Al-Andalus International School

"Every now and then, a cub emerges as a battle-scarred warrior, and then gets shot for the very qualities that have allowed him to be a survivor." Dereck Joubert, National Geographic filmmaker

It is a very rare occurrence for young cubs to survive adulthood. Only the physically strong, intelligent, and fit lions survive to become adults and kings in charge of a 'pride'. Sadly, no matter how hard lion kings, like me, try to survive, we are constantly sought after by trophy hunters, men and women who seek nothing but glory for themselves by taking down adult lions for sport.

In this world, success is measured by the amount of strength you possess, the skills you gain, or the trophies in your cabinet. But I say to you, those who live with this kind of measure will not stand out in the crowd. Look around you. There are plenty of people thinking, wishing, dreaming, and striving for this same and common kind of success. The idea of success where the more accomplishments or acquisitions a person gains the more important and valuable a person becomes. This definition of success only makes a person “look” or seem good, but not necessarily be good. You want to be different? Make a difference. That, dear AAISian, is the kind of success I’ve sought to impart to you in the many years I have served you.

As you go out and explore this world, you will discover how cold, cruel, and dark it can be. Take heart for there is hope in each and every one of you. You, young lion, can be a beacon of light. Light knows no color, race, gender, or age. It doesn't discriminate nor show any partiality because that light is Love. Instead of looking at the darkness around you, find the light of love within you and allow that to shine forth so that others may see. Muster the courage and strength to show love and allow yourself to be loved, in return.

Yes, my life as a lion may not have been easy. Many trophy hunters were out to get me, but I endured because the light of love has pushed me to endure the life I was given. The love shown by the One who made me, the family who raised me, the people who supported me, and you, the young lion who stuck with me through thick and thin have been my constant source of inspiration and encouragement. For that, I thank all of you.

Life in this world is a fragile, unpredictable and fleeting experience, but it is still a GIFT. Value the life you have and the lives of those around you. Use this gift of life you've been given to strive, to serve, and to succeed in being a beacon of light. And in sharing your gift of existence, you will learn all the important values I have sought to impart to you - perseverance, endurance, resilience, diligence, cooperation, courage, integrity, honesty, humility, kindness, and love.

I will always be grateful for being able to survive for this long to serve you for as long as I could. For the past 24 years, serving others with love has been my mission and battle cry. As I lay to rest, I will find solace in knowing that this battle cry will continue to live on in and through you, dear AAISian.

Continue the battle cry of JUNTOS (Togetherness). Juntos, not in being a "champion of the world", but in championing peace, harmony, kindness, courage, and humility. Juntos in striving for the good and service of others through love.

Cherish your today that you may take delight in your tomorrow.

Farewell, dear lion, farewell.



With sincerest gratitude and love,

Andy the Lion

Congratulations to the winners of the
DPSL BADMINTON TOURNAMENT held at ISG-DAMMAM last month:

Boys U-19
Singles A - Champion, Francis Seballos

Boys U-16
Singles A - Champion, Paul Seballos
Singles B - 2nd R-up, Adrianne Dela Cruz

Girls U-19
Doubles - 2nd R-up, Reinamae Javier & Sunshine Riña

Girls U-16
Singles A -2nd R-up, Elianna Mandilag
Singles B - 1st Rup, Jannah Balasbas
Doubles - Champion, Arianne Quiambao & Mavic Jacla

Boys Team - 2nd Place
Girls Team - 3rd Place

Participants:
Patrick Sadiz
Timothy Saporna
Jan Kyle Sarmiento
Jaydee Bayani
Chester Domingo

Karle Castillo
Maisie Mella

Congratulations to the winners at the recently held competitions at ISG Dhahran!

DPSL 14-Under

Girls Singles A - Champion, Arianne Quiambao
Girls Singles B - 1st Runner up, Jannah Balasbas
Girls Doubles - 2nd Runner-up, Elianna Mandilag & Ayenne Quialquial

Boys Singles B -2nd Runner-up, Adrianne Dela Cruz
Boys Doubles - 1st Runner-up, Jan Kyle Sarmiento & Laurence Asica

Coach: Mr. Christopher Sotelo

Schedule of 3rd Quarterly Examination of Grade 1-10

AAIS Family Fun Day 2018 held

AAIS and the Parents and Teachers Helping Students (PATHS) organized the annual Family Fun Day which was held last November 30 at the covered court. The event, which aims to foster camaraderie among members of the AAIS community, was an avenue for parents, students, teachers, and staff to enjoy and bond together. There were fun games participated in by all levels, and a lot of raffle prizes were given off.

"The event was a success because of the dedication and commitment of our PATHS officers led by Mr. Ritchie Patiu, the AAIS management, teachers and staff. Congratulations!," AAIS BOT Chair/Principal Dr. Eduardo P. Malagapo said.

AAIS’ Guidance and Counseling Center organizes Career Week 2018

AAIS held its Career Week on November 25 to 29 through the Guidance and Counseling Center under the Office of Student Affairs. This program aims to establish strong student awareness on career, decision-making, and their importance to personal growth. One day was allotted for students to go to school wearing their desired jobs in the future. Teachers and staff also participated in the activity by dressing up as the profession they would have been if not for their current jobs. The culminating activity at the end of the week was a fashion show held at the auditorium which was complemented by short inspirational talks by AAIS Guidance Counselor Mr. Martin Kit Guzman.

Meanwhile, other developmental activities focused on different types of career, skills, knowledge of specific jobs, and facts about career were also held at the respective classrooms of the students from KG1 to Grade 12. Career Primer Seminar were also conducted for highschool students. Grade 9 students took part in a Career Interest, Values, and Personality Test while the Grade 10 participated in an orientation on what Senior High School is. On the other hand, Grade 11 students were taught how to prepare their resumes while Grade 12 students were given information on college programs.

“The Career Week is one of our programs to better prepare our students for their future career or enterprise. It is a worthwhile activity that is expected to boost their confidence and at the same time equip them with adequate information on what could be in store for them after school,” BOT Chair/Principal Dr. Eduardo P. Malagapo said.

AAIS wins in Essay Writing Contest at the 2018
OKOR Inter-School Competition

In the Order of Knights of Rizal (OKOR) – Middle East and Africa Region 2018 Inter-school competition held last November 15-17 in Manama, Bahrain, AAIS brought home two awards - 2nd runner-up for Filipino Essay Writing Contest and 3rd runner-up for English Essay Writing Contest. Two high school students- Margarette Cruz (Grade 10/Filipino category) and Nicole Fidel (Grade 9/English category) represented AAIS and won in the said contests. Their coaches are Ms. Maricel Nolasco, Filipino Teacher and Ms. Carina Velasco, English Teacher.

The AAIS management also congratulates the other students who represented the school in the said competition: Patrick Sadiz (Young Jose Rizal), Reinamae Javier (Young Maria Clara), Jansen Hermosilla (Battle of the Brains), Neil Jan Umayam (Battle of the Brains), Sunshine Riña (Painting), and Joyrichell Tonelada (Painting).

Schedule of Distribution of Report Cards for 2nd Quarter