Activities Overview
Philosophy Statement
While academic curriculum programs have priority over the co-curricular, co-curricular programs play an important role in assisting students in becoming well-rounded individuals and developing the following life skills:
- a relationship with God
- a recognition of an individual’s strengths and weaknesses
- an appreciation of music, art, drama, sport, etc. (and a development of skills in these areas)
- development of service to others in a variety of forms
- an ability to communicate well with others
- an ability to make good decisions and evaluations
- development of a holistic life and a balanced lifestyle
- an ability to set boundaries so students have leisure time, family time, and time to rest
Activities (Extra Co- & Curricular Programs)
The administration will pursue, encourage, facilitate and support wholesome, extra curricular and co-curricular student activities and programs, developed by students, parents and/or staff, consistent with Faith Academy Mindanao mission and philosophy.
The student activities and programs can be supported by the Filipino and expatriate communities and will enhance and balance the academic program at Faith Academy Mindanao. The activities and programs will reflect the demographic profile, needs, and interests of the students.
The student programs will be sponsored, coached, and/or advised by qualified personnel appointed by the administration. The Athletics’ Director appoints coaches.
All school-sponsored student activities must include a sponsor or sponsors approved by the administration to ensure the safety, wellbeing, and Christian growth of the students.
Spiritual Life Activities
One of the primary goals of Faith Academy Mindanao is to encourage our students to grow in their relationship and walk with Jesus. Spiritual Life Activities provide opportunities for growth.
Chapel
Chapel is held regularly for the worship, fellowship, evangelism and equipping of the students and staff. Attendance is required.
Praise and Worship Team
The school encourages students with musical gifts to get involved in chapel and other outside worship services.
Discipleship
Discipleship activities may be planned by the staff to include both staff and students in regular Bible study and application. Involvement may be either mandatory or voluntary, depending on the activity
Prayer
Prayer is an important activity for a vital spiritual life. Students will be given examples, instruction and opportunities to pray individually, in small groups and corporately.
Outreach
As world Christians, we are concerned about those around us. Faith Academy Mindanao will provide activities and opportunities to reach out to the physically, emotionally, and spiritually needy.
Spiritual Emphasis Retreats
Faith Academy Mindanao may organize and sponsor spiritual emphasis retreats during the course of the year in order to provide opportunities for continued spiritual growth of students and staff. Such retreats may be coeducational or separated by gender. If the retreat includes a school day, then all students are expected to participate. Many times this retreat is held in conjunction with Outdoor Education. If the retreat is on a weekend or non-school day, then participation is encouraged but not mandated.
Student Council Activities
A goal of Faith Academy Mindanao is to provide students opportunities to develop civic and citizenship skills through leadership and serving. Thus, our school provides several activities that allow a practical opportunity to hone those skills.
Student Councils
There are separate but cooperating student councils in high school and middle school. There is an election within the first week of the school year to elect student council members. The Administration will appoint faculty advisors.
Leadership Conference
Each year high school students elected to Student Council leadership will attend a Leadership Conference sponsored by the Administration. The conference will take one day of school and one non school day 9Firday and Saturday morning). It will include training activities including spiritual, planning, and leadership sessions.
Middle School Welcome Back Party
Each year high school students elected to Student Council leadership will attend a Leadership Conference sponsored by the Administration. The conference will take one day of school and one non school day 9Firday and Saturday morning). It will include training activities including spiritual, planning, and leadership sessions.
Spirit Week
Near the beginning of each year, there is a week designated as Spirit Week for the entire school (K-12). This is a time for costume days and special events at lunchtime. All students will want to participate to show their school and team spirit. It is a time of enjoyment and teambuilding with the student body and staff.
Carnival
Each year, the Carnival is scheduled on a Friday afternoon to be held on the Covered Court. Each class (K-12), with the help of parents and staff, will sponsor a booth. The Student Councils sells tickets used in the booths that include games, and refreshments. The funds raised will go to a Filipino outreach program for the needy designated ahead of time by the Student Councils.
Track and Field Day
Typically, on the last day of the third quarter, prior to Parent-Teacher Conferences, Track and Field day is held. Students are placed on to teams and compete in various races and field competitions of their choosing. In the longer races, (5K, 2K or 1K) community adults may participate.
Banquets
Both Middle School and High School banquets are scheduled for students to enjoy participating in wholesome social events. Students are given an opportunity to practice and demonstrate their social skills, both in serving and being served.
International Day
Alternating years, International Day is scheduled on a Friday afternoon to be held on the Covered Court. Each country represented in FA Mindanao with the help of parents and staff, will sponsor a booth. The Student Councils will issue “passports.” The booths typically include artifacts, photos and refreshments from that culture.
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Education is an integral part of the Faith Academy Mindanao curriculum for middle school (with FA Manila) and high school and participation by all students is expected.
Outdoor Education gets the students out of the classroom and into a practical leaning situation for approximately a week of school.
The purposes of Outdoor Education are:
1. to serve with the Filipino community in practical, interactive ways,
2. to promote the spiritual development of students, and to challenge students to expand their understanding of God’s role in their lives.
3. to provide educational experiences that include learning about the development, culture and geography of the Philippines,
4. to build cohesiveness within the student community, and to challenge our students to expand their understanding of their resources and capabilities,
5. to have fun.
Fine Arts Activities
Faith Academy Mindanao provides activities such as plays, concerts, musicals, displays and holiday programs. Faith Academy Mindanao also encourages participation in community and church-related performances. Curricular courses (Band, Vocal Music, Drama, Art) as well as extra curricular activities are sponsored by the school.
Those students participating in Band will be required to either have or rent an appropriate instrument. Faith Academy Mindanao procedures for instruments will be posted at the beginning of the school year.
Athletic or Sports Activities
Faith Academy Mindanao also sponsors athletic activities. These can include both intramurals and interscholastic competitions. An Athletic Director is appointed by the Administration from the staff to implement programs that support our core values and the Schoolwide Learning Results. This provides an excellent opportunity for our students to grow in physical skills as well as developing character traits.
ISAC (Grades 6-12)
Faith Academy Mindanao is a member of International Schools Activities Council, and depending upon student interest, may sponsor boys’ and girls’ teams in volleyball, basketball and soccer.
There should be several local games organized for each sport as well as participation in the ISAC tournaments. Students not planning or able to go to the tournaments are still encouraged to play on the Faith Academy Mindanao teams when competing locally.
Please refer to the athletic handbook for guidelines regarding eligibility, requirements, and other details regarding Faith Academy Mindanao
Updated 2009/11/24