Welcome to Stella Maris Academy of Davao!
As a Catholic Institution, Stella Maris Academy of Davao aims to collaborate actively in the Church’s mission of evangelization and social transformation. Through catechesis and integral education (Integration of faith and life) the school continuously works for the education of the “whole person” and the proclamation of the Christian concept of person, life and the world.
(Article 10 – 11, OCWE).
Marisians explore vocations at seminary
A group of selected students from Stella Maris Academy of Davao (SMAD) recently participated in the Vocation Jamboree 2024 held at the St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary of Mindanao. The two-day event, held on September 28-29, 2024, had the theme “Into the Unknown: Discovering Who God Made You to Be.”
The jamboree provided the students with an opportunity to deepen their faith, connect with other youth, and gain a deeper understanding of their potential vocations. Through various activities, including talks, workshops, and prayer, the participants were able to reflect on their own lives and discern their calling. Read more
A Special Day
Grade 3 Pupils Explore Seminary School
In a unique and educational experience, the Grade 3 pupils from Stella Maris Academy of Davao recently visited St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary of Mindanao, a place dedicated to training ground for future priests in Mindanao. This special trip was designed to give the young pupils a glimpse into the significant world of commitment and learning the life of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
The visit began with an enthusiastic welcome from the Seminarian Brothers. The Grade 3 pupils were greeted with bright smiles and warm introductions, setting a positive tone for the day. The seminary’s pupils guided the young visitors through various parts of the campus, sharing insights into their daily routines and academic pursuits.
A DAY WITH FRIENDS
Reinforcing St. Candida’s legacy
Marisians at all levels immersed themselves in getting everything set for the “A Day with Friends” activity that marked the feast day of St. Candida Maria de Jesus, the mother foundress of the Hijas de Jesus Congregation, on August 9. The Stella Maris Academy of Davao (SMAD) welcomed visitors from various families and public schools for this cherished tradition. This event embodies the spirit of filiation and fraternity, where God the Father has made everyone brothers and sisters. Read more
Over 50 children benefit SMAD’s Free Clinic
Stella Maris Academy of Davao (SMAD) concluded its annual free clinic, providing medical assistance to over 50 children from the Sacred Heart Parish and Bo. Obrero area. Held on July 28, 2024, the clinic was a collaborative effort between SMAD’s Community Extension Services Office and a team of dedicated volunteer doctors, nurses, teachers, staff, and alumni.
The free clinic offered a variety of medical services, including check-ups and medication distribution. Children aged 0-10 were eligible to participate. The event was a resounding success, thanks to the generous support of the community, SMEMCO, local businesses, and SMAD alumni. Read more
Stella Maris Academy Kickstarts Green Initiative and Outreach Program in Tawan-Tawan
Saturday, July 27, 2024 – Stella Maris Academy of Davao Faculty and Staff Lead Tree Planting and Goods Distribution activity in Tawan-Tawan, Baguio District
In the continuous pursuit of Laudato Si and fraternity, the faculty and staff of Stella Maris Academy of Davao gathered in Tawan-Tawan, Baguio District, for a day dedicated to environmental stewardship and outreach activity. This event is the core foundation of the institution’s strategic initiative and its ongoing commitment to action plans and community extension. Read more
Heralding a Blessed Year: SMAD glorifies the Holy Spirit
The holy spirit, our fire in the midst of the dark, our guide in the sail of the sea, is our main source of help whenever we are starting a new journey. Thus, the Stella Maris Academy of Davao community commenced the academic year 2024-2025 with a Holy Spirit mass last July 5 at the SMAD Sky Gym. The mass started at around 8:00 am, and ended at almost 9:30 am.
Presided by Fr. Russel Bantiles, DCD, Marisians were reminded of the utmost importance of glorifying the Holy Spirit in embarking a new ride. “A million journey start with the right foot”, said Father Russel in his homily, as he highlighted the example of Pentecost. “Gathering to attend the Holy Spirit mass is hence a right foot to start off a good school year”, he further stated. Read more
Celebrating the Solemnity of the Feast of St. Joseph:
A Reflection on the Virtues of the Beloved Father
In a morning filled with reverence and gratitude, the community gathered on March 19, 2024, to celebrate the solemnity of the Feast of St. Joseph, the spouse of Mary and foster father of Jesus. As the
morning prayer assembly commenced, hearts were uplifted in reflection upon the life and virtues of this revered saint, whose silent but significant role in the Holy Family continues to inspire generations. The gathering began with a reading from the Gospel according to St. Matthew (1:16, 18-21, 24), which recounts the account of the angel appearing to Joseph in a dream, affirming the divine nature of Mary’s conception and instructing him to take her as his wife. This passage encapsulates Joseph’s unwavering faith, obedience, and love—a testament to his pivotal role in the fulfillment of God’s plan. Read more
SMAD “Share-A-Joy” 2023
As the festive season unfolds, our hearts are filled with joy, warmth, and a desire to spread kindness. Christmas, in particular, is a time when communities come together to celebrate love, generosity, and the spirit of giving. One beautiful tradition of Stella Maris Academy of Davao Educative Community that has stood the test of time is the act of giving to the less fortunate members of our community during the “Share-A-Joy” every December. While Christmas has become synonymous with exchanging gifts and indulging in festive feasts, it is essential to reflect on the deeper meaning of this season. The activity was launched last November 6, 2023. Read more
“A Marisian Leaders Journey: From Turtles to the Shores”
The celebration of the season of creation is a time that allows the members of the church to give importance once again to the bountiful creation that God created. It aims to solidify and renew the connection between people and God as well as His creation. The celebration started on September 1 with the theme “Let Justice and Peace Flow” and the culmination of the celebration of the season of creation was only last October 4, 2023. Read more
VIVA, STELLA MARIS! SMAD Celebrates Feast Day of Our Lady
Mama Mary, our lady, the star of the sea, who is our candle in the darkness in times of trouble, celebrates her feast day as Stella Maris along with the Stella Maris Academy of Davao family, through unforgettable and memorable short prayers.
As the Stella Maris Academy of Davao community reminisces about the feast day of our dear Stella Maris. They have come to commemorate the feast on September 27, 2023, as a way to remember the blessings we receive from Mary, the Star of the Sea. Every Marisian truly looks up to her the most for guidance and protection at all times as they embark on a new journey full of ups and downs. Read more
Mother Foundress’ Day: Enriching Lives from Heart to Hand
Amidst diversity, self-interest, and social barriers of today’s generation, compassion and empathy still managed to prevail in Stella Maris Academy of Davao (SMAD) as Marisians created lasting smiles for the chosen families during the ‘A Day with our Friends’ program. The activity showcased the immense love and devotion of Saint Candida Maria de Jesus in serving the poor and the marginalized. In honor of Mother Foundress’ Day, such a meaningful and remarkable event unfolded and took place in the school on August 9, 2023. Read more
Connecting Hearts and Minds: Rekindling the Tradition of Reach Out Activity
Last August 15, 2023, our school embarked on a momentous journey as the Grade 3 students participated in a heartwarming reach out activity. This event not only marked a revival of a cherished tradition but also exemplified the resilience of our community in the face of adversity. Although the pandemic had temporarily suspended the practice of visiting the kuya seminarians, this year’s successful endeavor rekindled the spirit of connection and compassion that defines our school. Read more
Welcoming the return of Free Clinic Activity in SMAD after the Pandemic
In the wake of the global pandemic, educational institutions have faced unprecedented challenges. Among the various changes, one crucial aspect that was temporarily halted was the operation of free clinics within schools. However, as the world gradually recovers from the pandemic, the return of free clinic activity in schools is being warmly welcomed. This year’s 130 recipients ranging from 3 – 10 years are from the underserved and vulnerable residents in the different communities within SMAD under the Sacred Heart Parish. It was participated by fourteen doctors and nurses, fifteen volunteer employees, and five medical representatives from Unilever Philippines and Intermed Marketing Philippines, Inc. Read more
Celebrating a Holy Spirit Mass to start the new school year is a wonderful way to invoke blessings, guidance, and inspiration for the upcoming academic journey. The Holy Spirit is often associated with wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord – qualities that are highly relevant for students, teachers, and staff as they embark on a new year of learning and growth. The Holy Mass started at exactly 7:30 in the morning of July 28, 2023, presided by Fr. Bong Gonzaga. It was attended onsite by students from Grades 4-12 and online by students from Grades 1-3. Read more
“SMAD MISSION OF LOVE 2023”
Saint Candida Maria de Jesus once said. The Stella Maris Academy of Davao has been true to its vision and mission — to serve the poor as what Mother Foundress did. The school not only honed students, teachers and the whole community to become academically competent, but also to become spiritually enriched. As the students and teachers journey to become followers of Jesus Christ, SMAD creates avenues to reach out and share what they have received to the less fortunate. Read more
SMAD CONFIRMATION 2022-2023: “SEND YOUR SPIRIT, LORD UPON
US”.
Confirmation is said to be a moment when a Catholic affirms their beliefs. Through this sacrament, a person becomes a “spiritual adolescent;” that is, they mature in the way they communicate with God and in conveying his message. It entails the reception of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. This year, because of the pandemic, Stella Maris Academy of Davao Pastoral Ministry Office with Sister Patricia Anna Aragon, F.I., RCA, and the school administration prepared two batches of confirmation for our students in Grade Six, Seven, and Eight. The first batch was last January 14, 2023, and the second batch was last January 21, 2023. Read more
SMAD continues its joy-giving tradition
As part of its custom to give thanks for all the blessings received by sharing joy with others, Stella Maris Academy of Davao (SMAD) resumed its all-out annual Christmas Fund Drive and Share-A-Joy programs or activities in November and December 2022 after the safety restrictions brought by the pandemic.
The month-long preparation started on November 10, when the Junior High School (JHS) Glee Club and JHS Dancers’ Guild sang and danced to the Christmas beat during the launching of the Christmas Fund Drive. Read more
SMAD launches Platinum Founding Anniversary
Stella Maris Academy of Davao (SMAD) marked the launching of its 70th founding anniversary with a eucharistic celebration with the theme “Taos-Pusong Pasasalamat sa Iyo, Ama!” on Wednesday, December 7, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. in the SMAD’s Sky Gym.
Three hundred seventy-four (374) individuals, who were composed of Sister Georgette Hormillosa, F.I., the Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) Board, alumni, beneficiaries (such as those from Our Lady of Victory, Sta. Ana Police Station, Police Station 18, and Maa City Jail), special guests, former educators, current teaching and non-teaching personnel, and students attended the thanksgiving mass that was presided by Msgr. Paul Cuison together with Msgr. Julius Rodulfa, Fr. Russel Bantiles, Fr. Reynaldo Retardo, Fr. William Cajes, and Fr. Emmanuel “Bong” Gonzaga. Read more
Viva Stella Maris!
Last December 2-3, 2022, the Stella Maris Academy of Davao celebrated its 69th foundation day onsite with the theme, “Taos pusong pasasalamat sa Iyo, Ama!”.
The program started in the SMAD Sky Gym and thereafter the students began exploring the booths prepared by the Supreme Student Government and a few of the chosen students. Some of the booths prepared are as follows: photobooth, music and dedication booth, cupid’s cup of advice, movie booths, face painting, snooping Marisians, and of course, karaoke for both students and the teachers. Read more
The 69th Foundation Day of Stella Maris Academy of Davao
For the first time in 3 years, the Stella Maris Academy of Davao has celebrated its 69th foundation day on-site. On December 2 and 3, the school happily returned to the celebration of the 69th foundation day in an on-site manner. Joyfully, the event ended with a success. But will the students expect less in the future as they will forget this event? Read more
High School Student from Davao Places 3rd in Professional Level IT Certification Exam
Aloysius Reve Batu Torres, then a junior high school student of Davao city, attained the third highest score from 6 Asian countries that implemented the Information Technology Professionals Examination Council (ITPEC) Common Examination last April 24, 2022. Based on Japan’s IT Engineers Examination, the exam is locally implemented as the Philippine National IT Standards (PhilNITS) Fundamental Engineer (FE) Certification Exam. A PhilNITS-FE certified passer is regarded as having the same level of knowledge and competence as a professional IT Engineer in Japan. Read more
“Child of Saint Candida”: In Solidarity with the Poor
As SMAD continues to recognize members of its community who continually work and give their effort to live the value of solidarity with the poor for the month of October, three personnel were again acknowledged as “Child of Saint Candida”. Read more
PROBATIONARY TEACHERS AND STAFF MID-YEAR SESSION
Sixteen (16) SMAD probationary teachers and staff attended their mid-year integration session with a reflective topic entitled: Is God part of yourvalue? It was held on October 29, 2022, from 8:00 in the morning to 12:00 noon at M. Vicenta Guilarte room. The session started with a prayer andreorientation from Sister Patricia Anna Aragon, FI, RCA, followed by Ms.Frances Margaret “Miss Tette” Batac, as the facilitator for the activity. This is their second integration session with her this school year 2022 – 2023 aspart of their spiritual and character formation program. Read more
CULMINATION FOR THE MONTH OF THE HOLY ROSARY
The Stella Maris Academy of Davao culminated the month of the holy rosary last October 28, 2022, 3:00 pm as one of the significant devotions in honoring Mother Mary. A plant was offered for every Hail Mary that was prayed as the community reflected on the sorrowful mysteries. Read more
Intramurals, in the New Normal
Stella Maris Academy of Davao celebrates its annual Intramurals last October 25-27, 2022, with the theme, “Honing Fraternity & Camaraderie: Bridging the Gap in the New Learning Modalities.” Senior High School students held their events in the school while the Junior High School and Grade School students attended them online. These events include music, dance, literary events, highlights, e-sports, and board and parlor games. Read more
Viva, Stella Maris!
Feast of Our Lady, Star of the Sea
September 27, 2022, Stella Maris Academy of Davao educative community pays tribute to Our Lady, Star of the Sea.
Mama Mary, revered as the Mother of Jesus, is also recognized as the guiding star. She nurtures the birth and growth of our spiritual selves, just as women give birth to, nurse, and teach their offspring. She never stops pleading to Jesus for assistance on our behalf and sets an excellent example for us on how to live a righteous life. Read more
SMAD shares to the Barangay and Police
In the festive spirit of the nativity of our Blessed Virgin Mary, Stella Maris Academy of Davao through its Community Extension Services (CES) Coordinator Mr. Pepito Nuqui Jr. gave packs of rice to Barangay Governor Paciano Bangoy and Sta. Ana Police Station last September 8, 2022, in the afternoon. Read more
Christ Centeredness Living: Child of Saint Candida for the Month of August
On September 8, 2022, three acclaimed members of the Stella Maris Academy of Davao received the “Child of Saint Candida” recognition.
The Child of Candida commendation honors Stella Maris Academy of Davao community members who have exemplified remarkable imitation of a distinct Saint Candida value. Each month, a certain Mother Foundress value is emphasized. Read more
SMAD Launches Season of Creation 2022
Guided with this year’s theme, “Listen to the Voice of Creation,” the Stella Maris Academy of Davao (SMAD) community launched the Season of Creation last September 1, 2022.
From September 1st to October 4th, 2022, this season is the “time of grace that the Church offers to humanity to renew its relationship with the Creator and with creation, through celebration, conversion and commitment together.” Read more
Buwan ng Wika 2022
MOBILE BOOSTER PROGRAM held for SMAD EMPLOYEES
August 19, 2022
Forty-two (42) enlisted SMAD faculty, staff, maintenance, and guards were given booster shots last August 19, 2022. This was made possible through the efforts of Miss Johanne Marie Bañez of Marisian Batch 2009 together with her fellow medical volunteers from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The mobile booster was held from 9:00 up to 11:00 in the morning. Read more
SMAD Commemorates St. Candida’s 110th Feast Day
August 9 has always been a special day not just for the SMAD educative community but for the family of St. Candida all over the world. We remember a weaver’s daughter who felt drawn to be of service to her neighbors and declared that “Where there is no room for the poor, neither is there room for me.”
The theme for this year’s celebration is “Family of Mother Candida: Growing in Faith and Journeying towards Hope” which is also the theme for the Indico Pacific province. Despite the controlled movement brought about by the pandemic, the celebration became animated and meaningful because of the many graces received through her intercessions. Read more
SMAD student Days of Recollection 2022-2023
Recollections are regular activities in Catholic schools for children. In SMAD, the holistic development of a child is not deemed complete without spiritual growth and development. Human spiritual formation is one of the thrusts of the school in realizing its aim for Integral Christian Education. This year, the Administration with the Pastoral Ministry Center aims for its students to have gone through an Onsite recollection at least once every school year, starting with the 3rd Grade till Senior High school. Likewise, online recollections will also be given to those who can’t make it face to face. Read more
SMAD gives another retreat formation for staff
When we need assistance with a particular matter, we seek it from a professional in a specialized field. For this reason, when we need aid managing the demands placed on us spiritually, we go to those who serve in the church. Because of this, the SMAD concluded to have a staff retreat for two days. The participants will get a deeper understanding of themselves as the primary focus of this retreat, which will last for two days. The most essential thing we have learned from this retreat is how to acknowledge and embrace who we are as a person in the eyes of God. Additionally, we know what we can contribute in exchange for the things God has called us to do and wants us to accomplish for
Him. Read more
“We All Rise Together”: SMAD’s FIRST DAY OF INSET 2022
Stella Maris Academy of Davao opened the school year 2022-2023 last May 18, 2022. It started with a Holy Eucharist celebration presided by Rev. Father Russel Bantiles, CFD. After the Holy Mass, the morning session began with an inspirational message given by Sister Emelinda Falsis, F.I, Provincial Superior of Indico-Pacific Province. Sister Lynn talked about the need for Educators to form with a soul with genuineness and depth and CURA Personalis. She also shared in her talk that educators must have the virtue of humility, patience, and obedience. Through Sister Lynn’s talk, teachers were able to understand the importance of nurturing the soul with observance of how the soul manifests itself through education in faith, character formation, intensification of the values formation of students, educating the entire person, accompanying the growth of young ones, and creating a space for listening and accompaniment. Read more
Cherishing ‘power of moments’
Leaving behind the usual distractions they all face to grasp the opportunity for more time spent in prayer, contemplation and rekindling of their relationship with God, 27 administrators and coordinators, and 40 tenured teachers from Stella Maris Academy of Davao (SMAD) had their Ignatian annual retreat last May 11-13 and May 16-17 respectively.
“The 3-day retreat helped subside the nervousness I felt as a first-time coordinator, and it changed my perspective. Now, I see this new journey as a blessing and not a burden,” Ms. Hanny Hiolin, the new Grade School Math Area Coordinator, shared when asked about her experience.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Percy Magada, a Pre-School teacher who has been joining SMAD’s retreat for 16 years already, revealed that “the 2-day retreat reminded me once again of the blessings and graces of God, and I am beyond grateful for that. It was also a time for me to pause from my normal life and ponder where I am now at the moment and where God is right now in my life. This year’s retreat helped me to be more motivated and blissed to start the new school year full of hope and positivity.” Read more
SMAD Lenten Celebration 2022
The SMAD Administrators, Faculty, Staff and Maintenance through the initiative of the Pastoral team celebrated the Holy Eucharist last March 2, 2022, at 3:00 pm. It was presided by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel “Bong” Gonzaga, DCD. The shepherd of Sacred Heart Parish, Bo. Obrero, Davao City.
Ash Wednesday is when we begin the season of Lent. During this time, we are asked to do penance. Penance is an act of religious devotion performed to show sorrow for having sinned. We do this to improve our relationship with God and others. The Church suggests three special practices of penance for Lent: pray, fast/ abstinence, and alms-giving.
During this season we are encouraged to pray often, attend the Holy Mass frequently, and spend time with the LORD in prayer. Read more
Revisiting the basics of English Pronunciation
The staff of Stella Maris Academy of Davao attended the culmination ceremony on revisiting the basics of English Pronunciation and relearning the fundamentals of English last February 12, 2022 at St. Candida Room. The SMAD staff underwent a series of classes led by Mr. Jouard Jayson Tasic from July 2021 to January 2022. During the culmination ceremony, the school awarded a certificate of participation to the school staff. The school also awarded a Certificate of Appreciation and a token of recognition to Mr. Tasic’s invaluable contributions and support to the SMAD community. Read more
SMAD’s “Share-A-Joy” 2021: The True Spirit of Christmas
It is a season of giving. And for giving back. Service to the community is a value we carry all year-’round at Stella Maris Academy of Davao. For many, Christmas time is not as joyful as it should be. It’s the reason why the school strives to do its part in bringing the joy of the season back to some of those who may not otherwise have a joyous Christmas. Simply by engaging in the most ordinary acts of love – sharing a joy.
This year’s Christmas Fund Drive was a memorable time for the whole educative family because we celebrated the culmination of the 150th anniversary of the foundation of the Hijas de Jesus congregation. Three nearby barangays were selected namely; Barangay Governor Paciano Bangoy, Brgy. Kapitan Tomas Monteverde Sr., Barangay Poblacion District 20-B by the school’s RCA, Sr. Patricia Anna Aragon, F.I. together with the school’s Community Extension Coordinator. They received sacks of rice, boxes of canned goods, and noodles. Eighty families were selected appropriately by the barangay in charge of distribution. Read more
SMAD’s Transmission on the International Congress for F.I. Educators
Last November 25, 2021, the SMAD educative community gathered together for a Re-echo of what transpired during the “Encuentro de Educadores”, an Educators Congress of all F.I. schools all over the world.
Miss Flordelette Sison started the assembly by explaining the objectives and the flow of the afternoon’s session followed by the sharing of Mrs.Arlen Lasay and Ms. Rhodora Edullantes from the talk of Fr. Juan Antonio Ojeda Ortiz, FSC, on the Ten educational challenges posed by today’s world, challenging and encouraging everyone to renew their educational passion with great courage. . Read more
Deepening on the Life of Saint Joseph
Upon receiving an announcement that we will have a deepening session about Saint Joseph, I don’t know what to expect. All that I have in mind is that I have to attend the webinar and just note down significant points. We were so busy before the webinar for there are many tasks and activities that we need to finish. I, on my end, am still figuring out how to edit the videos for our Foundation Day and also come up with meaningful activities for my students in our classes. I was praying for strength, wisdom, and creativity for me to be able to finish the tasks given to me.
The morning before the webinar, I have received a message from our dear RCA Sister Tricia that I will make a simple web article about our deepening session on Saint Joseph. Read more
International Youth Encounter
It was October 13 when I first got the news that I was chosen to be one of the participants of the International Youth Encounter一a gathering of young people from more than 15 countries. This online event was to be held on November 6, 2021, from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm via Zoom. The Youth Commission of the Congregation organized this gathering to commemorate the 150th founding anniversary of the Hijas de Jesus congregation.
There were nine of us selected Senior High School students. From Grade 11: Chynna Louise Espartero, Karah Alferez, Kazmierz Andre Basan, Rhona Angela Barroso, Stephanie Coquilla, and Mikaelle Ann Maranan. From Grade 12: Emjay Paul de Jesus, Jacon Kate Soriano, and yours truly. Two Marisian alumni joined us: Justinne Marie Alvarez and Marlon Jin Manajero, with teachers Ms. Flordelette Sison and Mr. Jouard Jayson Tasic. Read more
Life’s Simple Truths
A reflection on the Article: Simplicity
(November issue of the 12 months, 12 experiences: 150 years
Charism and Spirituality of the Hijas de Jesus Congregation)
Many things we learn in life when it’s too late. But then we can make our future better by enhancing our understanding of life and learning from past mistakes.
When I look back at my earlier years in life, I see that many of the thoughts I had that time have completely changed over time as life unfolds gradually in front of me.
With time, I gain new perspectives. I see more clearly what went wrong to avoid the mistakes I’ve made. Read more
SMAD Holy Rosary Month Celebration 2021
October 7, 2021 marks the feast day of our Lady of the Holy Rosary. A significant day for most of the Christians.
To relive what Pope Pius V have said, he requested the rest of the Europeans to pray the Rosary to ensure the victory against the Ottoman Empire in that Battle of Lepanto way back October 7, 1571. Pope Pius V credited this triumph to Mother Mary, in honour and respect of her as he further states, this is the “ Feast of our Lady of Victory”, which was later on was changed to the “Feast of the Holy Rosary in 1573 by Pope Gregory XIII. In relation to this, October became the month of the Holy Rosary. In connection to this commemorative month of the Holy Rosary celebration, The SMAD Administrators, faculty and Staff through the initiative of the Pastoral team launched the praying of the Holy Rosary every day Read more
Being Joyful with St. Candida Maria de Jesus
People like the saints who have faced tremendous adversity and struggle only to come out victors have proven that the choices we make each day decides how we want to live, what our future looks like, and how we’ll feel throughout the journey.
This October, the SMAD educative family focused on their monthly reflection on the piece written by Sr. Leoly Quitorio, F.I., published on the SMAD website on the Joy in the life of St. Candida Maria de Jesus. An indication of Mo. Candida’s personal experience of the unconditional love of a God who is Father revealed to her in Jesus Christ. The same month she was canonized for sainthood last October 17, 2010. Read more
Celebrating SMAD Teacher’s Day in the Month of the Holy Rosary
Celebrating SMAD Teacher’s Day last October 7, 2021, assumes significance amid the coronavirus pandemic. In this crisis, educators have shown, as they have done so often, good leadership and innovation in ensuring that #LearningNeverStops, that no learner is left behind.
Activities in the afternoon of that day started with a Tribute for teachers initiated by the Grade School and High School Activity Coordinators with the GSSC and HSSC Officers. A video prepared by the students with their club Moderators depicts renewed appreciation of their teachers and their vital role in educational recovery. Read more
SMAD’s Call to Ecological Conversion: A Technocratic Paradigm
Last September 29, 2021, the Educative community of SMAD, through the initiative of the RCA and the Pastoral Ministry, held another session on “Laudato Si” with Msgr. Paul Cuison, JCD as the invited speaker. He showed us the deeper root causes of the environmental crisis that Pope Francis has richly discussed in his encyclical on the call to ecological conversion on the section of technocratic paradigm Read more
SMAD Celebrates the Nativity of Mary
As Filipino Christians, Mary always holds a special place in our hearts not only in her role as the Mother of God but also in her role as our Mother and great intercessor. Last September 8, 2021 the SMAD Educative community celebrated the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The special day of tribute to the blessed mother started with a morning offering and the exposition of the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, where the community could offer their flowers as a sign of love and devotion. Read more
Pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Wika 2021
Tema: “Filipino at mga Wikang Katutubo sa Dekolonisasyon ng Pag-iisip ng mga Pilipino.”
SMAD celebrates St. Candida’s 109th Feast Day
Celebrating special feast days helps bring the liturgical life of the church into the life of the educative family. It is a way to make the celebration a vibrant living thing for everyone in the community.
This year’s celebration of St. Candida’s 109th Feast Day started with a 9-day novena from July 31- to August 8 and culminated with a Live Holy Mass in the school chapel via Google meet at 7:30 in the morning of August 9, 2021, Read more
English Class for SMAD Staff
It was fun and refreshing for the staff of Stella Maris Academy of Davao to start the school year 2021-2022, as the administration offered them a Special English Class Program with Mr. Jouard Jayson Tasic, a high school English teacher, as their facilitator and trainer. This special class is set every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month until the end of the school year. Read more
