A Celebration of the Prevailing Spirit of Unity and Harmony

The celebration of the 6th Founding Anniversary of ISA last 9 October 2009 at the Colegio de San Jose Auditorium was both an act of looking back to the six years of hard work and dedication to educational excellence, and looking forward to the future with more feats and ideals to pursue.

	This year's production featured a variety of performances in-line with the theme: “ISA, in bridging the past and the future: the start of a new beginning”. All of the ISAers, from the pre-school to the secondary level participated in the said production.
	It was a fusion of music, power-filled performances, costumes and cultures which altogether pointed to ISA's aim of not settling for the second best but to always, gear towards excellence.
The pre-school learners performed dances which showed both Filipino and Chinese cultures and adding to the spice were performances which were inspired by the pop culture.
	Grade 1 learners infused the stage with their brightly patterned costumes and their energy-filled Chinese dance.
	The merry-making mood was awakened when the reverberating sounds of drums filled the entire auditorium coupled with the marching onstage of the Grade 2 learners with their Dinagyang inspired costume.
The powerful voices of Aaron Babayen-on and Francis Noel Chua with their rendition of "Kapag Tumibok ang Puso" and "Estudyante Blues" and with the other Grade 3 learners dancing to the beat, were well applauded by the audience.
	Grade 4 learners mellowed down the energy and made those who are part of ISA's growth contemplate with their interpretation of the verse choir entitled “Look Beyond”. Grades 5 and 6 learners joined forces and gave a breath-taking performance of the different Filipino folk dances. The show culminated with the two dance-dramas presented by all the high school learners which showed ISA's beginnings, its growth and what the future might hold for the academic institution.
	As much as it was a successful show, the real story of this year's production can be traced to the weeks of efforts and dedication of the learners, facilitators and trainers to perfect the performances. Mr. Sol Fernandez, the over-all director of the production, in his aim to uplift the enthusiasm and the spirit of the ISAers and the facilitators during the show said that it was not a show of a particular section or a particular learner or facilitator. More than anything else, it was ISA's show. And truly, the production showed what ISA has been cultivating all along for 6 years: rich appreciation for culture, tradition, and excellence in whatever endeavor it might get in to.

Celebrating Buwan ng Wika 09

	ISA celebrates Buwan ng Wika 2009 with a week-long activity last August 24-29.  The celebration kicked off with an inter-class poster making contest with the theme: “Wikang Filipino: Mula Baler hanggang buong Mundo”. This was followed by the isahan at dalawahang pag-awit, talumpati, and deklamasyon in the ensuing days.
	The highlight of the event depicts the different festivals in the Philippines like our very own Dinagyang and Paraw Regatta, Panagbenga of Baguio, Sibug-sibug of Zamboanga, Pintados de Passi, Manggahan Festival of Guimaras, Sinulog of Cebu, and Masskara festival of Bacolod.
	Wearing their colorful costumes with the touch of their respective festival, the learners have their street dancing around the streets of La Paz.
	The final day is also a day for the Lakan and Lakambini to showcase their talent in folk-dancing. The festival presentation of the elementary and the lip-synch drama of the high school.
	Invited guest speaker Prof. Romeo T. Espidion of West Visayas State University also talked about the theme of the Buwan ng Wika.

An Encounter with Gov’t Leaders

25 September 2009, Grade 6 learners held an Educational Tour. The first stop was in Jalandoni Memorial Elementary School where they had their Science-Demo from 7:30-9:30 am.

	After which, the whole class visited the Department of Tourism where Mr. Rene Cortum gave a brief lecture on the different spots located in Region 6. The ISAers stayed there until 10:30 am.
	The next stop was the Hall of Justice. They were at the Regional Trial Court Branch 26 where the clerk of court gave a lecture about the functions of the Judiciary and certain rights enjoyed by an individual. RTC Branch 26 is where Executive Judge, Hon. Antonio Natino, holds office. The group stayed in the Hall of Justice until 11:30 am then proceeded to the Provincial Capitol.
	The group toured the imposing edifice, visited the Offices of the Governor and the Vice-Governor. The learners conducted an interview with Governor Niel Tupas.
	The group took their lunch at the Katamnan Farm Resort in Pulao, Dumangas while appreciating the beauty of nature.
	Their last stop was Saint Vincent Ferrer Parish in Leganes, Iloilo. They reached the place at 3 pm. Father Ryan Fernando Teves made a short lecture about the social and historical significance of the Parish. The trip wound up at 4 pm.

Student Council Relief Operation

The spirit of bayanihan or the willingness to help carry the burden of our fellowmen was once again felt by the ISA community. Upon hearing and seeing the devastation brought by the recent typhoons that struck Luzon, the ISA Student Council organized a relief operation.

	It aims to reach out to the victims and make them feel that although we are away from the perils they are experiencing, we are ready to lend them our helping hand. ISAers, ISA parents, faculty and staff, donated clothes, canned goods, noodles, milk, soap, shampoo and other goods.
	The total cash donated amounted to eight thousand nine hundred thirty five pesos. The donations were channeled through the ABS CBN Sagip Kapamilya Program.

Discovering the Gift that I Am

Twenty seven Grade 6 ISAers had their recollection with a theme “Discovering the Gift that I Am” at Holy Rosary Retreat House last 29 September. It was facilitated by Sister Fidelis with the help of three ISA facilitators. That morning the learners were divided into three groups, they shared their views in relation to the topics set forth by Sister Fidelis. First, the learners were made to identify what are the good qualities that they see in themselves, qualities that they are proud of. It was followed by affirming the good and admirable qualities they see in their classmates. The morning session ended with the learners expressing how they felt after they have heard the affirmation given to them. After the lunch break the learners were given an hour of free time. Its objective was to see how they make use of their time and the choices that they make. In the afternoon the parents were able to witness the presentations of their children. Making goodness grow, How am I a blessing to my Family and Friends were the themes of the presentations. They aimed to make a way for a deeper understanding between parents and children.

Aside from that, the parents also enjoyed watching the talents showcased by the learners. It was a fruitful and meaningful day for everybody. Sister Fidelis emphasized that as the time goes by we might forget some of the things we learned in school, but having and cultivating a good and a noble character should be embraced by us for a lifetime.

Julie & Trixie are City Gov't Leaders

Two Senior ISAers were able to seize distinctive titles for this year’s Boy’s and Girl’s Week. Trixie Shane Ledesma as City Engineer and Julie Rose Luz as City Fire Service Unit Director. This event is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Iloilo in coordination with the Iloilo City government. 

As City Engineer, Trixie excitedly reports how she handled the tasks as youth official for one week. She took responsibility of the office's five divisions: Electrical, mechanical, planning, lines and drafts and the electrical pool. The experience was an eye-opener for her since she saw how city officials plan and maintain public projects, both horizontal and vertical constructions. She also took part in the budgeting, de-clogging and even in the signing of pertinent papers.
Julie's responsibility has got to do with ensuring the safety of the Ilonggos from fire accidents and embedding in them the sense of responsibility and awareness of fire safety measure. She was able to actualize her opportunities for growth as she sat on a real marshal's seat. For her, this doesn't only develop her sense of responsibility but also her confidence and social awareness.