MGCNLCA Stands Firm Amidst Challenges in Welcoming S.Y. 2024-2025

Despite the one-day delay in school opening due to the previous week’s rains and floods, MGC New Life Christian Academy (MGCNLCA) gladly welcomed New Lifers to the new school year from July 30 to August 2, 2024, with the school theme “Called to Stand Firm.”

Junior High School (JHS) students kicked off the opening of school with a two-day booster camp filled with welcome activities and orientations from July 30 to 31. Grade 11 students were also welcomed to  Senior High School on July 30, with most of Grade 12 Zion experiencing  a taste of the workplace during their 80 hours of work immersion at various companies from July 29 to August 9.

Grades 2 to 6 students went back to school the day after, on July 31. Meanwhile, Early Years (EY) and Grade 1 pupils reported to school in small groups from July 31 to August 2 to ease their adjustment process. All EY and Grade 1 pupils returned to school by Monday, August 5.

This school year marks the gradual implementation of the Department of Education (DepEd)’s plan to revert to the old school calendar in order to avoid the extreme heat during the months of April and May, following the order of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to start the school year on July 29, 2024, and end by April 15, 2025.  

For MGCNLCA, actual classes will end by the end of April, with graduations and closing ceremonies held in early May 2025, instead of late May as in previous years.  This change also means that the number of school days will be reduced to approximately 192 days, instead of the usual 202 to 205 days. School Director Helen Villanueva, however, assured that students will not be shortchanged as the lessons and activities lined up for them will not be affected.

“One of the things I am most looking forward to is seeing our students grow not just academically, but also in character and resilience. Each school year presents new opportunities for learning and development, and I am eager to witness the unique contributions and achievements of our student body. I am also excited about the new programs and initiatives we have planned to enhance our curriculum and extracurricular activities,” said Villanueva.

As a response to the shortened school year, the daily class schedule of the students was made a bit longer. The JHS Department added 15 minutes of Homeroom Period to the school day, resulting in a new dismissal time of 3:15 PM. The Lower Primary Years also shifted their dismissal time from 2:00 PM to 2:10 PM and the Upper Primary Years from 2:40 PM to 2:45 PM.

Another notable change was the switching of the JHS classrooms in the 5th floor hallways, following the merging of the JHS Department. Nazareth and Berea swapped classrooms with Damascus and Patmos, with Nazareth and Berea now located in the Phase 2 building near the JHS Faculty Room, while Patmos classrooms are now at the old building, near the Science laboratories.

The school director is confident that New Lifers will not only adapt to the new changes but will thrive and stand firm to become better versions of themselves.

“Coming into this new school year, I am reminded of the importance of community and collaboration. The challenges we have faced in recent years have underscored the strength and adaptability of our school community. My thoughts as we start this new school year are filled with hope and a sense of purpose. I am confident that together, we will make school year 2024-2025 a remarkable and fulfilling year for everyone at our school,” assured Villanueva.