed. 3. The school is responsible for the safety of the students inside the compound during school hours only. The school is not liable for any student outside the compound during these periods. 4. Classes are suspended in all levels when storm signal no. 2 is hoisted over Metro Manila. Students/parents/guardians must refrain from calling the office for verification. The students will be sent home when signal no. 2 is hoisted while classes are going on- parents/guardians should also monitor about this eventually in their radio and/or TV.

Communication: 1. Language: since the medium of instruction in most subjects is English, students are encouraged to speak in English; however, every student should also develop the ability to communicate perfectly in Filipino. 2. Bulletin Boards: posting, erasing or altering of any official notices requires permission from the Principal. 3. Notices: these may be written on the classroom’s blackboards or posted on its bulletin boards by the class officer concerned and approved by the Class Adviser. 4. Memoranda: only memoranda sent by the Director or Principal may be passed and/or read to the classes. 5. Letters to Parents: students, not the school staff/faculty, are responsible for messages sent through them by the school to their parents/guardians.

Liabilities to Damages: 1. Every student has a chair assigned to him/her; he/she is held liable for any damage or writing on it; he/she must report to their Class Adviser any damage done on it by another student. 2. A student or group of students who cause any damage by writing on or destroying any school property are liable for the said damage.

Outsiders and Visitors: 1. Students should refrain from bringing friends and outsiders to school. 2. No one, other than the students, faculty and school personnel, are allowed to stay in the school compound during class hours. 3. Parents/Guardians are encouraged to visit the school for conferences with the Class Adviser or any subject teacher- by appointment. They are not allowed to interrupt classes to see any student or teacher; they should present themselves to the Guidance Center and state their business. Conference with any teacher should be done before or after classes, or during their free periods, at the Parent-Teacher Conference Room at the Prefect’s office. 4. Before entering the main gate, parents/guardians/visitors should present to the guard any valid ID, sign in on the log book indicating time of entry, whom to see, and reason for the visit. The guard calls the attention of the Guidance Center and/or the Prefect of Discipline about this visit, and said parent/guardian/visitor will only then enter the gate, proceed to the Guidance Center/PTCR and state their business. No one will be allowed to enter the school with improper dress: visitors wearing sando, basketball shorts, duster, tsinelas will not be allowed entry. Dress decorum will be strictly enforced. 5. Fetchers of students should wait outside the main gate.

DISCIPLINARY MEASURES

To discipline is not simply to mete out punishments corresponding to violations committed; but the rules and regulations of SFS are designed, more than anything else, to develop among students the high standard of decency, justice, morality, charity and good behavior.

There are 3 major disciplinary actions:

1. Exclusion: a serious sanction or an extreme administrative action administered only by the Director with the approval of the Department of Education. Like any other schools, SFS will exclude students who really deserve such, not only because the school is concerned for the welfare of the majority of its students but also because its resources are limited- SFS has no resources/programs for students whose presence in the school is dangerous or detrimental to other students. SFS tries as much as possible to hold students and prevent such. But when it comes to a point where it can no longer help, e.g., when offenses calling for exclusion occur, the school has to honestly say “NO” to the violators. The following are grounds for exclusion: 1.1. possession, threatening and fighting with a deadly weapon; 1.2. possessing, distributing, selling, smoking or taking any prohibitive substance; or entering the campus under the influence of prohibited drugs or alcoholic drinks; 1.3. serious case of vandalism and/or defacing school property, aside from paying for the damages; 1.4. possession and use of explosives which are causes or potential causes of harm to life and damage to property; 1.5. repeated disregard to regulations even after conferences with parents/guardians; 1.6. serious insult, insubordination or disrespect towards any school personnel; 1.7. disturbing the order of the school causing disturbance or similar stoppage of classes; 1.8. an offense which is a cause for a third suspension; 1.9. instigating or participating in an illegal demonstration or a boycott of classes; 1.10. serious cheating in a periodical examination; shoplifting and other crimes; 1.11. immorality and other similar actions; 1.12. membership in any fraternity/sorority/gangs; 1.13. all other acts deemed similar to the above offenses and/or which may endanger life and property. Nota Bene: The School will declare a Recommendation for Transfer to students found responsible for grave acts: this is NOT exclusion but a chance for the concerned party to have a graceful exit, rather than receiving a formal decision of Exclusion. However, no certificate of good moral character will be issued, instead, only a certification of enrollment.

2. Withdrawal/Dismissal: Generally, cases that fall under this category may be academic and/or behavioral in nature: 2.1. those who failed in more than 3 academic units and/or receives a final conduct grade of C- , and/or recommended for transfer by the Committee on Academic Performance/Discipline.

3. Suspension: a student is forbidden attendance in a regular class; the length of suspension varies according to the offense and as recommended by the Discipline Committee. The student is prohibited to come to school and be seen within the school compound during suspension period; he/she is required to self-study the lesson/s he/she missed, and to arrange for special quiz which he/she missed, if possible. The following are the grounds for suspension: 3.1. forging signatures of parents/guardians, teachers, or any of the school personnel or school officials; 3.2. tampering with school records; 3.3. serious quarrels; 3.4. gambling; 3.5. smoking and/or possessing cigarettes/lighters/matches; 3.6. extortion; 3.7. cutting classes; 3.8. truancy; 3.9. disobedience and disrespect towards any SFS personnel; 3.10. cheating in classwork or examinations; 3.11. bringing, possessing immoral materials, or surfing forbidden websites while in the Computer Laboratory; 3.12. vandalism and/or damaging school property; 3.13. stealing; 3.14. bringing firecrackers and other pyrotechnics and/or exploding such in school; 3.15. caught malling, playing billiards, and other forms of leisure while wearing the school uniform during/after class hours; 3.16. tattooing; hair dyeing; all forms of body piercing; shaving eyebrows; semikal/skinhead/undercut/page-boy cut/other fads on haircut: all done within the school year; 3.17. extreme public display of affection; 3.18. misuse of the school uniform, creating a negative image to the school; 3.19. gross disrespect to any person in the school by means of profanity and/or demeaning acts; 3.20. bringing cellular phones and other electronic devices such as MP3, iPods, PSP, discman, walkman, Gameboy, digicam, videocam, and other expensive devices; 3.21. acts committed in the internet which gives a bad image to the school; 3.22. all other acts deemed similar to the above offenses.

Disciplinary Procedure for the Above Cases: 1. The Class Adviser first interviews his/her student/s after being referred by school personnel; afterwards, the Class Adviser makes a summative incident report and calls for the student’s parent/guardian; the summative report will then be given to the Prefect of Discipline. 2. Student/s concerned are called by the Prefect and asked for written statement, in the presence of the Class Adviser/s; followed by an initial oral interview by the Prefect; the Discipline Committee (composed of the Prefect, Class Adviser/s, Guidance Counselor/s) is then convened and deliberates on the merits of the case. 3. On the basis of the aforementioned, the parent/guardian is invited again by the Prefect, together with the DisCom, and is informed of the possible disciplinary sanction/s. 4. The Prefect, being chair of the Discipline Committee, forward its recommendation to the Principal. 5. The parent/guardian is again called for a conference by the Prefect and is finally informed of the discipline to be meted out through the official letter containing such. 6. After being suspended, the student is referred by the Prefect to report to the Guidance Center for guidance and counseling.

Minor Offenses: these are acts which seem to be very insignificant but they hinder proper growth and development, especially when habitually committed. The following are considered as such: 1. No ID card. 2. No Hall Pass while outside of classroom during class hours; 3. No Student’s Handbook/Diary/rosary during Morning Rituals; 4. Use of make-up (eye liner, eye shadow, lipstick, blush on, etc.).; 5. Loitering during classes; 6. Improper uniform; 7. Littering; 8. Long/manicured fingernails; 9. Chewing gum; 10. Yelling and other disturbing actions in the campus; 11. Borrowing P.E. uniforms and rubber shoes, textbooks; 12. Habitual tardiness in-between class periods; 13. Non-submission of Excuse Letter when required after the student’s absence; 14. Bringing any kind of leisure materials like toys, playing cards, etc; 15. Playing inside the classrooms, corridors, and other areas inside the school building; 16. Improper haircut; spiked hair; 17. Misuse of ID; 18. Vulgar/profane language/actions; 19. Any other actions deemed analogous to the above offenses.

Disciplinary Procedure for Minor Offenses: 1. The student will be reprimanded for 3 minor violations. 2. On the 5th minor offense, the parent/guardian will be called for a conference and a warning will be given to the student. 3. On the 6th minor offense, a corresponding community service will be meted out. 4. The 7th minor offense will be considered as a “Misdemeanor.” 5. Three Misdemeanors will correspond to a major offense which is equivalent for a Suspension. 6. All of these minor offenses will be recorded by the Class Adviser, which will also be used as a basis in giving conduct grades.

General Disciplinary Implementing Procedure: 1. Each student must have a copy of this Handbook to carefully and conscientiously read, study and follow its provisions. 2. At the start of each school year, the Principal, with the help of the Guidance Counselor, Prefect of Discipline and Class Advisers, orient the students with the provisions of this guide: the parents/guardians have their own separate orientation. 3. All teachers and school personnel are bound to enforce the provisions of this guide. A teacher or any school personnel who witness any violation of these provisions will refer the matter to the Class Adviser, or to the Guidance Counselor or Prefect, at the absence of the said Adviser, in the form of an anecdotal report. 4. Any student or parent/guardian may be called to see the Principal for certain cases. Any student or parent/guardian may request to see the Principal for a conference provided a previous notice has been made. 5. The Class Adviser, as well as the subject teachers, gives the rating in Conduct of the students. The subject teachers are highly encouraged to submit anecdotal report of cases for rating considerations in their own academic consultation rating for each student. 6. Should the situation warrant, school authorities may search any student and/or the personal belongings in the presence of the Class Adviser. 7. The provisions and sections in this Handbook are also to be enforced and to be observed during official out-of-campus activities. 8. Parents/Guardians are also enjoined to cooperate with the school in realizing and implementing the school’s objectives, policies, rules and regulations as provided and sanctioned in this Handbook.

SCHOOL PRAYERS

THE ANGELUS

The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary - And she conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit.

 Hail, Mary…

Behold, the handmaid of the Lord - Be it done to me according to your word.

 Hail, Mary…

And the Word was made flesh - And dwelt among us.

 Hail, Mary…

Pray for us, O Holy Mary Mother of God - That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray. Pour forth, we beseech You, O Lord, Your grace into our hearts, that we to whom the Incarnation of Christ, Your Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross, be brought to the glory of His Resurrection, through the same Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Glory be…

THE MEMORARE

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary That never was it known That anyone who fled to your protection Sought your help Or sought your intercession Was left unaided.

Inspired with this confidence I hasten to you, O Virgin of Virgins, my Mother To you I come Before you I stand sinful and sorrowful.

O Mother of the Word Incarnate Do not despise my petition But in your mercy Hear and answer me. Amen.

The Franciscan Crown

What is the Franciscan Crown or Franciscan Rosary? In the year 1422, a certain young man, who had a reverent devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and always adorned her statue a wreath of flowers, was admitted to the Order of Friars Minor. Not being able to continue this practice in the novitiate, he decided to leave. Our Lady then appeared to him and said: “Do not be sad and cast down because you are no longer permitted to place wreaths of flowers on my statue. I will teach you to change this pious practice into one that will be far more pleasing to me and far more meritorious for your soul. In place of the flowers that soon wither and cannot always be found, you can weave for me a crown from the flowers of your prayers that will always remain fresh and are always available. Recite One Our Father, and ten Hail Mary’s while recalling the seven joys I experienced. If you recite these prayers as I have directed, rest assured, dear son, you will weave for me a most beautiful and acceptable crown and will merit for yourself innumerable graces.”

Tradition gives a special way of introducing the joyful mysteries. The mystery to be meditated upon is introduced after the word Jesus of the First Hail Mary of each decade, thus: “Jesus, who you joyfully conceived,” “Jesus, whom you joyfully carried to Elizabeth.” And so on for the remaining five decades which are given in most manuals of Franciscan devotion.

Praying the Franciscan Crown:

1. The Apostle’s Creed, the Our Father, the three Hail Mary’s and the Glory Be are said as usual. 2. The seven decades of Hail Mary’s are each preceded by an Our Father and followed by a Glory Be. 3. At the end of the seven decades, there are two additional Hail Mary’s, bringing the total of Hail Mary’s to 72, the number of years that the Blessed Virgin is said to have lived on earth. 4. The crown is concluded by praying one Our Father and one Hail Mary for the intentions of the Pope.

The Following are the Mysteries of the Franciscan Crown: 1. The Immaculate Virgin Mary joyfully conceived Jesus by the Holy Spirit. 2. The Immaculate Virgin Mary joyfully carried Jesus when she visited Elizabeth. 3. The Immaculate Virgin Mary brought Jesus into the World. 4. The Immaculate Virgin Mary joyfully exhibited Jesus to the adoration of the Magi. 5. The Immaculate Virgin Mary joyfully found Jesus in the Temple. 6. The Immaculate Virgin Mary Joyfully beheld Jesus after His Resurrection. 7. The Immaculate Virgin Mary was joyfully received by Jesus into Heaven and crowned Queen of Heaven and earth.

THE TRADITIONAL ROSARY

The Five Joyful Mysteries 1. The Annunciation 2. The Visitation 3. The Nativity 4. The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple 5. The Finding of Jesus in the Temple

The Mysteries of the Public Life, the Mysteries of Light (Luminous Mysteries) 1. The Baptism of Christ in the Jordan 2. The Wedding Feast in Cana 3. Jesus Proclaims the Kingdom of God with His call to conversion. 4. The Transfiguration 5. The Last Supper

The Five Sorrowful Mysteries 1. The Agony in the Garden 2. The Scourging at the Pillar. 3. The Crowning with Thorns 4. The Carrying of the Cross 5. The Crucifixion

The Five Glorious Mysteries 1. The Resurrection 2. The Ascension 3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles 4. The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin into Heaven. 5. The Coronation of the Blessed Virgin as Queen of Heaven and Earth.

Devotion to St. Francis of Assisi

LET US PUT OURSELVES IN THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD. - AS WE ADORE HIS HOLY NAME.

PRAYER LEADER: In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

ALL: Amen

Prayer before the Crucifix (ALL) We adore you O Lord Jesus Christ, here and in all Your churches throughout the whole world, and we bless You, because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

PRAYER LEADER: You are holy, Lord, the only God and your deeds are wonderful. You are strong, you are great, you are Most High, you are almighty. You, holy Father, are King of Heaven and Earth. You are Three and One, Lord, God, all good. You are Good, all Good, supreme Good, Lord God, Living and True.

ALL: Through this novena in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, the mirror of your Son on Earth, we would like to know the depth of the spirituality of the Saint so that we can advance in our intimacy with you. Please help us undergo a complete conversion to you so that like St. Francis we may say to you with our whole strength, with our whole heart and soul: MY GOD AND MY ALL!

PRAYER LEADER: Father, on the eve of his conversion Francis was confused, unsure of what you were preparing for him, yet he plunged unconditionally into your service by saying “Lord, what do you want me to do?”

ALL: Show us your will for every minute of our lives. Dispose us to be open to the inspirations of the Holy Spirit so that you can work in us.

PRAYER LEADER: Father, it was at the little chapel of San Damiano that Christ commanded Francis to rebuild his Church…

ALL: The Church today is rocked by many problems. Inspire us with the example of Francis that we may join hands in building the Church, not in tearing her down. May we become instruments in promoting your Kingdom in this community.

PRAYER LEADER: Father, at the bishop’s palace in Assisi, Francis renounced his inheritance, his possessions, everything he had; and embraced the life of poverty, trusting solely in your Providence

ALL: We are so attached to our possessions. Wealth has become our security, not God. Detach us from the desires of earthly possessions in order that you alone will be our concern in life.

PRAYER LEADER: Father, Francis loved the Blessed Virgin Mary as His Lady, his most Holy Queen. Into her hands he has entrusted his followers.

ALL: Inspire in us a true devotion and love for Mary, our Mother. We need Her.

PRAYER LEADER: Father, the attitude of Francis towards you was always that of gratitude. Borrowing then the words of the poor man of Assisi we speak to you:

ALL: Almighty, Most High and Supreme God, Father, Holy and Just Lord, King of Heaven and Earth, we give you thanks for yourself. Of your own holy will, you created all things spiritual and physical, made us in your image and likeness, and gave us a place in paradise, through your only Son, in the Holy Spirit. And it was through our own fault that we fell. We give you thanks because, having created your Son, by that holy love with which you loved us, you decreed that he should be born, true God and true man, of the glorious and ever blessed Virgin Mary and redeem us from our captivity by the blood of his passion and death. We give you thanks because your Son is to come a second time in the glory of his majesty and cast those who refused to do penance and acknowledge you into everlasting fire; while to those who acknowledged you, adored you, and served you by a life of penance, He will say: Come, blessed of my Father, take possession of the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

PRAYER LEADER: Father, we make these requests through our Mediator and Brother, Jesus Christ our Lord, in the Holy Spirit.

ALL: Amen.

Gospel Reading

Prayers of the Faithful:

PRAYER LEADER: Trusting in your goodness, Father, we bring to you our petitions thru this novena. For the Church Francis desired to rebuild, for the Pope he revered as the Vicar of Christ, for the bishops, priests and religious, let us pray to the Lord: