By: Catelyn Fajardo
Philippine School Doha (PSD), an institute of service and excellence, had always been open to rooms for improvement to give the students the maximum comfort without compromising quality education. The school proved this further as a Peace Envoy was conducted by the selected C.A.T. Officers and the Prefect of Discipline to ensure peace and order and uphold the school laws more efficiently which was held in the Audio-Visual Room (AVR) last October 16.
The masters of the ceremony, Enya Lardizabal and Lawrence Mararac, started the event by a prayer led by Ivanna Madriaga. Shortly after, the consultation proper began with the students’ issues regarding the random bag searching, where most students were wary of their privacy being invaded. The school heads clarified the purpose of the random bag searching and emphasized how it would help the safety of other students as there is nothing to worry about as long as the students don’t have anything to hide nor fear.
The students were also determined to exercise more freedom upon their choice of regarding their choice of jackets and hairstyles. With this, Dr. Alexander Acosta explained that PSD was not a fashion school, and the school follows a strict attire policy. PSD has its own jacket for a purpose—to give a sense of identity. Another prominent issue was the No Assignment Policy, wherein many students raised their concern that it was not being executed properly. Dr. Caridad A. Canete, the VP of the Junior High School (JHS) Department, encouraged the students to report such teachers in her office so that the school can address the issue and avoid further complications. The level heads also explained the sides of the teachers, wherein sometimes the students themselves try to exceed the teachers’ expectations despite the lack of time, and how the time given would often be enough if not for the students’ procrastination. Nonetheless, the level heads and the VP-JHS assured that this would be looked into.
Other concerns such as the purchasing of classroom essentials, the request for classes to begin at 8 A.M., less yard fee, inquiry of the possibility of a Ramadan Schedule two days before examinations and the occurrence of receiving more than three quizzes per day were also inquired. As more questions arose, the Vice Principal of each department gave their word that they would discuss the issues and find a possible solution to cater to the students’ needs.
As for the Muslims, the suggestion of Muslim Prayer rooms, despite the immense respect the school has for them, cannot be catered due to the lack of rooms. In line with this, the SSG Vice President, Al-Rashad Sangcopan, shared that he often does his prayers in the vacant area in the Penthouse of the school, and he encouraged other Muslims to do the same if they couldn’t find a peaceful place for their prayers.
With all the concerns addressed and the questions answered, the event was successfully brought to an end. The masters of the ceremony finished it with gratitude towards everyone who came and participated. The administrators, teachers, and students were able to leave the AVR with content smiles knowing the circumstances were explained and that the matters were resolved. Indeed, the event showed the true importance and necessity for confrontation to shine a light on the rooms of improvement previously left unseen in the dark. Through this event, the virtue of humility can be instilled into the PSDians by portraying the acceptance that one may make mistakes, but with the right clarity and the right open-mindedness, all disputes can be solved.