Second Generation of GVSians...
The GVS Way of Life
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I am very fortunate to be the reason why Golden Values School was founded. The profound love my parents had for me, even before I was born, surely is a unique blessing. Imagine, a child
whose parents put up a school, just for her, to ensure the attitudinal and educational needs are properly addressed. I practically grew up in GVS. At the tender age of 1.6, learning to walk in my bamboo walker, I started school. My parents exposed and built my confidence very early on. Sure, I was the experiment of many programs and the curriculum itself, but it all resulted to the success of the school, that is now going on 39 years of its existence. And I am so proud to be called a GVSian! The values and principles I live by even today, guided by the words in the GVS Code of Honor, it has shaped me in so many ways. It guided me to choose the right life partner, my husband Jim, a man who lives by the core values of the US Naval Academy. It has directed me to the road less travelled, echoing the words that my father always taught me to “always keep your moral compass in check”. |
Even before I became a parent I knew that GVS was the ONLY school for my future children, at minimum in the impressionable and imprint conditioning years of preschool and elementary. Now, that Matthew, 4 years, and Gabriella almost 2 have come into my life, I wish to give them the same happy childhood experienced I grew up with in GVS. I was fortunate to be able to bring them both to my work place, during their first few months of life.
Matt has been attending for nearly 3 years now, showing passion towards learning to read a young age. GVS puts their Emotional Quotient “EQ” to test as much as the more widely recognized Intelligence Quotient “IQ”. In Matt’s case, he performed on stage during his first year at GVS but has been hesitant to perform in front of crowds since. It was a major challenge to have my son be the only one not performing, though decided to encourage him to overcome whatever was holding him back instead of forcing him to be uncomfortable. Only recently did he overcome and perform, which will be tested again soon at a much larger crowd at the Foundation Day in a few weeks.
In GVS, where EVERY child performs, regardless if you’re the best dancer/ singer, the constant exposure helps raises a child’s self-esteem.
Gabriella loves to go to school (daycare) 3 times a week, putting on her small backpack each morning and patiently waits for her turn to be given stars by her teacher. She too, like any child, is just as capable of learning the academics early on. Like most children, her EQ and ability to handle frustrations is what I will monitor closest.
Definitely, GVS will be a huge part of their academic foundation and character formation. As an educator, it is essential for both the school and home environment in alignment. Children are not born bad, shy, confident, intelligent, diligent or honorable. They pick up habits, are conditioned through their experiences. If they are hit at home, they hit in school. If they are talked to and processed when they do something wrong, they respond well to tough love in school. Children are merely products of their environment. It is up to us parents to provide the healthiest environment possible. Hit them with love, rather than your hand. Tell them "I love you" everyday.
In GVS, we strive to make that environment a balance of tough love and responsibility, at the same time encouraging accomplishment, hard work and positive reinforcement. My parents who always emphasized to my sister and me, who is also a product of GVS, that “there is no free lunch” and most will not find their true passion and happiness in life if not giving it your best. Many of these basic values we often forget to teach our kids. My children are in the same good hands of their teachers and school staff in GVS. The small classes of less than 15 will ensure they are known inside-out by their teacher. They will do the same as my former teachers did for me- made me: clean the classroom, stay after school when I had unfinished work, apologize for my mistakes and make it up to the people I hurt and that there are always “consequences” for my actions. The same life lessons will be conditioned to Matt and Gabby as they grow and ideally developed into productive members of society.
It will not always be smooth sailing, but one thing is for sure, my parents gave me the best gift ever- TOP QUALITY EDUCATION!
Matt has been attending for nearly 3 years now, showing passion towards learning to read a young age. GVS puts their Emotional Quotient “EQ” to test as much as the more widely recognized Intelligence Quotient “IQ”. In Matt’s case, he performed on stage during his first year at GVS but has been hesitant to perform in front of crowds since. It was a major challenge to have my son be the only one not performing, though decided to encourage him to overcome whatever was holding him back instead of forcing him to be uncomfortable. Only recently did he overcome and perform, which will be tested again soon at a much larger crowd at the Foundation Day in a few weeks.
In GVS, where EVERY child performs, regardless if you’re the best dancer/ singer, the constant exposure helps raises a child’s self-esteem.
Gabriella loves to go to school (daycare) 3 times a week, putting on her small backpack each morning and patiently waits for her turn to be given stars by her teacher. She too, like any child, is just as capable of learning the academics early on. Like most children, her EQ and ability to handle frustrations is what I will monitor closest.
Definitely, GVS will be a huge part of their academic foundation and character formation. As an educator, it is essential for both the school and home environment in alignment. Children are not born bad, shy, confident, intelligent, diligent or honorable. They pick up habits, are conditioned through their experiences. If they are hit at home, they hit in school. If they are talked to and processed when they do something wrong, they respond well to tough love in school. Children are merely products of their environment. It is up to us parents to provide the healthiest environment possible. Hit them with love, rather than your hand. Tell them "I love you" everyday.
In GVS, we strive to make that environment a balance of tough love and responsibility, at the same time encouraging accomplishment, hard work and positive reinforcement. My parents who always emphasized to my sister and me, who is also a product of GVS, that “there is no free lunch” and most will not find their true passion and happiness in life if not giving it your best. Many of these basic values we often forget to teach our kids. My children are in the same good hands of their teachers and school staff in GVS. The small classes of less than 15 will ensure they are known inside-out by their teacher. They will do the same as my former teachers did for me- made me: clean the classroom, stay after school when I had unfinished work, apologize for my mistakes and make it up to the people I hurt and that there are always “consequences” for my actions. The same life lessons will be conditioned to Matt and Gabby as they grow and ideally developed into productive members of society.
It will not always be smooth sailing, but one thing is for sure, my parents gave me the best gift ever- TOP QUALITY EDUCATION!
By: Ms. Michelle Domdom
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Being first time parents, we want to give the best for our child, just as our parents did. For my brothers and I, we all went to private schools for our preschool to college levels. We also had extracurricular activities. I took Ballet & Figure Skating with my elder brother, while my younger brother took Ice Hockey & Soccer. My parents gave their best to provide for our family even if we faced hardships, to the point of our family business going Bankrupt.
Senior Kinder was when I started at GVS Nova together with my two brothers. I was an average student, not that smart. What I love about being a GVSian are the monthly Culminating Activities. I always was given a chance to dance. I love to be on stage! I was even chosen as an angel for the Christmas presentation. Years passed and my son Abraham Josef (AJ) was born. My mother always would say, “Your brother, Julius, started at the early age. So AJ should also start at 2 ½ years old!” |
As a mother I started looking for a school that could cater to the little ones. I surfed the net and saw some of the schools. Their fees were quite expensive. There were two schools I was choosing from for AJ. One was a review center and the other was a Catholic School, but it was in Antipolo.
My mother then said “Why not enroll AJ at Golden Values School? GVS was the best in terms of handling and developing attitudes and values especially in the young ones”. I told myself, this was a good choice.
On our first visit, AJ immediately loved it, especially the slide. He roamed around exploring the new place. I could here that English was the language used by the teacher and students. My thoughts were that AJ can easily learn how to speak the language .
My mother then said “Why not enroll AJ at Golden Values School? GVS was the best in terms of handling and developing attitudes and values especially in the young ones”. I told myself, this was a good choice.
On our first visit, AJ immediately loved it, especially the slide. He roamed around exploring the new place. I could here that English was the language used by the teacher and students. My thoughts were that AJ can easily learn how to speak the language .
I then enrolled him in the Summer Playtime. It was not that easy for me or for AJ. He wanted me to be by his side constantly. The teacher would call his attention because of his attitude (spanking, punching, etc.) He would cry aloud when this happens. But both teachers Melinda and Syne never gave up on him.
That June, his Father and I decided to enroll AJ as Daycare student. I observed that was my son slowly changed and would say “OPO”, “PLEASE”, “THANK YOU”, “WELCOME”,”SORRY”. He also expressed admiration for his teachers. One time I asked him “AJ, what would you want to be like when you are a big boy?” He answered, “TEACHER!”
I am happy with whatever AJ wants to be even if he is starting.
Yes! We want the best for our child. It is somewhat expensive. But quality education is always WORTH IT!!
That June, his Father and I decided to enroll AJ as Daycare student. I observed that was my son slowly changed and would say “OPO”, “PLEASE”, “THANK YOU”, “WELCOME”,”SORRY”. He also expressed admiration for his teachers. One time I asked him “AJ, what would you want to be like when you are a big boy?” He answered, “TEACHER!”
I am happy with whatever AJ wants to be even if he is starting.
Yes! We want the best for our child. It is somewhat expensive. But quality education is always WORTH IT!!