32nd Founding Day
by Angelita Bautista Eguico, pioneer teacher in the Holy Spirit School
This year’s theme – Blessed to Surpass Through @ 32: Creating a Synodal Community Towards a Better Normal”
(an excerpt from the HSS History)
… And now, let us stay put for a while as we listen to a brief history sketch of Holy Spirit School…”
On this occasion of the 32nd founding anniversary, more than festive celebrations, it’s best to take some time to look back, reflect on and let the wings of the Spirit take us to the humble beginnings of the Holy Spirit School journey. We thank God for the gift of community, the spirit of the family and the grace of love, unity, cooperation and harmony that dwell and are nurtured in this School. We gratefully acknowledge the exceptional zeal and undying determination of the three (3) dynamic missionary Sisters namely Sr. Teresina Mancini, CSSS, Sr. Matilde Schiavo, CSSS and Sr. Scolastica Segatori, CSSS, who came to the Philippines in 1986. In their desire to bring Christ’s teachings and spread the devotion to the Holy Spirit, they extended their mission by putting up a school with holistic education anchored on the core values of simplicity, sincerity and service. Hence, the Holy Spirit School (Biñan Laguna), Inc. was established. The campus was located at Mother Giuseppina Arcucci St., South City Homes Subd., Brgy. Sto. Tomas, Biñan City, Laguna, Philippines. At the grant of the government permit to operate, it initially offered Pre-School, had complete Elementary level in 1995, high school exclusively for girls in 1996 and high school turned coed in 2004. Holy Spirit School adapted with the changing times, had remarkable progress, and constantly showed not just mere existence but distinct excellence. With the firm foundation laid by the Congregation Sisters of the Holy Spirit through the three (3) tireless Sisters: Sr. Teresina, CSSS, Sr. Matilde,CSSS and Sr. Scolastica,CSSS and the pioneer principal, Ma’am Clarita Gatchalian, the legacy of Simplicity, Sincerity and Service and that culture of excellence live on through decades now.
One of the school’s most significant milestone is having celebrated its Silver Jubilee in 2016. In the transition to a new administration, it carried on the tradition of excellence in the challenge of the K to 12 Program. Marking its 26th year with Sr. Sheila Mabilog,CSSS, as Superior-Directres at the anchor, together with Sr. Cielo Jebone,CSSS, Elementary Principal and Sr. Anaville Tejero,CSSS Junior High School Principal, Holy Spirit School made out promising and heights as it moved toward a more structured and organized school operations, internal policies, procedures, programs and upgraded facilities. Under the term of former Superior General, Mother Nerissa Birao,CSSS, there had been great challenges in responding to the needs of the changing times, that Holy Spirit School initiated and utilized a computerized enrolment system and adapted applicable modalities in the conduct of distance learning. With the newly elected Superior General, Mother Maria Paola Masuccio,CSSS together with Local Superior Sheila Mabilog,CSSS through Sr. Lourdes Rebutica,CSSS as Directress and Ma’am Chiquita Cariño as Principal, this Paracletan Community moves like a Dove, gearing to greater heights, rising through challenges and soaring beyond adversities. Together with our valued stakeholders, supportive parents, dedicated educators and tireless staff, at this time of the pandemic, each one is at the frontline in the quality Catholic formation of our youth, the children entrusted to us.
As we embark on a newer journey at 33 and beyond, let’s remember the past, take the inspiration to the present and rekindle the spirit for the future as we head on actualizing our mission-vision.
Mabuhay ang Holy Spirit School! Mabuhay ang Paracletans!