Spirituality and Formation

Administrators, Faculty, and Staff (AFS) Development Program

Aligned with its vision of “a community engaged in excellent instruction and formation, robust research, and vibrant community service,” the Ateneo de Davao University Junior High School seeks to “intensify faculty development” (Strategic Plan 2015-2020, p.9) and “assist in the fullest possible development of all the God-given talents of each individual person as a member of the human community.” (CJE 1.2, 25)

The school upholds that “in order to remain effective as educators and to “discern” the more concrete response to God’s call, all adult members of the educational community need to take advantage of opportunities for continuing education and continued personal development – especially on professional competence, pedagogical techniques, and spiritual formation.” (CJE 9.3, 152) Efforts are made to involve the community in the enhancement of the development program that is more responsive to their dynamic needs as human persons and educators through Focus Group Discussion (FGC) and Needs Assessment Survey.

Moreover, while the school’s immediate goal is to provide support for the integral formation of the administrators, faculty, and staff, it is the students who will ultimately benefit from such continuing efforts.

The Administration, Faculty, and Staff (AFS) Development Program aims to foster the full development of the AFS towards the actualization of their potentials. Specifically, it aims to (1) support the advancement and well being of the AFS, (2) provide a variety of training opportunities that are responsive to the needs of the AFS, (3) further the culture of excellence in ensuring significant level of learning for our 21st century learners, (4) and develop sui generis leaders.

Student Formation Programs

A. Students Activity Program

Ateneo de Davao University Junior High School aims to enrich the total formation of students through the principles guided by the book, Characteristics of a Jesuit Education. Included here are (1) the total formation of each individual within the community, (2) a religious dimension that permeates the entire education, (3) and an apostolic instrument.

Student clubs/organizations are a major source of interaction and involvement and an integral part of the total academic program at the Ateneo de Davao Junior High School. They offer a wide variety of student organizations that reflect the diversity of students. Co-curricular involvement through student organizations allows students to explore, broaden their interests, test and improve skills in leadership, interpersonal relations, organizational development, and group dynamics. These organizations provide valuable experiences for students who are eager to lead to learn, develop and create a sense of belongingness in the campus.

The Student Activities Program envisions a mutually supportive, positive, symbiotic and interactive learning environment where club members have the opportunity to develop their academic, communication, leadership, aesthetic, and athletic skills through meaningful and productive club activities that will foster self-confidence and personal growth, making the more God-centered, compassionate, committed, competent, and conscientious. It further empowers them to achieve their full potential, both in academic and non-academic undertakings to make them well-rounded individuals.

B. Homeroom Guidance Program/Psychology Education Program

The Ateneo de Davao Junior High School – a Jesuit institution that upholds the ideals of a holistic formation – envisions in producing competent individuals who are academically excellent; socially responsive to the challenges of times; and spiritually grounded on the teachings of the Catholic Church as reflected on the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Since the Ateneo de Davao Junior High School has been moving towards a more global approach, the students, likewise, are immersed deeper into a more intense formation that will serve as a catalyst to a more global and competitive Atenean.

Moreover, students are going through developmental changes while they progress chronologically. They are subjected to a series of emotional, interpersonal, physical, behavioral, and affective transformations, and yet, there seems to be little support to fully and correctly understand these changes. Adding to this intrinsic burden, the students are even faced with academic concerns that the school has laid down for them.

In response to all of these, the Student Development Center (SDC) – through the Student Development Facilitators (SDF) and/or Guidance Counselors (GC) – finds it important to assist Ateneo de Davao Junior High School students in dealing with developmental real-world problems to ensure that every student is equipped with skills that are beneficial for growth.

The objectives are (1) to assist students in acquiring skills, dealing with real-world problems in a classroom set-up, (2) to provide an avenue for students to ask and/or discuss issues/concerns that they have encountered as they grow, (3) and to facilitate students’ understanding of affective, behavioral, and cognitive processes that happen in an individual.

C. Students’ Spirituality Program

1. Recollection and Retreat

The Recollection for Grades 7, 8, and 9 is a part of the students’ spiritual formation. It is a once-a-year, whole-day activity where students are asked to pause, reflect, and be renewed spiritually. The Grade 10 students undergo a 3-day, 2-night Retreat which allows them to experience a deeper encounter with their self and their God.

The Recollection and Retreat modules and themes are based on the Ignatian Spirituality and values, specifically the 4C’s: Competence, Compassion, Conscience, and Commitment.

This also includes communal celebrations such as hearing masses throughout the school year, praying the rosary and other devotions, and volunteering in the Campus Ministry Office or Chaplain’s Office for Liturgical and Sacramental celebrations, and devotional practices.

2. Muslim Students’ Retreat

The Ateneo de Davao University Junior High School (AdDU JHS) Unit aims to respond to its vision and mission of “promoting cultural sensitivity and transformational and inter-religious dialogue, particularly with the Muslim and Lumad communities of Davao.” As the primary step in realizing this aim, the Office of the Assistant Principal for Formation, in collaboration with the Campus Ministry Office and the University’s Al Qalam Institute, has created a program whereby all Muslim students are enjoined.

On a regular basis, the Muslim students in AdDU JHS gather for a spiritual formation activity. The activity is facilitated by the Muslim brothers and sisters from the Al Qalam Institute.