By: Ms. Chrystal Jean F. Cabarles (GS Faculty)
Smiles and songs filled the Magis Eagles Arena (MEA) as Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Early Education Unit celebrated its annual Kindergarten Moving Up Ceremony last April 10, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the lives of its youngest Ateneo Hearters. Proud parents, relatives, teachers, and staff gathered to honor a year full of learning, growth, and discovery for the Kindergarten Class of 2025-2026 as they officially moved up to grade school.
To formally begin the celebration, these young Ateneo Hearters showed everyone that they are ready for big school as they led the prayer and the singing of the invocation followed by the Philippine National Anthem and their opening song, “Believe”.
The school president, Fr. Michael I. Pineda, S.J., proudly congratulated the “KinderGarden” pupils—as he affectionately called them—with a heartfelt message. He extended warm greetings to those who helped these children grow: the parents who send them to school, the guardians who care for them, the relatives who support them, the teachers and custodians who assist them, and Jesus who blessed and guided them throughout the school year. Each of the pupils beamed with pride as their name was called, walking across the stage to receive their Moving Up certificate from Fr. Mike, alongside grade school principal Mrs. Lea P. Amores and Early Education Unit Coordinator, Teacher Denise Corina L. Sanchez. In appreciation to parents, teachers, and the whole school community, these young learners closed with a heartfelt “Thank You” message.
To bring the ceremony to a close, music echoed through the halls of the MEA as the completers sang “Ting Wo Shuo Xie Xie Ni”, a Chinese thank you song, followed by “Yesterday’s Dream”, and finally, the school hymn, “Lux Oriens”. With pride and love, these children handed out roses and their handwritten cards to their loved ones as a token of gratitude. Families then gathered for pictures, hugs, and a few joyful tears. Though bittersweet, the event marked an exciting transition as these young learners prepare to take on the challenges of big school.
This Moving Up Ceremony was a beautiful testament to how much these children have blossomed and grown in “KinderGarden”. It was a reminder that early education is not just about teaching children how to read, write, and count — it is also about building the foundation for a brighter future while nurturing them to be confident, competent, and compassionate citizens.
