New Beginnings

Thank you for praying for us. We have already had seven weeks of school!  We have learned much about our new SIS (School-wide Information System) called Sycamore. Thanks to our IT Dept and the High School Guidance Counselor, we were able to get our master schedule in this new system and give our MSD (Middle School Division) students their schedule.

We are still praying for an English 6 Teacher and a MSD Counselor and Vice-Principal, but until God answers that prayer, we have combined our two sections of grade 6 into one large class—33 students. Things are going well and the two teachers that are affected by this are doing well; God even provided a teacher’s aide for them. Regarding the jobs that the MSD Counselor and Vice-Principal perform, I get to wear several hats and our wonderful MSD staff help with many as well. So we are just praying for strength and wisdom until God provides for this need but are thankful that God always provides for our needs (Ps.23).

Teachers are entering grades and they are thankful that this new SIS is much easier than what we were using last year. Progress reports were issued at the beginning of Sept and teachers know how to update their grades. It is a very powerful program and we are still learning all that it can do for us.

The beginning of the quarter is filled with meetings and activities. All of our new staff, students, and parent orientations went well and we are getting into the groove of the 2015-16 school year. We hosted our “Meet the Teacher,” and I led the opening session for parents and then the parents followed their child’s schedule, meeting each teacher and learning about the year ahead of them.

Middle school is known for its many activities. Clubs have already started and our Barkada groups are formed. A Philippine barkada is a close group of friends; friends that know you and support you. This is the goal of MSD Barkadas. Through a series of events, both social and competitive, middle school students are mixed together in one of four colored Barkadas: Asul (blue), Berde (green), Dilaw (yellow), and Pula (red). While participating in these events, the students are encouraged to build godly character qualities and good relationships with a variety of people as well as build school spirit. The Barkadas are able to gain points towards winning the prized ‘Barkada Bowl’. I am part of the Ausl Barkada and last Friday was our Barkada Bash, filled with fun and excitement. My Barkada placed second in this grand event.

Do continue to pray for my father, as he is still recovering in the hospital.  The incision that they made during the surgery has not healed yet, but it has made better progress. I am thankful that I can call and Facetime my mother and family each week.

Thank you for praying for us and our ministry here at Faith Academy.

In Christ,

Walter and Cheryl Spicer