Lighthouse Diary #75: Learning Through the Seasons

"Life has seasons and each season has something to teach you… it is during tough times when you discover happiness. Joy does not come from ease. It takes time, meaning and purpose. Trust the journey!” ~ Angeline Tam, Commencement Speaker, ANGKAS PH CEO

The closing weeks of the Academic Year is often laden with events and activities that drum up accomplishments, nostalgia, gratitude and hope. For the first time, I walked with our graduating seniors in their Batch Night bearing witness to the rituals and traditions that define us -- the senior tribute and send off. What was new this year was the recognition of staff and faculty who served in the Academy for a decade and more. This was definitely a surprise.

So, I received a service award. And then some.

Let me count the ways...

1. Working alongside a resilient Advisory Team inspired me to up my game as adviser for the next academic year -- only if asked or chosen. 

2. Our senior batch reps step up on their last week of school. I can't be anymore prouder.

3. Our school leadership's tenacity and the intentionality in striving to keep integrity intact is admirable. Beyond compare.

4. This year brought many challenges, "bulaga" moments, surprises that we never expected. And along with it are heart breaks that I thought I was already used to, but... we recognize them. Mistakes and all. And we move forward with grateful hearts.

5. Friends are leaving the Academy and we hold them dear to our hearts as they venture forth to new adventures. Their contribution to the growth and development of the Academy is now a part of Griffin History. 

6. On the last few days before graduation, convening as a faculty to reflect and look back at academics, advisory and student life programs to firm up our commitment in maintaining the high standards of teaching and learning.

7. And lastly, I am truly appreciative of the openness and honesty to which we can all talk about what matters to us all -- to continuously become better versions of ourselves as teachers in light of changes and the uncertainty this new age brings.

Academic Year 2025-2026 is waving at the distance, but summer is beckoning. This break, short as it is, is well deserved. I will make the most of it.

The Lighthouse Diary #67: Expanding Our World: Reflections on World Languages and Literature Week 2025

Joel Donato Ching Jacob aka Cup

During this year’s World Languages and Literature Week, we, at the BA Library had the privilege of hosting three remarkable authors namely, Joel Donato Ching Jacob, Robin Sebilono and Artie Cabezas who shared not only their books but also their writing journeys and the literary works that have shaped their thinking. Each talk, spanning 30 to 40 minutes, became more than just a discussion of craft and the writing life —it was an invitation to step beyond the familiar borders of language and thought.

Thinking of a way to introduce the Book Talk and Author Visit activity, I was reminded of Ludwig Wittgenstein’s words: “The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.” It’s a striking idea—that our ability to understand, to imagine, even to dream, is shaped by the words we have at our disposal. And so, I used this idea to bring in our students' consciousness into the sessions. Our students, through these author talks, experienced a challenge and opportunity to expand the limits of their worlds.

Joel Donato Ching Jacob, whose middle-grade novels, Wing of the Locust and Orphan Price,  are set in an imagined pre-colonial city in Laguna province, spoke about the importance of learning sight words. He emphasized how reading books of all kinds—especially those that genuinely interest us—contributes to vocabulary growth and comprehension.

Robin visits BA!

Robin Sebolino, author of Vassals of the Valley, delved into his purpose for writing. A passionate historian at heart, Robin finds both comfort and contemplation in writing fiction. His talk underscored how storytelling becomes a way of making sense of history, giving voice to the past while engaging with the present.

Lastly, Artie Cabezas presented his portfolio of sequential art, leading us to explore the power of visual narratives in non-literary texts and other media. His talk became even more resonant when he shared works that reflect his advocacies—gender identity, representation of people with disabilities, and creating spaces for the marginalized.

What worlds opened up! Language is not just about communication; it is the foundation of how we interpret and engage with the world. And when we encounter writers who challenge and inspire us to see differently, who introduce us to narratives outside our own, we grow. Our students didn’t just listen to authors—they widened their own worlds.

We will always be proud of our Griffin and Virtus et Ars Awardee!

I hope these conversations linger in their minds, urging them to read more, to write more, and to embrace the vast possibilities that language—and literature—offer.

The Lighthouse Diary #63: "I Love Studying in the Library"

Our grade 10 Philosophy class had research in the library today. 

I heard one student say, "I love studying in the library".

Music to my ears.

Another came up to me with a book on epistemology saying, "Miss, I didn't realize our library has good books. It's so, varied!"

My heart beat triple time in joy. I smiled to her and replied, "Thank you! We will keep our library books relevant for your learning needs."

Their Philosophy teacher asked, "Miss Zee, Mark (not his real name) is looking for a new topic. The Inductive Method. Which volume of the World Book Encyclopedia will he use and where is it located?"

I was intrigued so I went over to Mark. "How did you come up with that topic? Aren't you assigned to read up on logic?"

"There's a "see Inductive Method" after the last paragraph, Ms. Zee. So I suppose I can look it up in another volume." Mark said.

"Aha! The article is cross referenced" I exclaimed. "Can you show me where the term "see Inductive Method" is found"?

Once he did, I congratulated him for being sharp and for paying attention to what he is reading. 

"This topic or entry is cross referenced. It is one way of locating additional information in an encyclopedia." I said. 

I then brought him to the set of World Book Encyclopedia, showed him volume "I" and handed it to him. He was all smiles and politely thanked me.

I made a mental note to add cross references as tools in locating information when I do a briefing or a library orientation on the use of encyclopedias. When I do, I will have to emphasize its connection to hyperlinks and the manner in which knowledge can expand and deepened.

Yes. I had a good day at work today. 

The Lighthouse Diary #60: Gratitude Week at the Academy: I am grateful for being your friend, Ouie (3 of 5)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Zarah Gagatiga (@the.readingarmy)

The Lighthouse Diary #59: Gratitude Week at the Academy: Collaboration and Teachers Reaching Out (2 of 5)

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Zarah Gagatiga (@zarahgeeh)

The Lighthouse Diary # 58: Gratitude Week at the Academy (1 of 5)

We are asked to reflect on gratitude this week in school. This is in part an activity of our Counselling Center for Mental Health Week. Joining in the Gratitude Bandwagon, I wrote to the Community.

Dear BA Community,

We are immensely grateful for the swift response in helping us redirect the energies of our DP students from casual lounging in the library to more purposeful research and study. While we still have some students enjoying their time in the space, we’ve noticed a positive shift as they have begun to observe our library rules and guidelines more closely. This change has not only enhanced the overall atmosphere of the library but has also fostered a more productive environment for all our students.

We also want to extend our thanks for your diligence in following through on the PRS and subscription renewals. Your commitment to ensuring we have access to the latest resources is invaluable and significantly enhances the educational experience for our students. Your efforts in this area make a real difference in our ability to provide quality materials for research and learning.

Additionally, we appreciate your proactive approach in seeking out resources and learning materials. This collaboration helps us understand what to prioritize for the next book fair and purchasing cycle, which will conclude in the first week of December for this quarter. We encourage you to send in your recommendations as soon as possible to ensure we can meet the diverse needs of our students. Lastly, thank you for your attentiveness in observing the entrance and exit passages in the library, contributing to a safer and more organized space for everyone.

Truly, we are grateful!

~The Liberos of the BA Library~

It's a Good Day for Book Donations

We are welcoming the 2nd Quarter with books donated by a friend of the BA Library, Prof Heidi Eusebio-Abad. She donated books written by Ceres Alabado, the Mother of Philippine Children’s Literature.

@titazeeh7

We’re always happy to recieve book donations!

♬ Good Day - BTS

The Lighthouse Diary #57: Alumni Talk on the Research Process

Our alumni, Artie Cabezas and Zoe Gagatiga (Praelius, 2020) served as guest speakers during the Core Session with the seniors last September 9, 2024. They shared their experiences on the EE and SP, focusing on the essentials of research, crafting an outline, and the challenges seniors face when writing an academic essay. Artie discussed the importance of a disciplined approach to academic writing, while Zoe highlighted the challenges of completing a 3,000-word senior project. Both emphasized the necessity of trust in the research process.

Recognizing the diversity of our learners, we have provided support materials on outlining and various methods to create one. 

Crafting an Outline

When writing an academic essay, clarity and organization are crucial. While you’ll ultimately present your essay in traditional text format, using certain tools and methods during the planning and drafting stages can greatly enhance the quality of your work. 

Here are some of the best tools and methods for outlining and organizing your academic essay:

1. Outlining Tools

   - Text-Based Outline: Start with a simple text-based outline to organize your thoughts. This can include headings for Introduction, Thesis Statement, Body, and Conclusion.

   - Hierarchical Outline: Use a hierarchical outline to break down main points into subpoints. This helps in detailing the structure of each section and sub-section.

2. Mind Maps and Flowcharts

   - Mind Mapping: Tools like MindMeister can help you visually organize your ideas and see connections between them. This can be particularly useful for brainstorming and organizing complex ideas.

   - Flowcharts: Use flowcharts to map out the logical flow of your arguments and how different points interrelate. This is useful for ensuring that your essay has a logical progression.

4. Templates and Guides:

   - Essay Templates: Academic essay templates can help structure your introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion effectively.

   - Writing Guides: Refer to academic writing guides or manuals, like the APA, MLA, or Chicago style guides, depending on your discipline.

5. Checklists:

   - Essay Checklists: Use checklists to ensure that all required elements of an academic essay are included, such as thesis statements, topic sentences, evidence, and analysis.

For the actual writing, a text-based outline is often the most practical and widely used method in academia. It allows you to clearly map out your argument and ensure that each section of your essay is well-organized. However, integrating mind maps or flowcharts during the planning phase can provide a more comprehensive view of your essay’s structure and help you manage complex ideas.

Go and be, my Griffin!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Zarah Gagatiga (@the.readingarmy)

The Great Griffin Carnival at The Beacon Academy

 

@titazeeh7

The Great Griffin Carnival is today!

♬ Best Of Me - BTS

When Griffins are Happy Potters

 We Are Happy Potters!

At Alternative Class Day 1, ten Griffins and two teachers, accompanied by our dependable BA Driver, Kuya Henry and Guard Glen trooped to Pottery Nuvali for a morning of pottery and ceramic workshop. Our goals were the following:

1. To introduce the art and science of ceramics and pottery by knowing clay, the process of creating ceramics and pottery; 

2. To learn the basic hand-building techniques and surface decoration;

3. To provide a venue and avenue for self-expression, imagination and creativity.

The Happy Potters had an enjoyable and relaxing morning with Ms. Bing Bernardo Gaw of Pottery Nuvali who taught the group the basics of handbuilt pottery. The calm and nurturing atmosphere in her studio were perfect ingredients for creativity to flow and stream out into pots, plates, mugs and clay toys. That is why, Day 2 of Alternative Class Days was equally productive as the Happy Potters wedged, mold, pinched, slabbed, slipped and scored.

Here are some insights and takeaways from our Happy Potters.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the pottery session. It definitely exceeded my expectations. We learned a lot of basic techniques and how to use the different equipment while applying it to our own products ( which we were given much freedom with). I had lots of fun!” ~ F, Grade 11.

“I learned the basics of pottery, and how to make use of these newly learned skills on future projects.” ~ B, Grade 9

“I was able to learn different techniques such as the pinching method and slab method. I found this experience very relaxing.” ~ M, Grade 11

This is the third time we had Pottery during the ACD. The positive feedback inspires us to continue learning about this art and industry. Who knows where this will take us? Our only limitation is imagination.

We are Happy Potters!

Thank you very much, Pottery Nuvali!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @potterynuvali

Griffins Learn Together: Cyanotype Printing with Enzo Abalayan

Last Friday, my former student, Enzo Abalayan was on campus teaching me cyanotype printing. We are preparing for the yearly Alternative Class Days. Part of it are test runs and walk throughs of processes and activities which informs us of logistics, budgetary and instructional issues and decisions. In return, I gave Enzo some ideas and suggestions for him to draft the proposal. 

 I didn't expect it would be easy and simply amazing. Enzo was patient and entertained all my questions. At one point he said that he didn't see himself working with chemicals since Chem was a tough subject in the DP. Back in the Academy, he struggled through his science classes but, thanks to the arts. It became an avenue for overcoming challenges and self-doubt. 

 Ouie, this one is dedicated to you!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Zarah Gagatiga (@zarahgeeh)

The Lighthouse Diary Entries of 2023

I only managed to write five entries this year. Nonetheless, the posts are substantial to the blog and in my journey as school librarian in The Beacon Academy.

The Lighthouse Diary #45: Teaching and Learning Academic Writing -Classes were delivered online last week due to the mass transport strike. We reverted to synchronous and asynchronous sessions almost as quickly and with better ease. The pandemic has taught us agility and flexibility too.

The Lighthouse Diary #46: Mind Maps as Thinking Tools - Today, I had seven research consultations with students. Grade 11s all. It is research season and we are in the initiation and inquiry phase. 

The Lighthouse Diary #47: The Harkness Table - We have adopted and adapted the "Harkness Table" in the Academy. I remember how we struggled and grappled with the idea, concept and methodology of it all since it was introduced in 2010. A decade and a few years after, I can say we are sitting around the table more comfortably. 

The Lighthouse Diary #48: The Pioneer Updates - The Pioneer, our library's online research program is a child of the lockdown years. It turns four years old this school year. While working on updates for TRAILS: Tools for Research And Information Literacy Skills - Assessment, the assessment portal of the program, the idea of redesigning the site comes to mind. It looks like, ah, a Gen Xer. Hahaha (aka it looks like the one who made it).

 The Lighthouse Diary #49: TRAILS 2023 - At the beginning of the academic year, when we meet students for Foundation Days, they undergo an assessment of research and information literacy skills. The BA Library formally started this practice in the academic year 2018-2019. Six years on and we continue to ask questions. 

The Lighthouse Diary #50: Library Matters - For the first time in ages, we have students in the library at study hall, free period and dismissal who are reading, studying and just hanging around with friends. Everyone is respectful of the shared space. 

The Lighthouse Diary #47: The Harkness Table

We have adopted and adapted the "Harkness Table" in the Academy. I remember how we struggled and grappled with the idea, concept and methodology of it all since it was introduced in 2010. A decade and a few years after, I can say we are sitting around the table more comfortably. 

Still stoic and critical of the approach and the methods, there is openness and courage. Mistakes are welcome. Failures are recognized. We use them as points for reflection and review to inform us of actions to take to learn and to move forward.

We all sit around at the Harkness Table bringing our imperfections, flaws and vulnerabilities. We all know that. Who is perfect among us? No one. At the Harkness Table we are all allowed to liste; to speak; to learn about ourselves and of others too. As one alumna of Phillips Exeter wrote, students are given the chance to create themselves in dialogue at the table. 

And this is what I bring with me from here on moving forward.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Beacon Academy (@beaconacademyph)

Welcome Back! Welcome Home, Griffins!

 

BALibrary_2022-23_v2 by ZarahG

What Keeps Us Going in the Academy

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Zarah Gagatiga (@teetahzee)

The Lighthouse Diary #42: Welcome Home, Griffins!

We welcomed back our Griffins this week. We welcomed them back home.

We are in the middle of our Foundation Day this week and the nervous excitement is palpable. We are all coming out of the pandemic with mixed feelings. One thing is for sure, we are ready to teach, to learn and to grow depsite the loss and the trauma brought by COVID-19. Meeting the students on the first day back, especially my advisees was bittersweet. I have had two library orientations since yesterday and man, I missed it so much! Tomorrow, I will be giving another session with the grade 10s plus, a scavenger hunt! 

So far, the most challemging to monitor of the health protocols is the social distancing among students. Teachers need to be the models of this specific rule. Our Disaster and Risk Management Team had to re-arrange the common rooms' furniture and the available open spaces where students can hangout in observance of social distancing. With masks on at all times, I now have a better sense of the challenges medical front liners face.

While there is no assurance that I will not get re-infected, there is also no way but to move forward in these trying times. I am putting my faith on the universe. On the innate goodness of humanity. On God.

I cannot say completely that the anxiety will leave me alone. I find myself trust rests on people whom I call family.