Institutional and Community History

HISTORY OF ST. MARY’S ACADEMY OF SAN NICOLAS

(Formerly St. Nicholas Academy)

San Nicolas Academy was established in 1966. Only Kindergarten up to Grade 2 classes were initially offered. The school was under the leadership of Mother Ma. Rebecca Kuinisala, RVM, the Regional Superior of the Visayas Region. The late Msgr. Manuel Salvador, who was then the Auxiliary Bishop of Cebu and Parish Priest of San Nicolas, provided the school building. He was known as the founder of “San Nicolas Academy”.

In 1967, additional classes were offered from Grade 3 to Second Year High School. Government recognition for the complete Elementary Course was granted on July 1, 1968.

On July 8, 1970, government recognition was granted to the High School Department. The enrolment increased remarkably and there was a need for more classrooms, hence, a fourth story was added to the existing High School building. This was made possible through the generosity of some benefactors, one of whom was the late Don Paterno Luym.

S. Ma. Caridad Monleon, RVM became the Principal in 1973. She started the SRA Reading Program in both departments and was also responsible for the construction of the High School Home Economics Building with the school canteen in front of it.

S. Ma. Beatriz de Aquino, RVM was appointed Directress of the school in 1982. During her term, an annex to the High School building was constructed through some donations from the School Family Council, the alumni and some friends of the Congregation namely Mrs Milagros Lim, Mr. David Luym, Mrs. Chellie del Rosario and Mr. Leonardo Ylanan. The said building which served as the Sisters’ cloister was blessed on July 16, 1983.

It was on May 10, 1982 that the Government Recognition for the Kindergarten Departments was issued.

In 1984, S. Ma. Lydia E. Jovellano, RVM was appointed Superior-Principal. Improvements were made which included the provision of a canteen in the High School. S. Ma. Maxima D. Remata, RVM was appointed as Superior-Directress from 1987 to 1992. It was during her term that the maiden issue of “Response”, the school organ, came out of the press.

The School Family Council continued to fully support the school. Through the leadership of its president, Mrs. Mattie Baguia, the construction of the school rest rooms were made possible.

The desire of the school to improve the quality of instruction inspired the administration to work for accreditation using the instruments of the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU). The Preliminary Visit of the Elementary Department was held on January 23-25, 1991 and that of the High School Department was on February 6-8, 1991.

In 1991, 6 computer units were acquired and journals in microfiche reader were also provided in the library.

S. Ma. Estelita Padernal, RVM was installed as Superior Directress in 1993 and during her term, additional computers were purchased, basketball facilities were provided. Construction of the new Grade School building was undertaken with the help of Manos Unidas. The laying of the cornerstone took place on April 10, 1994 and on March 7, 1995, representatives from Manos Unidas, Mr. Alberto O’Connor and Miss Leni Suarez, visited the school to monitor the construction of the building.

During the School Year 1994-1995, repairs of the High School building were also done with the cooperation of the School Family Council under the leadership of Mrs. Trinidad Degamo. It was also during the term of S. Ma. Estelita Padernal, RVM that the school signed a contract with EDUVISION 2000, Inc., a computer company which facilitated the computer-aided instruction program of the school, although this lasted only for a year.

In June 1995, S. Ma. Maxima D. Remata, RVM was again assigned as the Superior/Directress. During her term, the PAASCU Formal Visits of both departments were undertaken – September 14-15, 1995 for the High School and January 23-25, 1996 for the Grade School. A three-year accreditation was granted to the High School Department on April 10, 1997 and to the Elementary Department on April 16, 1997.

On April 8, 1996, the new Grade School building was completed and was blessed by His Eminence Ricardo Cardinal Vidal.

S. Ma. Eufrocina Claridad, RVM was appointed as Superior and S. Ma. Remedios B. Soriano, RVM was assigned as Directress from School Year 1997-1998 to 1998-1999. The latter was appointed Superior-Principal from 1999-2002.

PAASCU Revisit to both Grade School and High School Departments were conducted in 1999. The Elementary department was given a 5-Year Level II accreditation status on January 14, 2000. The High School department also received a 5-Year Level II accreditation status on April 26, 2000 but with interim visit on the areas of Faculty, Instruction and Library.

The Elementary department offered computer as a subject starting SY 1997-1998. In this school year, the school ranked 9^th in Region 7 and made a 100% passing mark in English in the National Secondary Achievement Test (NSAT).

On August 15, 1998, after 32 years of existence, the name of the school was changed from St. Nicholas Academy to St. Mary’s Academy of San Nicolas. This is to honor Mary as the Patroness of the Congregation and to identify the school as a Marian institution. Major improvements in the physical plant were done in 1999 namely: cementing of the Grade School ground, which served as the pupils’ playground and renovation of Administrative offices.

In June 2002, S. Ma. Tessie Manalo, RVM was assigned as Directress/Principal and S. Ma. Dominga B. Firaza, RVM was designated as Superior. In July 2003, S. Ma. Leah M. Zozobrado, RVM took charge of the Grade School department as Principal.

Major renovation of the High School building was undertaken with the provision of an auditorium, more spacious Science, Computer and Speech laboratories, library, audio-visual room, Technology and Home Economics room, Administrative offices and a lobby. The newly renovated building was blessed on July 18, 2003. Construction of the covered court was also done providing the students with comfortable volleyball and basketball courts.

In November 2003, PAASCU Interim Visit of the High School department in the areas of Faculty, Instruction and Library was conducted.

In June 2004, S. Ma. Violeta S. Juanico, RVM was assigned as the High School Principal while S. Ma. Leah M. Zozobrado, RVM remained as the Grade School Principal. S. Ma. Rufina B. Guillano, RVM, the RVM Schools’ Superintendent for the Visayas region took over as the School Directress.

During this School Year 2004-2005, a separate Home Economics room for the Elementary Department as well as a workshop for Elementary boys were provided. A small waiting shed for parents and guardians was constructed at the back of the Elementary building.

The High School and Elementary libraries were provided with three computers each with internet connections for the students’ research needs. A conference room was also provided for the Elementary department.

From school year 2005-2006 to 2010-2011, S. Ma. Rufina B. Guillano, RVM was appointed as the Superior/Directress while at the same time, the Superintendent of the RVM Schools in the region.

In 2005, four air-conditioned units were donated by the parents for the libraries of both departments making the area more conducive for students’ and teachers’ research and study.

On October 21-22, 2005 the Grade School Department had its PAASCU Revisit while the High School Department had its PAASCU Revisit on November 10-11, 2005. Both departments were granted a 5-year Level II accreditation status.

It was also in 2005 that the air-conditioned AVR of the Elementary department was transferred to the ground floor to make it more accessible. The office of the Grade School Principal was renovated and a conference room adjacent to the office was provided. The Grade School Home Economics room was also renovated.

In 2006, the Grade School canteen was constructed. From 2006-2008, more updated technological equipment to enrich instruction were purchased like: LCDs, laptops and additional OHPs. Computer units were provided in the faculty rooms of both departments and additional computer units with internet connection were provided in both libraries.

In 2007, the walls along the corridors and the stairways of the Elementary department as well as the story telling corner of the library were painted with sceneries to make them more attractive to the pupils and to enhance their interest to come to school.

In 2008, sun breakers and iron grills were provided in the second floor veranda of the Elementary building for the safety and protection of the pupils. Potted flowers were placed along the iron-grilled veranda to enhance the beauty of the building.

Dispensing room for the Science Laboratories of the High School department was constructed to facilitate the use of chemicals and apparatus. An exhibit room for Science and Math was also provided adjacent to the dispensing room.

In 2009, one of the classrooms in the ground floor of the Elementary building was transferred to the second floor and the clinic was relocated to provide for a lobby and expand the space where pupils may stay and move around before classes start.

The clinic was not only relocated but it was also renovated to provide separate beds and privacy for boys and girls and a wider space for both the medical and dental examination areas.

In 2010, the Guidance office of the Elementary department was relocated and improved with provisions for counseling and testing rooms.

The computer room of the High School department was relocated to the second floor and the vacated space was utilized for Administrative offices, namely: individual offices for Coordinators of Discipline, Student Activity, Community Extension and Alumni/Mother Ignacia Movement (MIM). The structure of the old Kindergarten room attached to the back portion of the High School building was renovated and converted into an air-conditioned institutional audio-visual room.

The passion to make a difference in the ministry includes not only in providing for facilities but also in innovating the curriculum to respond to the needs of the changing times, hence, from School Year 2007-2008, the school started to incorporate the essential elements of the Understanding by Design framework in the instructional process, enriching the RVM Pedagogy with its four-pronged integration. In 2009, the interweaving of the UbD framework into the RVM Pedagogy was initially implemented and in 2010 Unit Plans and Learning Plans were used instead of Syllabi and Lesson Plan and unit performance task was emphasized. Students have also achieved academic (essay writing, declamation and oratorical contests) and sports (Taekwondo) excellence awards in competitions outside the school from 2007-2010.

S. Ma. Anecita C. Navaja, RVM was assigned as Basic Education Principal for School Year 2010-2011. During this school year, PAASCU preparation for the Elementary department was undertaken for the scheduled re-survey visit on February 24-25, 2011. The Grade School Department was then given a 5-year Level II re-accreditation status.

A new set up to the school’s organizational structure and leadership started in SY 2011-2012 when S. Ma. Fe B. Lagarto, RVM was appointed as Superior/Directress/Principal while at the same time, the Superintendent of the RVM schools in the Visayas Region. Ms. Saturnina A. Alia, the former High School Academic Coordinator was appointed as Basic Education Assistant Principal. During this school year, PAASCU preparation for the High School Department was undertaken for the scheduled re-survey visit on January 26-27, 2012. The High School Department was granted a 5-year Level II re-accreditation status.

In SY 2013-2014, with the onset of the K to 12 curriculum, the school slowly transitioned into an Integrated Basic Education set-up. Middle-level administrators e.g. Academic Coordinator, Prefect of Students and Student Activity Coordinators were designated. Subject Area Coordinators were also appointed for the Christian Living, Communication Arts (English & Filipino), Math/Science and MAKABAYAN (AP, MAPEH, TLE/HELE & Computer) Areas to manage the improvement in the areas of Curriculum and Instruction.

It was also in this school year that the school started to celebrate its Foundation Week Celebration from October 4 to October 13 of each year. The administration designated October 13 as its Foundation Anniversary in consonance with the feast day of the Our Lady of Fatima, making her the patroness of the school.

On October 15, 2013, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit Central Visayas which caused damage in the High School building. The building was rehabilitated for several months which led the school to conduct half-day classes for students using the Grade School building. On March 25, 2014, the High School building was blessed after it was completely renovated.

In SY 2015-2016, Mr. Jed A. Rivera was appointed as the school Principal, making him the first lay Principal of the school. It is on this school year, particularly December 19, 2015 that the year-long celebration of the school’s Golden Jubilee was launched.

For SY 2016-2017, S. Ma. Rachel B. Bernardo, RVM served as the School Directress from July to August 2016. However, due to her health condition she was relieved from her assignment and S. Ma. Fe B. Lagarto, RVM was re-appointed as the School Directress and assumed the supervision of the school in September 2016 while she remained as the Regional Superior.

The school also opened its Senior High School (SHS) program offering the Academic Track (GAS, ABM & STEM Strands) and the Technical-Vocational Track (Home Economics & ICT Strands) for the Grade 11 students. To give way for the SHS, the Grade School classes were reduced from two sections to one section per grade level and Grades 7 and 8 was transferred to the Grade School Building.

December 18, 2016 marked an important milestone in the journey of St. Mary’s Academy of San Nicolas – the closing of its Golden Jubilee of existence in the Archdiocese of Cebu. Various activities were held to celebrate the school’s 50^th year anniversary. On this occasion, the Grade School building was named as Our Lady of the Assumption Building and the High School building was called Mother Ignacia Building.

It was also in SY 2016-2017 that air-condition units were installed in all classrooms and offices.

School Year 2017-2018 saw the dawning of an innovation in the RVM Education Ministry to meet the many needs of the schools – the clustering of schools under one Cluster Directress S. Ma. Remy M. Villaraiz, RVM who is also the Education Ministry Commission (EMC) Member for Basic Education in the Visayas Region. St. Mary’s Academy of San Nicolas belonged to the pilot Basic Education Cluster with Saint Mary’s Academy of Capiz, Roxas City and St. Mary’s Academy of Dalaguete, Cebu. The three schools are accredited by the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU) and are also Basic Education institutions offering Primary, Junior High School and Senior High School levels. Mr. Jed Rivera continued to serve as School Principal.

This school year the Kindergarten and Grade 11 classes were closed due to very minimal enrolment. Discernment as to the direction of curricular offerings was undertaken.

The structure of St. Mary’s Academy of San Nicolas transitioned into a Basic Education set-up as it also prepared for its first Integrated Basic Education PAASCU Visit on February 5-6, 2018 with enthusiasm and hope in the Divine Providence as it faced many new innovations in the changing Philippine educational landscape. The school was granted Level II Re-Accredited Status for the next 5 years.

The school graduated its first and last Senior High School batch composed of 79 students of whom 18 specialized in Science and Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Strand, 27 in Accountancy, Business and Management (ABM) Strand, 17 in General Academic Strand (GAS), and 17 in Technical-Vocational-Livelihood Strand (12 Computer Systems Servicing and 5 Bread and Pastry Production) .

Mr. Melanio Mabatid, a teacher of SMASN was conferred Sinag ng Karunungan Award by CEAP-CeSSPA.

On its second year of implementation, the RVM clustering of schools started to take shape to respond to the needs of the ministry. In SY 2018-2019, the Basic Education Cluster was composed of Saint Mary’s Academy of Capiz, Inc., Roxas City, St. Mary’s Academy of San Nicolas, Inc. Tomas Abella St., Cebu City and St. Anthony’s Academy of Tuburan, Inc. Tuburan, Cebu under the Cluster Directress S. Ma. Remy M. Villaraiz, RVM who was also the School Principal of SMASN. S. Ma. Marites Roca, RVM was designated as Assistant Principal to take charge of the school during the absence of the Cluster Directress.

This SY 2018-2019 SMASN reopened its Kindergarten offering. It also launched the Philippine Catholic School Standards (PCSS) and the RVM Quality Road Map (RVM-QRM) institutionally. SMASN undertook its first RVM-QRM internal validation under the leadership of Mr. Jed Rivera, the Institutional Quality Assurance Coordinator and his team of validators. The BED Cluster also worked together to have a common Student Handbook revision and ratification. Common Grading and Awards System was also implemented in the clustered schools. SMASN purchased and utilized the Optical Mark Reader (OMR) for its major assessment. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) was utilized.

In this school year SMASN opened its built-in English Enhancement Program in all levels to strengthen its curricular offerings. It also started offering Talent Enhancement Program once a month.

School Year 2019-2020 was an equally challenging school year for St. Mary’s Academy of San Nicolas. Still belonging to the Basic Education Cluster with Saint Mary’s Academy of Capiz and St. Anthony’s Academy of Tuburan under the leadership of S. Ma. Remy M. Villaraiz, RVM as Cluster Directress and Mr. Jed Rivera as Principal, SMASN embarked on the journey of evaluating and refining its processes and procedures through the RVM Quality Road Map (RVM-QRM). The school had two (2) internal validation activities within the school year. The 8 Defining Characteristics of the Philippine Catholic Schools Standards were used as guide for reflection and personnel recollection theme for the year. Activities for Justice and Peace, Ecological Integrity, Engaged Citizenship, Poverty Alleviation, Gender and Equality and Youth Empowerment (JEEPGY) were also integrated in the school programs and activities. Robotics was included in the school’s curricular offering for Grade 1 to 10. SMASN ventured on utilizing Schoology, a Learning Management System (LMS) that employs online resources for instruction and assessment.

The journey for SY 2019-2020 was cut short by the outbreak of the pandemic SARS-CoV-2 commonly known as COVID-19. Classes were terminated on March 13, 2020 before the final examinations of most students. For the first time the Moving-Up Ceremonies for Kindergarten, the Completion Rites for Grade 10 and Graduation Rites for Grade 6 were not held. Instead, SMASN prepared a virtual year-end rites and recognition activities and posted it on the school’s official Facebook account.

Outward success means rising above past accomplishments to reach new levels of achievements. SMASN is determined to reach new heights as it continues to nurture Faith, build passion for Excellence and develop deep sense of humble Service.