CDN CONDUCTS SURPRISE EARTHQUAKE EVACUATION FOLLOWED BY FIRE DRILL

For the second time this month, an earthquake drill was conducted last Tuesday, June 16, but this time, it was unannounced.  Mr. Ramon Belizario, who  managed the practice evactuation, said “This is to test the alertness and preparedness of both teachers and students.”

Noticing that the students were doing it wrong, the earthquake drill was repeated until they got it right.

A fire drill followed where a bonfire was lit and some teachers and students were asked to extinguish the flames to demonstrate to the  general assembly the proper way of putting out a fire.  Several fire extinguishers were consumed as the exercise was done repeatedly to immerse the Casans in the experience.

The Principal, Mr. Richard Pustasa, commented that this was being done to prepare the students for disasters that might come in the future.  More of these drills will be done throughout the school.

 

CASANS EXPERIENCE THE EARTHQUAKE DRILL

Casans listen to Mr. Ramon Belizario for his assessment after the earthquake drill last Tuesday, 9 June 2015 at the quadrangle of the CDN Pacita 2 Campus.

Casans listen to Mr. Ramon Belizario for his assessment after the earthquake drill last Tuesday, 9 June 2015 at the quadrangle of the CDN Pacita 2 Campus.

On Tuesday, 9 June 2015, Casans were trained on how to react during an earthquake via a drill that was led by Mr. Ramon C. Belizario at the CDNSHS Pacita 2 Campus, San Pedro, Laguna.  Students and teachers alike were instructed in their respective classrooms before the alarm was sounded to signal the beginning of the drill.

As expected, the first try was haphazard as the students did not take the practice seriously.  The second one was much more organized and done in just under three minutes from the moment they left their respective rooms until they were all formed in the quadrangle which is the designated area for the Casans to gather.

Mr. Belizario announced that this year, the evacuation drill will be done quarterly.  “The next exercises will be unannounced to practice their preparedness for impending disasters,” he stressed.

The drill is one of the ways in which CDN trains the students to be Scientific-Minded and to face whatever comes in the future.

TEAM BUILDING STRENGTHENS CDN TEACHERS AND STAFF FOR THE INCOMING YEAR

inset

From May 27 to 30, 2015, teachers from the Pacita 2, Phase 6 and Calamba branches together with some staff members went through a team building process which included the dreaded rappelling supervised by Branch Administrative Officer Mr. Ramon Belizario.

More than 10 activities were prepared for the CDN employees who were fielded into 5 teams of 12 members each.  The innovative games and exercises were exciting and effective as the members had to find strategies that would make them successful at planning and execution.  However, most, if not all of the participants, had second thoughts on whether to go through the courage-testing Rappel exercise where one had to dangle from a rope while navigating the wall by walking backwards from the 4th floor to the ground.  Watching the teachers go through this station was thrilling and proved to be one of the most memorable highlights of the summer.

CDNSSI CEO Ms. Farah Acierto Cabanban spearheaded the activities together with VP Dr. Mark G. Acierto who both encouraged the employees to participate as the event was designed to make them more effective, enthusiastic and innovative.

On the third day, the teams went all the way to an island in Nasugbu, Batangas for the final stage of the event and to beat the heat of summer before classes start.  In the end, Team Violet na Malupet emerged as the champion after tallying scores garnered in the different contests.  It is worth noting that said team was the most diverse in terms of campuses as they were the only group that was composed of employees from the three different branches.  Ms. Farah said that “Despite the perceived weakness of the group, they overcame the obstacles because of strategic planning, focus and doing their best at everything.”

The group had one last exciting experience as they boarded the boats back to the main island.  Everybody had to wade in waist-deep water to get to the boats because the vessels could not get any nearer.  Judging from the faces of the teachers when they got to the Pacita 2 campus to get their salaries Saturday evening, the team building exercise was a successful though a very tiring event.

PARENTS’ ORIENTATION DRAWS EXCELLENT TURNOUT

Last Saturday, the 6th of June 2015, a record number of attendees came for the Parents’ Orientation of the different levels at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the CDN Pacita 2 Campus.  The CEO, Ms. Farah Acierto-Cabanban was on hand to welcome the parents as were EVP Dr. Mark G. Acierto and VP for Finance Ms. Milagros G. Asiddao.

Mr. Richard Pustasa, Principal of the Science High School, introduced several guidelines in connection with the new grading system as recommended by DepEd.  Although Mr. Herbert San Pedro explained the new concepts to the parents in detail, those who had questions were encouraged to approach concerned parties for further clarification after the session.

As the first session was intended for parents of Grade 7 and other transferees, the Prefect of Discipline, Mr. Ramon Belizario then presided with a discussion of the rules and regulations of the school including sanctions for offenses.  This was followed by a session for parents of students in the Grades 8, 9 & 10 levels where new concepts were introduced and old rules were reiterated.

Dr. Mark G. Acierto and Ms. Farah Acierto-Cabanban listen intently with parents during the High School Department's Parents' Orientation.

Dr. Mark G. Acierto and Ms. Farah Acierto-Cabanban listen intently with parents during the High School Department’s Parents’ Orientation.

After the Secondary Level assemblies, the Elementary Principal, Ms. Shirley Bermido took charge of the meetings for parents of Pre-School pupils and other transferees.  She welcomed the attendees and promised them a fruitful year ahead with the help of the faculty members who were presented to them.

The last session in the afternoon was dedicated to parents of pupils who were already enrolled in CDN in the previous school year.

11426115_10206575171395119_1347470894_o

Over-all, the orientations went well and the fact that a great number of parents came for the meetings augurs well for a productive and successful year ahead for Casa del Niño Montessori and Science High School.

CDN SPORTS DEVELOPMENT OFFICE (SDO) STRENGTHENS VARSITY POOL

During the summer months of April and May 2015, the Casa del Niño SDO led by Coach Dennis Cabanban continued its programs for both Basketball and Volleyball teams by fielding new trainees to augment the remaining players who have not yet graduated.

The summer-long training was held to sustain the momentum of both teams which showed outstanding performances throughout the previous school year.  Worth noting was the excellent showing of the Volleyball teams led by Coach Mikko Gako whose players were champions in both the Boys and Girls Divisions.

Coach Mikko Gako emphasizes a point during the summer clinic for volleyball trainees.

Coach Mikko Gako emphasizes a point during the summer clinic for volleyball trainees.

The SDO complements the academic pursuits of the institution by making sure that Casans show excellence not only within the four corners of the classroom.  It has been noted that during the last couple of years, Casa del Niño has re-emerged as a formidable presence in athletic meets not only in San Pedro City but in the whole province of Laguna as well.

11348566_10206558504498457_1965300010_o

Basketball trainees jog around the quadrangle before the clinic held last summer at the CDN Arena.

According to Coach Dennis and Coach Mikko, the intramurals will be held early this school year to discover more potential players among the students.  With their energy and willingness to advance the athleticism of Casans, it is almost assured that our varsity teams will continue the superiority that was displayed last year and even surpass it.