BY EDISON MARTE SICAD
LAST Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023, PAREF Westbridge School, Inc. celebrated its 31st Foundation Day. The celebration started with a Holy Mass — which, in itself, is the essential foundation of the school.
The priest emphasized in his homily the importance of the spiritual aspect — especially the Holy Mass — in the formation of a student as well as in the strengthening of the family and guiding the teachers in their professional growth.
In essence then, the weekly going to Mass of the family is the true foundation day of the school. This message also has a subtle reminder to parents: a child will not appreciate the Mass if the parents themselves do not make the time for it every Sunday.
The PAREF Westbridge philosophy is Parents first, Teachers second, and Students last. At first, this may seem counterintuitive for the school setting is predominantly a student and teacher environment.
But the PAREF system of education — PAREF means Parents for Education Foundation — gives priority to the formation of the parents. The School for Parents, also an EDUCHILD advocacy and program, conducts discussions or case studies in helping parents about child-rearing, among others, as well as “Beyond I Do” seminars for couples to help them in rekindling their vows: the love between a husband and wife is the key for a child to grow holistically and have a spiritual view about dating, relationship, and family.
For the PAREF Westbridge School is all about Family. It is not just a constitutional basic unit of society. In the PAREF system, Family has this salvific component (the sacraments of the Holy Catholic Church prepare the individual for such eternal purpose). Indeed, society moves forward by the influence of families. For better or for worse, society is shaped by the beliefs and actions of individuals who, in more ways than one, are loved or abandoned by their parents.
As the saying goes: destroy the family and you have destroyed society. So, inasmuch that a school must provide services for the academic development of its students, it is also important—and maybe even more necessary — that schools must have a strong collaboration with parents to help them in the growth of their children — who will, most likely, have and raise their own families.
And with the strong collaboration between parents and teachers — this is manifested in the school’s Mentoring Program—the students are guided and prepared for the “realities and facts of life.”
And for 31 years, this has been the compass of PAREF Westbridge. Surely, the journey has not been easy. Like a vinta (part of the school’s logo) that sails — encountering the ebb and flow of life — the school remains steadfast in its goal: for the students to become Men of Integrity.
For an all-boys school to continue and thrive for 31 years, especially with the challenges of enrollment and financial concerns, is almost in itself a blessing. And last Sunday — also blessed with a good weather — the Westbridge family in their respective team colors: the Blue Pelagos, the Orange Vinta, the Green Orion, and the Gold Pisces, geared toward family fun-filled competitions: from Festive Parade to Cheers and Yells, to Digamo sa Piyesta cooking competition to Moms Volleyball and Dads Basketball. In-betweens were open mic variety show and Bingo games.
The football field were filled with food and laughter — even Tribu Molave kang Salog joined in the festivities. Team Color tents blossomed in the school premises and as the crowd went here and there, the message was clear: after almost three years, the Westbridge Family has finally come home; and everyone was just busy being happy and being together.
And as the evening drew near, the Grades 1 to 12 classes prepared for the 80’s Disco Derby. The school gym was filled to the brim; everyone excited for the showcase of dance moves—including the much-anticipated dance number of the teachers.
And for three hours, families and guests cheered and yelled as each class presented (Grades 1 to 3) and competed (Grades 7 to 12). To hear the crowd — after three years of online classes and activities — was truly heartwarming. The Westbridge Family was finally back home.
Congratulations to the Gold Team Pisces for its double victory: 31st Foundation Day Champion and Over-All Champion. Congratulations as well to Grade 6, Grade 9, and Grade 12, for being adjudged as Champions in their respective categories.
Many thanks to all the parents, teachers, students, sponsors, and guests. Indeed, the celebration was a big success. And as the school continues to guide its students with its core values of Competence, Service, and Integrity, the Westbridge family will always put to heart the message of St. Josemaria Escriva:
“Understand this well: there is something holy, something divine hidden in the most ordinary situations, and it is up to each one of you to discover it.”
Happy 31st Foundation Day PAREF Westbridge! We play, we pray in unity.
DUC IN ALTUM! Launch out into the deep!/PN
