Yes, parents can decide that their children go online for the whole school year. Health and safety are of foremost importance. While blended instruction is the foreseen mode in the new normal, the school will accommodate the request of parents for whole year online distance delivery in the absence of a vaccine and approved medicines for COVID-19. Instruction will be designed to work for both blended and full-online mode.

The best time for students to go to school is when the pandemic is over, and it is safe to do so. Ideally, this is when a vaccine is readily available. SPCP will abide by the decision of the government when to open the school and conduct face-to-face classes. However, if after thorough assessment, the school administration deems it unsafe to open the school, it shall not do so until the safety of all stakeholders can be ensured.

From June to October 2020, the only mode of delivery is online distance learning. If connectivity is a concern, parents can opt for the offline mode of delivery in the form of learning packets. SPCP will not offer the conventional or traditional mode, i.e., face-to-face interaction or on-site sessions, during this time for health and safety reasons. SPCP will implement blended learning only when a vaccine is available, ensuring that face-to-face interaction would be safe. The school is committed to making certain that no community transmission will occur.

Yes, it is possible. The safety and health of all members of the school community is the paramount consideration of the SPCP Sisters and the administration. It is also possible that the government will not order the opening of schools even beyond December

Online learning sessions (synchronous) are opportunities for teacher-student interaction in the PFLEx program. Each subject will have a specific number of online sessions

within the week. During the online session, teachers may discuss and clarify the expectations for the tasks assigned for the week, process higher order thinking skills, address difficulties and questions of students, use the time for students’ presentation of projects or performance tasks, and assess students’ acquisition of skills.

If a question or concern about the lesson or the learning task surfaces outside the online session (synchronous learning), the student may communicate with the teacher either by sending a direct message via the official platforms (Microsoft TEAMS, Schoology or Genyo) or by using the consultation period to personally talk with the teacher via video conferencing or call. These consultation periods are scheduled within the week to allow interaction outside of the online sessions.

The weekly schedule in the PFLEx program will be composed of scheduled synchronous learning activities (online sessions), consultations, and self-paced asynchronous activities or tasks. Half of the day (either in the morning or in the afternoon) will be devoted to synchronous learning activities and consultation sessions with teachers, while the other half will be freed up for independent, self-paced learning.

The purchase of gadgets and devices as well as the type and brand (e.g., laptop, iPad, PC, etc.) is left to the discretion of parents. For hardware specifications, kindly visit this link: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoftteams/hardware-requirements-for-the-teams-app

Bandwidth requirements: Teams is always conservative on bandwidth utilization and can deliver HD video quality in under 1.2Mbps. The actual bandwidth consumption in each audio/video call or meeting will vary based on several factors, such as video layout, video resolution, and video frames per second. When more bandwidth is available, quality and usage will increase to deliver the best experience.

Having a printer is an advantage, but is not a requirement.

While access to technology will be a great help in the delivery of instruction, students with limited access to technology can still subscribe to PFLEx and avail of offline delivery of instruction through learning packets. Soft copies may be downloaded or printed copies may be obtained from the school. Communication with teachers may be done using various means, e.g., phone call or text messaging if an internet connection is not available, during scheduled consultation periods.

A video recording of the online sessions will be made available by the teacher upon request. So in the event that a student cannot participate due to limited connectivity or technical glitches, she can view the video recording at any time. If possible, it is advised that parents consider upgrading the bandwidth.

The following online learning platforms and tools will be used for the different grade levels:

· Preschool: Microsoft Teams, Other Microsoft Productivity Tools, Seesaw

· Grade School: Microsoft Teams, Other Microsoft Productivity Tools, Genyo, Seesaw (Grades 1 to 3 only)

· Junior High School: Microsoft Teams, Other Microsoft Productivity Tools

· Senior High School: Schoology, Microsoft Teams, Other Microsoft Productivity Tools

To equip and prepare the students for the use of the learning platforms (Microsoft Office Teams, Schoology, Genyo, and Seesaw), an orientation program that will utilize instructional videos and other informational materials from Microsoft and Schoology will be made available to them. Assigned staff will also be on hand for queries or concerns relating to the use of these platforms.

Assessments will be a mix of formative and summative types. Summative assessments will be more performance- and project-based to allow students to exhibit what they have learned and apply them in various contexts, scenarios, and challenges.

Students’ learning progress will be based on the attainment of the competencies and skills that define the learning outcomes for each of the subject areas. Reporting will be more qualitative and descriptive as the focus will be on the learning rather than the grade. This qualitative approach will also better inform parents of the new knowledge and skills their daughters have acquired at the end of the instructional period and the areas where they would need more support and guidance.

The Math and Science Excellence Program (MSEP) will continue to address the needs of and challenge students who are inclined in these two content areas. MSEP students will use additional online tools to ensure broader opportunities for learning and exploration.

The Advanced Placement Program will continue as one of the academic enrichments in Senior High School. These classes will still follow the rigor and standards expected by the College Board despite the online or blended set-up that will be used in its delivery.

Attending AP classes is very good preparation for college since the courses use college level syllabi and are taught with the rigor expected in college level courses. Taking AP courses may also instill discipline, problem solving skills, and grit among students. On the practical side, getting a passing mark in the AP exam administered by the College Board may grant students college credits and exempt them from taking the course in college (note that this depends on the college or university).

Taking AP classes can help students:

· develop essential study skills needed for college such as time management, creativity, critical thinking, problem solving, and others

· build confidence in applying for college and in taking college entrance exams because being part of the AP program means that a student underwent a rigorous curriculum

· earn college credit or skip college introductory courses in local and international colleges and universities

· excel in college and/or have greater academic success.

All incoming Senior High School students who are willing and academically prepared to subject themselves to a college-level curriculum may enroll in an AP course. A survey was given to the students before the end of the school year to determine who are interested take AP classes. Parents may also email the High School Department and the AP Coordinator to enroll their daughter in any of the AP courses being offered for their daughter’s specific SHS track/ strand. All other queries may be forwarded to pflex@spcpasig.edu.ph.

True to its brand of holistic education, SPCP will offer the GIFT Program, which will remain one of the pillars of Paulinian Education in SPCP. Like academic classes, GIFT classes will be creatively delivered online.

Majority of the GIFT courses may be still offered online. Some of these courses will require the provision of equipment, instruments, materials, and assistance or supervision from parents or adults at home. Given these considerations, the school will hold a re-enrollment in GIFT through Microsoft Teams. Parents and students are advised to check the requirements per course before making their final GIFT choice.

Delivery of GIFT lessons shall be initially online and may transform to blended when on-site reporting is deemed safe and is allowed by the government. The school acknowledges the important role of the parents as partners in the teaching-learning process. Thus guidelines in conducting the lessons will be given. Students will be provided with online GIFT educational materials such as pre-recorded tutorial videos and interaction through online teaching.

Performance in GIFT will still be assessed and evaluated descriptively using a list of skills and competencies.

Since there are no competitions this year per the directive of DepEd, the extensive and rigorous training of varsity members may not be necessary. Varsity training will be deferred.

Application for admission for School Year 2020-2021 is done online. Details regarding the process of application and requirements related to application for admission can be accessed through the school’s website. Please use the following link: https://www.spcpasig.edu.ph/online-admission-for-sy-2020-2021

Should parents of applicants require further assistance, they may send an email to admissions@spcpasig.edu.ph or pflex@spcpasig.edu.ph. Alternatively, they may send a private message through the school’s Facebook page.

The schedule of enrollment and the details of the enrollment process will be posted in the school’s website. The pre-enrolment form (which can be accessed through spcpasig.edu.ph/pflex) must be accomplished by parents who intend to enroll their daughters in SPCP for SY 2020-2021, from May to June 15

Yes, there is a difference because there are suspended fees. These are charges for activities that cannot be carried out, e.g., field trips, sportsfest, etc., but which may be reverted to in the new normal. The schedule of fees shall be disseminated within this week.

Since students will be staying home, parents will be playing an important role in making PFLEx work, especially for younger learners who need more supervision or assistance. Foremost is for parents or guardians to help set the structure and schedule at home for their daughter to attend online classes. They must ensure that their daughter is on task or performs the learning tasks given. They are also expected to provide the subject teacher, homeroom adviser or guidance counselor with feedback regarding any observation that may impact the optimum learning of the student.

Please refer to the links below. We will update this section for any further development. 

MICROSMITH 

For product description and pricing, please refer to the Student Purchase Program e-mailed to parents earlier.

POWERMAC

Parents will be guided and supported in the implementation of PFLEx through the following ways:

· Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – This is a quick reference designed by the school, based on questions gathered from various stakeholders regarding the implementation of PFLEx, which will be posted in the school’s website and updated as new questions arise in the implementation process.

· PFLEx Guide – This document designed by the school describes the basic features of the program and its implementation.

· Orientations – Online orientations for parents and students will be scheduled to provide them with a general view of the program and the implementation scheme. These will be conducted before classes begin.

· Email – Questions or inquiries about the program may be emailed to pflex@spcpasig.edu.ph.

Student-teacher interaction happens during online sessions and consultation sessions. These interactions may take place through the learning management system, video conferencing, emails, phone calls, and short messaging.

The success of a home-based learning delivery requires close coordination between the school and the home. Thus, communication between parents/guardians and teachers regarding learning progress is encouraged. If parents have any concerns or questions about their daughter’s progress, they may communicate with the teachers through email or video conferencing. For conferences via video or phone, it is best to make an appointment with the teacher or administrator to ensure their availability.

While adult presence is ideal in the conduct of online learning in PFLEx, it is still possible for students with working parents to undergo online learning if they can operate their device and connect to the internet independently.

For very young pupils, however, the presence of an adult who will oversee them at home is a must to ensure their safety and security. On this premise, the school assumes that an adult will be present to ensure that young pupils are safe and to assist them in managing their device, establishing an online connection, and remaining on-task. Adult assistance need not necessarily come from the parents. Any trusted adult who is capable of doing the tasks indicated will suffice.

This will be on a case-to-case basis. With the transition to flexible learning, teachers will be preparing learning packets (modules) in addition to various learning materials, aside from the usual physical textbooks, to guide students. These learning materials (texts, instructional videos, documentaries, podcasts, educational apps, etc.) may either be created by the teacher or curated from various online sources. E-books may also be used as a ready reference. Younger learners will have some physical books that are important for learning as well as for psychomotor development.

The schedule of school fees will be posted in the school’s website. Alternatively, parents may inquire about fees from the Finance Office during enrollment.

Orientation and training for parents, especially those of very young pupils (Kinder to Grade 3), will be conducted to ensure that they are able to assist the students properly. Aside from these, instructional videos about the learning management system and other apps being used by the students will be made available as reference for both students and parents.

The sections for School Year 2019-2020 will be retained. However, it is possible for some movement to happen if a student from a regular class becomes part of the MSEP group or vice versa.

In order to ensure the effective delivery of online learning, synchronous academic classes will be limited to 15 to 20 students. Thus, students who belong to the same advisory class will be divided into two groups: AM and PM classes. Class lists shall be posted online to inform the students of their section and their homeroom group (AM or PM).

A structured schedule of online sessions and consultation will be provided to guide the students in managing their learning tasks. If a student cannot attend the given online schedule for some reason like a technical glitch or a problem with internet connectivity, a video of the session will be made available by the teacher to the student upon request.

Attendance will be checked for monitoring purposes. If a student is absent, the reason for her absence will be noted. Students who are unable to attend online sessions are expected to communicate with their teachers regarding their situation, so that arrangements for the missed online discussion may be identified by the teacher.

The prescribed guidelines for PFLEx will be discussed during the students’ and parents’ orientations. It is also possible that some details will be released after these orientations.

All necessary protocols are being set up by the school’s safety and health officers. Thorough sanitation and cleaning are undertaken regularly.

The Paulinian Tele-counseling Support services, which will be offered by the Guidance Center, will be available throughout the implementation of PFLEx. The counselor will be available to attend to the needs of the students. Support through teleconferencing can be considered an essential service nowadays. When students experience social isolation, having access to trained and caring counselors is very important. Tele-counseling will be done through Microsoft Teams. The use of technology will help overcome difficulties in accessing direct

services of in-person mental health support and prevent unnecessary exposure during the pandemic. It is essential for every student to feel safe even through virtual communication.

The I-R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Bullying Intervention Program is a special program of the SPCP Guidance Center intended to addressing bullying behavior across all levels from Grade School to High School. The program revolves around the foundational value of “RESPECT” as an acronym for proactive and positive actions: Respond, Empathize, Strengthen, Prevent, Empower, Control, and Transform.

The Paulinian Protection Committee (PPC) is a special task force that addresses cases of bullying behavior such as cyber-bullying. This committee deals with the investigation and the implementation of due process and sound decision-making in cases of bullying, with a focus on restorative justice.

The following are some of the concrete support that will be provided by guidance counselors to students to safeguard their mental well-being:

· The I-H.O.P.E. (Hold on, Pain Ends) Program – Intended for students at-risk, it promotes the delivery of safe, effective student care within reasonable and available resources, through the process of risk identification, careful evaluation, and cautious handling of actual and suspected incidences.

· Open and regular communication of the guidance counselors with the students and parents – The parents must be able to notice any difference in their child’s behavior. If the behavior is quite alarming, the parents may communicate with and refer this to the guidance counselor for assistance and counseling.

· Talks or orientations for parents regarding the possible effects of the pandemic on their daughters – These orientations will help make parents aware of certain indicators of mental health concerns such as changes in behavior and thoughts.

· Online kumustahan with students – It would be beneficial for students to have a monthly kumustahan. Much like the guidance period, this is a time wherein students can interact online with their classmates, with their counselor as facilitator. It will somehow address the lack of face-to-face interaction.

In keeping with one of the school’s educational goal of “Respect for Life,” the SPCP Guidance Center developed I-H.O.P.E., which provides students with early identification and intervention, prevention-education, and access to all local resources that promote mental health awareness. The program also seeks to assist and help students who are at-risk and have had incidences of suicidal behavior.

Students who are diagnosed with mental health concerns should be referred to the Guidance Center, which coordinates with the students’ parents and mental health specialists for recommendations of school intervention.

The counselor will conduct a regular counseling sessions online to monitor the students’ progress closely and be able to take note of other concerns. The counselor will also coordinate with the homeroom adviser and parents for close monitoring. The Guidance Center can likewise provide the parents with a list of specialists, if needed.

To assist new students and help them navigate the new environment, orientations by different areas or departments and welcoming activities in collaboration with student leaders and peer facilitators are conducted. New students are also provided an avenue to be heard through counseling.