As the school resumes classes on January 4, 2010, it begins the year challenged by the two faces it wears: the face of 2009 and the new face of   2010.

As we look at 2009, we say... 

We remember  the SVD centennial (1909-2009) which makes us recognize that Saint Jude Catholic School is a school of the Society of the Divine Word as founded by Father Peter Yang, SVD, Monsignor Peter Tsao, SVD and Monsignor Charles Tchou. As an SVD school, its fundamental character rests on being a missionary. Mission today is best expressed in dialogue. Thus SJCS is a school of dialogue.    

We celebrate the achievements of  Judenites on various endeavors and fields, such as  academic,  cultural, arts, and sports.  We credit the individual students, classes,  and teams  for their hardwork, perseverance, and sacrifices. We also recognize the efforts and labors  of all who share a part of themselves for excellence to be achieved:  parents and family members, teachers and advisors,  instructors, coaches, trainers, organized groups and  associations, administrators, and the whole school community.  In a special way, we celebrate also the spirit of solidarity we have manifested during the height of typhoon Ondoy.    We come to believe that our Judenite community  takes into heart our motto: Witness to the Word in the World.

We renew our fidelity to   the core school values of excellence, discipline, commitment, service, and Christ-centeredness.  There are nuances and differences in the levels of expression and manifestation of such values. But deeply, each one aspires to be radically challenged by the core values which serve as our  criteria and standard of performance and behavior. 

As we look at 2010, we hope to say...

Character formation and proper discipline are major concerns that every one needs to highlight in the Judenite education.  Their emotional, pscyhological, and social development need understanding, care and guidance.   All sectors of the school community agree that special attention and supervision need to be re-stressed on this aspect, including more visibility  and intervention of teachers and school authorities.  Meanwhile, such partnership with parents and family is a  crucial component.  This collaboration needs to be based on equal concern for the holistic development of the student free from mistrust, bickering,  suspicion, and social  pressure.

Academic excellence remains a formidable task for the school community.  Math, Science and Chinese subjects remain subject areas where a good number of students have failing scholastic grades.  Oral proficiency (Mandarin, English, Filipino)  and critical thinking need to be skillfully imbibed.  Efforts related to teaching strategies, students' learning modes and habits, relevant curricular content, coordination between subject areas and departments, and a host of other details need to be specifically anticipated, planned, monitored, and executed.

The quality of teachers is important for the survival of an excellent school. SJCS needs to review, innovate and implement measures that will not only attract the best graduates but also keep the best teachers.  Beyond simple career or professional choice, teaching is a vocation and a  mission. To stay in SJCS, however, is a commitment to a  life in perpetual excellence and service.

Lastly, we continue to take all the little steps for the fulfillment of the following dreams: accreditation, global competitiveness, and instructional innovation. 

We leave 2009 with gratitude and we come to 2010 with great hopes.