{"id":139970,"date":"2024-03-25T07:42:17","date_gmt":"2024-03-25T07:42:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.xs.edu.ph\/?p=139970"},"modified":"2024-03-25T23:33:04","modified_gmt":"2024-03-25T23:33:04","slug":"xs-grade-school-presentation-and-closing-ceremonies-2024-beyond-boundaries-redefining-excellence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.xs.edu.ph\/index.php\/xs-grade-school-presentation-and-closing-ceremonies-2024-beyond-boundaries-redefining-excellence\/","title":{"rendered":"XS Grade School Presentation and Closing Ceremonies 2024: Beyond Boundaries – Redefining Excellence"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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The Grade School Presentation and Closing Ceremonies<\/strong>, held on March 20, 2024, at the Xavier School Sports Center, was filled with inspiring messages, heartfelt reflections, and significant milestones for the graduating class of 2024. The event, marked by moments of gratitude and anticipation, celebrated the journey of the students as they prepared to embark on new chapters in their lives.<\/span><\/p>

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The ceremony commenced with an Invocation led by Fr.<\/strong> Felipe Yohan, Jr. S.J., XSSJ Campus Minister<\/strong>, followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem, led by Mr. Rafael M. Raza, Music Teacher<\/strong>. Jose Lorenzo L. Capule of 6 – Bl. Rupert Meyer, S.J.,<\/strong> extended a warm Word of Welcome to the attendees, setting the tone for the afternoon’s festivities.<\/span><\/p>

Mrs. Jane C. Cacacho, Grade School Principal<\/strong>, then took the stage to present the Class of 2024, while Luis Alfonso M. Tortona of 6 – Bl. Rupert Meyer, S.J.<\/strong>, introduced the esteemed Guest Speaker, Mr. Robert C. Yulo, an alumnus of Xavier School (XS ’79)<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>

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Mr. Yulo spoke fondly of his own experiences at Xavier School and the invaluable education and formation he received. Addressing the theme “Beyond Boundaries – Redefining Excellence,” Mr. Yulo shared insights on growing up in the world of men and becoming resilient in the face of challenges. He introduced the “I Care Matrix,” a guide he prepared for the students, emphasizing the importance of Choice, Attention, Rest + Reflection, and Empathy in their journey of faith.<\/span><\/p>

Throughout his speech, Mr. Yulo emphasized the significance of each factor in navigating life’s complexities and urged the students to embrace bravery and believe in themselves. He shared anecdotes, wisdom, and encouragement, weaving together personal reflections and universal truths.<\/span><\/p>

Reflecting on the challenges ahead, Mr. Yulo reminded the students of the presence of the Cross of Christ within them, symbolizing courage, belief, and love. He encouraged them to find meaning and purpose in their encounters and experiences, guided by faith and compassion.<\/span><\/p>

As Mr. Yulo concluded his speech, he left the students with a final message: to learn from the past, live in the present, and fight for a good future. He encouraged them to let their light shine always, believing in themselves and embracing bravery as they journey forward.<\/span><\/p>

The full transcript of Mr. Robert C. Yulo\u2019s speech may be found at the end of the article.<\/span><\/i><\/h6>

Following Mr. Yulo’s address, Mrs. Joal Ria S. Orqueza, the Assistant Principal for Formation, presented the Magis Award. This award is given to a student who has striven for excellence in all that he does, has demonstrated perseverance in school work, and has consistently exerted outstanding effort in improving himself and in developing his full potential.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

The Grade School Magis Awardees for School Year 2023-2024 are as follows:<\/span><\/p>

Jose Lorenzo L. Capule of 6 Bl. Rupert Mayer, SJ<\/strong><\/p>

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Isaiah Ezekiel M. De Ocampo of 6 St. Alberto Hurtado, SJ<\/strong><\/p>

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Chad Erico C. Reyes of 6 Bro. Richie Fernando, SJ<\/strong><\/p>

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Luis Alfonso M. Tortona of 6 Bl. Rupert Mayer, SJ<\/strong><\/p>

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Isaiah Ezekiel M. De Ocampo, from 6 – St. Alberto Hurtado, S. J.,<\/strong> then delivered a heartfelt Word of Gratitude on behalf of the graduating class. This was followed by the presentation of academic awards and distribution of pledges.<\/span><\/p>

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The Grade School Presentation and Closing Ceremonies concluded with the Xavier Pledge, led by Chad Erico C. Reyes of 6 – Bro. Richie Fernando, S.J.<\/strong>, and the Acceptance of the Pledge and Closing Remarks by Rev. Fr. Aristotle Dy, S.J., School President<\/strong>. The event culminated with the rendition of the Xavier School Song by the Class of 2024. Gavin James C. Chua of 6 – St. Noel Chabanel, S.J.<\/strong>, served as the Master of Ceremonies for the event.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

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As the graduates prepare to embark on new adventures, Xavier School extends its deepest gratitude to the parents, teachers, and mentors who have guided and supported them along the way. Here’s to the bright futures that await the Class of 2024!<\/span><\/p>

FULL TRANSCRIPT OF MR. ROBERT YULO’S COMMENCEMENT SPEECH<\/em><\/span><\/h5>
I am happy and honored to speak to you today. Proud to be with you as a fellow Xaverian. I am grateful for the EDUCATION <\/b>and <\/span>FORMATION <\/b>that I have received here at Xavier. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span>I am excited for what you will do with the GIFT <\/b>of your <\/span>EDUCATION <\/b>and <\/span>FORMATION <\/b>and\u00a0 how well you will <\/span>USE <\/b>and <\/span>SHARE <\/b>these <\/span>GIFTS <\/b>to make this <\/span>WORLD <\/b>a <\/span>BETTER PLACE <\/b>for\u00a0 all.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h5>
The theme for your graduation today is \u2013 \u201c<\/span>BEYOND BOUNDARIES – REDEFINING EXCELLENCE\u201d<\/b>.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h5>
In line with this, I would like to talk to you about growing up in the world of men and how to become <\/span>RESILIENT <\/b>and <\/span>RESONATE <\/b>with <\/span>RELEVANCE <\/b>in your continuing <\/span>JOURNEY <\/b>of <\/span>FAITH<\/b>.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h5>
I am going to share with you a simple guide that I prepared which I will call the \u201c<\/span>I CARE MATRIX<\/b>\u201d.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h5>
I <\/span>PROMISE NOT <\/b>to make this a very long speech with the hope that you will <\/span>LISTEN ATTENTIVELY <\/b>and\u00a0 hopefully pick up some useful <\/span>INFORMATION <\/b>and <\/span>INSIGHTS <\/b>this morning.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h5>
So, what is the \u201c<\/span>I CARE MATRIX<\/b>\u201d? Well, basically it is four factors (words) arranged in a quadrant with\u00a0 \u201c<\/span>I<\/b>\u201d right at the center of it.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h5>
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And the four words or factors are:\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>
  1. CHOICE\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/h5><\/li>
  2. ATTENTION\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/h5><\/li>
  3. REST + REFLECTION <\/b>and\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h5><\/li>
  4. EMPATHY\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/h5><\/li><\/ol>
    Let me quickly define each of these factors:\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>
    CHOICE <\/b>is the ability to make conscious and deliberate <\/span><\/span>decisions based on your values, desires, and circumstances.\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>
    It involves acknowledging different options, weighing them <\/span>critically, and choosing the one that best aligns with your <\/span>goals, and the well-being of those you love.\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>
    In all things choose to be the <\/span>BEST.\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/h5>
    <\/b>Always try to choose to do the <\/span>RIGHT THING.\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/h5>
    And if it becomes too difficult, choose then to be <\/span>KIND.<\/b><\/span><\/h5>
    The second factor is <\/span>ATTENTION.\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/h5>
    ATTENTION <\/b>refers to the act of being present and mindful of your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h5>
    It encourages you to observe and reserve judgment and respond with <\/span>KINDNESS <\/b>and <\/span>LOVE. <\/b>\u2022 <\/span>To focus on what truly <\/span>MATTERS.\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/h5>
    To <\/span>CHOOSE <\/b>to do what brings you <\/span>CLOSER <\/b>to <\/span>GOD.\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/h5>
    The third factor is <\/span>REST <\/b>+ <\/span>REFLECTION.\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/h5>
    REST <\/b>+ <\/span>REFLECTION <\/b>is to pause and take time out to physically and mentally rest, allowing yourself to\u00a0 ponder and reflect with gratitude on the gift of your life.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h5>
    It means slowing down, engaging in activities that bring peace and clarity to you.\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>
    And finding and going to a safe place to process your encounters and experiences. <\/span><\/span><\/h5>
    It is a time to <\/span>PAUSE, PONDER <\/b>and <\/span>PRAY <\/b>and realign with your <\/span>PURPOSE <\/b>(Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam<\/span>)<\/b>.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h5>
    And finally, we have <\/span>EMPATHY.\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/h5>
    EMPATHY <\/b>is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, putting yourself in their shoes\u00a0 and responding with compassion.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h5>
    It can be as simple as patiently listening and being with a FRIEND, being a good brother, son, and student.\u00a0 Always ready to smile, say a kind word and lend a helping hand without bias or judgment. <\/span>\u2022 <\/span>In the bible, it is said that 3 things will last forever \u2013 <\/span>FAITH, HOPE <\/b>and <\/span>LOVE <\/b>and the greatest of these is\u00a0 <\/span>LOVE<\/b>.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h5>
    Do you know why <\/span>LOVE <\/b>is the greatest? Because only <\/span>LOVE <\/b>is both a noun and a verb. Saying I faith you or\u00a0 I hope you does not make sense. <\/span>RIGHT<\/b>? But you can say \u201c<\/span>I LOVE YOU\u201d <\/b>to someone and it can mean a\u00a0 heaven of a difference to them.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h5>
    Unfortunately, you will find out soon enough that the road ahead <\/span>WILL NOT BE EASY<\/b>.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h5>
    There will be <\/span>DETOURS <\/b>and <\/span>TRAFFIC <\/b>along the way. You will, at times, find yourself <\/span>LOST <\/b>and <\/span>CONFUSED <\/b>at the\u00a0 <\/span>CROSSROADS <\/b>of your life.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h5>
    You will be tested to make tough <\/span>CHOICES <\/b>and learn to deal with the <\/span>CONSEQUENCES<\/b>.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h5>
    You will be <\/span>DISTRACTED <\/b>by so many things like social media, assignments, chores, problems, and many other\u00a0 commitments.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h5>
    You find it difficult to <\/span>REST <\/b>and <\/span>REFLECT <\/b>on the things that matter most and feel <\/span>OVERWHELMED <\/b>with anxiety,\u00a0 stress, fatigue, and disappointments.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h5>
    And there will be bad and selfish people that will try to fool and take advantage of you, making you fearful to love and\u00a0 be loved. I can constrain you from being a <\/span>MAN FULLY ALIVE<\/b>, endowed with the <\/span>PASSION FOR JUSTICE <\/b>and the\u00a0 <\/span>SKILLS FOR DEVELOPMENT<\/b>.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h5>
    THE CROSS OF CHRIST\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>
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    So, in the <\/span>MATRIX <\/b>of <\/span>CARE <\/b>who stands at the center of it? It is <\/span><\/span>\u201cYOU\u201d. But what happens when the \u201cI\u201d is no longer just you? What if <\/span>I tell you that the <\/span>CROSS of CHRIST <\/b>lives inside of you.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h5>
    At the intersect point between the x and y axis is the cross of Jesus <\/span>Christ who completes the circle that binds and makes you whole <\/span>and reminds you to \u201c<\/span>BELIEVE <\/b>and <\/span>BE BRAVE\u201d <\/b>(Fides Et Virtus).<\/span><\/span><\/h5>
    And my dear boys, at the end of the day, trust me when I say, <\/span>YOU <\/b>cannot <\/span>BE BRAVE <\/b>if you do not <\/span>BELIEVE<\/b>.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h5>
    The <\/span>CROSS of CHRIST <\/b>binds and brings together the <\/span>CHOICE, ATTENTION, REST + REFLECTION<\/b>, and\u00a0 <\/span>EMPATHY <\/b>of your <\/span>MATRIX<\/b>.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h5>
    The <\/span>ENCOUNTERS <\/b>and <\/span>EXPERIENCES <\/b>in your life will find deeper <\/span>MEANING <\/b>and <\/span>PURPOSE <\/b>and guide\u00a0 you in:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h5>