Ms. Cassandra Lopez had the privilege of sitting down with Ms. Rhia Clarissa C. Vicente, the Principal of the Senior High School (SHS) at Manuel L. Quezon University (MLQU). Eager to delve into the exciting visions and goals for the upcoming School Year 2023-2024, Cassandra listened attentively as Ms. Vicente passionately shared her plans for the SHS and the students it served.
As the interview commenced, Ms. Vicente outlines a comprehensive roadmap for the year ahead. First and foremost, she expressed her determination to increase the number of enrollments for incoming Grade 11 students. By doing so, the SHS would open its doors to more eager learners and provide them with the opportunity to experience the excellent education it had to offer.
To complement this expansion, Ms. Vicente emphasized that she will work towards further upgrading the facilities for the SHS students. Recognizing the significance of a conducive learning environment, she aims to create spaces that inspire and foster academic growth.
Not content with mere physical improvements, Ms. Vicente also emphasized the importance of professional development for her faculty. She expressed her desire to provide teachers with more opportunities to grow and enhance their skills. By doing so, she believed that the educators would be better equipped to guide and inspire their students, ultimately raising the overall quality of education at the SHS.
The SHS curriculum was not left untouched in Ms. Vicente’s vision for the future. She envisioned an enhanced curriculum that would remain relevant and engaging, catering to the evolving needs of the students. By incorporating innovative teaching methodologies and introducing new subject matter, the SHS aimed to provide a holistic and enriching educational experience.
In preparing the Grade 12 students for the upcoming National Achievement Test, Ms. Vicente recognized the importance of thorough and comprehensive preparation. She emphasized the need to equip these student with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their examinations, ensuring their future success in college and beyond.
Looking towards the immediate future, Ms. Vicente revealed her plans to expand the SHS offering. She envisioned the introduction of additional tracks, such as the technical Vocational Track, to provide students with a broader range of educational pathways. By diversifying the options available, the SHS aims to meet the unique interests and talents of its student body.
To enrich the overall learning experience, Ms. Vicente expressed her desire to organize more educational and exposure trips for the students. Recognizing the value of real-world experiences, she seeks to broaden their horizons and deepen their understanding of various subjects through hands-on learning opportunities.
As the interview progressed, it became evident that the SHS at MLQU had a distinct edge over its counterparts. Ms. Vicente proudly shared that a majority of the Grade 11 applicants were academic awardees from their junior high schools. The MLQU SHS are driven and dedicated students, eager to excel in their academic pursuits.
Furthermore, Ms. Vicente highlighted the caliber of the faculty at the SHS. The teachers are not only highly qualified but also practicing professionals in their respective fields. Drawing from their real-world experiences, they brought a wealth of knowledge and expertise into the classroom, enriching the educational experience for the students.
Additionally, the SHS had established partnerships with prestigious companies, offering Grade 12 students the opportunity to engage in work immersion programs. These partnerships facilitates the application of theoretical knowledge in practical settings, preparing the students for their future careers while fostering valuable industry connections.
Throughout the conversation, the underlying theme that emerged was the commitment to a learning culture that nurtured the holistic development of its students. The SHS provided an environment where students were encouraged to enhance their cognitive psychomotor, affective, and social skills. The classes are student-centered, focusing on active learning and engagement. Collaboration is highly valued among the principal, teachers, and students creating a supportive and collaborative atmosphere for growth and development.
Ms. Rhia Clarissa C. Vicente, known in the campus as Principal Rhia, had always been passionate about education and leadership. From a young age, she knew that her calling was to make a positive impact on the lives of students and inspire them to reach their full potential. Her journey in the field of education had been filled with hard work, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
After completing her Bachelor of Education in Mathematics from the prestigious University of Sto. Tomas, Ms.Vicente embarked on a mission to further enhance her skills and knowledge in leadership and management. She knew that to become an effective educational leader, she needed to equip herself with the necessary tools and expertise. With this goal in mind, she enrolled in the Master in Leadership Management program at De La Salle-Manila.
Simultaneously, Ms. Vicente began gaining practical experience in the educational field. She started her professional career as a teacher at St. Paul College, where she shared her knowledge and love for mathematics with her students. Her enthusiasm and innovative teaching methods inspired her students to embrace the subject and excel academically.
As Ms. Vicente’s reputation grew, she was offered a position at Lorenzo De Manila School. She accepted the role of Administrator for Projects and Plans and Senior High School Principal. In this role, she spearheaded initiatives that focused on holistic student development, academic excellence, and community engagement.
After several successful years at Lorenzo De Manila School, Ms. Vicente was presented with an incredible opportunity to serve as the principal of MLQU SHS. She saw this as a chance to make a broader impact on a larger student population and contribute to the school’s growth and development. Accepting the position with humility and determination, she began her new role with boundless energy and a clear vision for educational excellence.
As the principal of MLQU SHS, Ms. Vicente fostered a culture of collaboration, innovation, and student-centered learning. She worked closely with her staff, empowering them to unleash their full potential and create an environment conducive to growth and success. By implementing modern teaching methodologies, incorporating technology into the classroom, and nurturing the talents of her students, she helped them become well-rounded individuals prepared for higher education and the challenges of the real world.
