Strengthening the Sense of Community through the Monthly GS Faculty Wellness

Infused with the spirit of community, the Grade School Department of Sacred Heart School – Ateneo de Cebu prioritizes the wellness of its teachers through monthly faculty wellness activities. Last August 27, 2024, the Filipino subject area sponsored the Kwek Sine Filipino film viewing in celebration of the Buwan ng Wika at the GS AVR. The grade school teachers immersed themselves in a historical suspense movie titled Mallari, which stars veteran actor Piolo Pascual. Mallari was not just any historical thriller. It also weaved together the elements of Filipino mythology, psychological suspense, science fiction, romance, family drama and the supernatural, which prompted the teachers to flinch in fear, laugh nervously, yell in fright, and even engage in a movie analysis. Alongside the film viewing was a healthy set-up of Filipino finger food, highlighting the Filipino street food kwek-kwek on the grazing table.

Following the August Wellness session was the Bingo Mania sponsored by the Science Area last September 27, 2024 at the GS AVR. The teachers bought Bingo cards for five pesos, which already became a contribution for the prizes. Seated by area, the teachers shared laughter and interacted with one another as the emcees and number callers showcased an equally entertaining disposition. While playing bingo, the teachers nibbled on bread and special bam-i and indulged in the sweet savory mango cheese flavor of sorbetes. Indeed, the Grade School faculty wellness sessions offered teachers a break from academic hurdles and an opportunity for them to enjoy the company of their peers and colleagues.          

         All the GS faculty wellness sessions feature one significant part, the offering of prayer to the birthday celebrators of the month, singing of a happy birthday song, and blowing of the birthday candle. Faculty wellness activities initiated by sponsoring academic areas boost educators’ mental health and helps the Grade School Ateneo Hearter formators balance their mental and emotional well-being. St. Ignatius of Loyola even grants this positive perception in this refreshing reminder on Cura Personalis: “He who goes about to reform the world must begin with himself, or he loses his labor.” The GS Ateneo Hearter formators are looking forward to another revitalizing faculty wellness session next month. Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!