Serving from one’s heart: DLSZ’s key to success
Service from the Heart is the central theme for the Brother-President’s 2nd Town Hall Assembly last October 18.
Br. Dennis shared the fact that some 36 teachers, admin and students of Potisarn Pittayakorn School in Thailand recently visited DLSZ. Interestingly, more and more schools here and abroad continue to signify their intent to visit the campus. However, amidst the acknowledgment of the school’s benchmarking capacity, Br. Dennis emphasized that it is not the school per se but the people who run the programs that make the DLSZ a notch higher than the rest.
He shared a similar insight of a man who ran the world’s most admired company for 5 consecutive years, who incidentally was celebrating his first death anniversary, Steve Jobs. Jobs take on innovation has nothing to do with how many R&D dollars one has. “It’s not about money,†he shared, “it’s about the people you have, how you’re led and how much you get it.” Br. Dennis adds that success happens when people are passionate about the things they do and love. “I believe that one’s passion stems from the heart,” he exclaimed.
Briefly, he invited everyone to do a quick heart check by posing the following questions: Does Jesus really live in our hearts every moment of every day? Do we do our tasks with passion that comes from our hearts? After a moment of reflection, he led the community in prayer taken from Psalm 51. Create in me a pure heart, oh God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me…Restore me to the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.Â
The Brother-President delves into the heart of the Lasallian Mission: service to the poor. He revisited the Rule of the Christian Brothers in relation to Service and Communion emphasizing that as an institution, the idea of conducting centers of Christian education that are accessible to the poor not only came later as a mission but it has long been the thrust of the vows of the Brothers and therefore that of the Lasallian family. He expounds that in DLSZ, we cater to the poor through our Night High School program (BrafeNHS) and Technical-Vocational offering. In addition, DLSZ helps public schools and non-government agencies through sharing of resources. He also announced the plans to beef up scholarship slots in the next 3 years for all types of grants.
Moreover, when working with students from families that are more or less well-off, he quotes the Rule of the Christian Brothers that “we need to teach them their duties and responsibilities with regard to social justice and charity towards everyone”. Some examples mentioned were outreach programs, giving to birthday donations, mission envelope, calamity drive, etc.
To strengthen relations, Br. Dennis has decided to revive his departmental visits or “B” meetings in the next few months to Beef up programs, Boost morale, Build rapport, Bring forth inspiration and to Be one in the Lasallian mission. This will commence in November 6.
Meanwhile, he also asked the community to note DLSZ’s Emerald Anniversary (35th year) in SY 2013. Simple preparations are underway for the kick off celebration this November.
In terms of the school’s availability of efficient services, Br. Dennis announced the plans to enhance online services including the strengthening of wifi/internet connection in next two years, stressing the need for such as DLSZ implements the use of MLDs.
At this point, the Brother-President moved on to provide a snapshot of how the PEARL Program has fared so far. A survey was conducted last September among G4 and H1 students, faculty and parents. The following highlights were presented: students are actually very happy with an educational tool that helps them with their academic development.  However, in terms of the learning outcomes brought about by the Blended Learning Approach using the MLDs in English, Science and Math, they are not that observable in Meaning-making Skills and Transfer Skills as of yet, save for the Knowledge Acquisition skills. As the survey was done mid-September or end of the first term, focus have been on the demands of the new school year, facts acquisition and getting acquainted the MLDs.
Meanwhile, parents agree in terms of seeing improvements in their kids’ computing skills. However, teachers, both for GS and HS, say that they have not observed significant development among their students. As this survey is only for the first term, this is not considered conclusive.
Some milestones announced include the launch of iZoob, the first app of a Philippine Basic Ed Institution to be available in the AppStore. Also the birth of baby Adrianna Maxene in 27 Sept, to parents Ace and Mia Veronica Gacutan, was noted.
Br. Dennis cited three of those who had the most helpful feedback coming from the first THA. Among them were Ms. Leah Castillo who sent a constructive feedback about being a new administrator minus a mentor. Br. Dennis resolved to mentor her as soon as she returns from her maternity leave. Second was Ms. Tess Panaligan who was inspired to check on her own graduate status in UST after Br. Dennis announced the plans to check on all those who are finishing their graduate degrees. Lastly, Mr. Jay Diola made a wonderful suggestion that instead of constructing a study, a Learning Commons would be of better function.
He ends with a saying,”It’s good to be blessed but it’s better to be a blessing.” With that he announced that the Gratuity pay will be released on Oct 25 and encouraged everyone to go and be a blessing.