Self-determination is not a term often used today in the field of education. Most often, when we see a person with disability, we tend to "overhelp" them, do things for them. By doing so,we didn't know that we are robbing them of the opportunity to learn. Self-determination simply means being able to make choices for one self. Philomena School aims to provide learning opportunities for these children by training them in goal-setting, making plans, assessing and replanning, if necessary.Helping them make the right choice when they set their goal, make their plans will be no longer a privilege for these special children but a RIGHT they so rightfully deserved just like everyone else. With the clients that it serves, the school realizes that it is a disservice not to give grade placement and not promote the special students who are academically high-functioning. Philomena School, in line with its vision and mission to provide highly individualized and specialized academic services to special students, made sure that these students who are socially challenged and not equipped with skills to succeed in a regular school placement,but show high academic achievement,will be able to get appropriate grade placement commensurate to their academic level in a special day class setting. Time is of the essence for all of us including children with special needs. Let's not miss a second, a minute, an hour, a day, a month and a SCHOOL YEAR. Last year, the world was stormed by the corona virus outbreak that has become a fatal pandemic that impacted all of us and have claimed millions of lives from all over the world. It’s been over year, and still the pandemic still continues to greatly affect the economy, our social lifestyle, and of course educational system. Last school year 2020-2021, St. Philomena School laid its groundwork for the “new normal” of education. With the uncertainty that we were facing then, the online distance learning could be likened to a “light that shines in the darkness”. The school continued to provide educational services without compromising the health and safety of the all the stakeholders. There is no stopping the school in accomplishing its mission in its pursuit of its vision. Philomena School: Kids’ Comfort Zone, Inc. is a private school for students with special needs. It is a special school in Region 3 accredited by the Department of Education to provide special education services to children with different abilities. The school was granted government recognition that allows it perpetual operation. Not limiting its service to learners with special needs, St. Philomena School was also granted government permit to provide educational services to neurotypical/general education population from Early Childhood Education, Kindergarten from Grade 1 to 10. This school year 2021-2022, with the pandemic not yet eradicated and stemmed and with the vaccination program not yet fully accomplished and completed, St. Philomena School will continue to implement 100% Online Distance Learning using upgraded and improved services, more systematic and organized Learning Management System and more interactive and engaging online learning platform. Due to the worldwide disruption of education caused by the corona virus, St. Philomena School still stands first to its vision and mission and goals in helping its students become self-determined: The objectives of this learning Continuity Plan are align and consistent to the school’s mission and vision. The school is very committed to helping the parents, students to have positive learning experiences that are developmental in nature, intentional and purposive. Despite the uncertainty of our environment, the students’ learning and development must continue.
1. Establish an improved Home Collaboration and family Engagement as our flagship hybrid/e-learning system
2. Provide better and more appropriate learning resources and best hybrid and distance learning practices for our students who are studying remotely
3. Provide more stimulating and more interactive e-learning experiences that promotes student engagement not only academically but also develop social relationship and interaction among peers in the context of social distancing philosophy to keep safe in times of pandemic
4. Continue to enhance and develop students’ skills to become a self-determined and productive citizen and teach them skills so they can contribute to the society as its citizen
5. Continue to engage and involve more parents, caregivers and family in their role as a critical factor in the development and learning of their children
After a year of experiencing 100% online distance learning, the school’s stakeholders can be considered with proficient competence in using and implementing the Learning Management System, the online platforms and applications and manipulating all these tools for an easy transactional processes.
