ESFDB starts 2016-2017 School Year

Eskuelan San Francisco de Borja students and 3rd-5th grade adviser Mary Rose Lucero, center, show their excitement during the opening of school. (Contributed Photo)

Public school kids hit the learning button last week, but for students at Eskuelan San Francisco de Borja, it’s that time to roll out to school and hit the books to kick off school year 2016-2017.

With the new school year comes a new beginning and new expectations, but same identity at ESFDB.

School administrator and principal Carmen H. Atalig continues to help to develop ESFDB into a faithful, spiritual, and fruitful future.

Atalig continues to utilize her vast expertise in education to harness the power and influence parents to get them involve more deeply in the education of their children.

“I hope the students enjoyed their summer. The teachers and staff had been preparing their classroom to welcome new and returning students. We’re very excited and hopeful for the beginning of the school year,” said Atalig.

Atalig added, “We take seriously and are grateful for the sacrifice of our parents and parishioners who invest in our Catholic schools. We continue to work diligently to seek new ways to ensure the Catholic identity, high academic standards, and future of ESFDB, as we address the mind, body and soul of the students entrusted to our care.”

In addition, Atalig called for students to follow in the example of Jesus by being kind, forgiving, and peaceful to each other throughout the school year.

Assisting Atalig is a cadre of faithful, dedicated, and professional laywomen and men who are ready to tackle another exciting and challenging school year.

The Pre-School program is headed by Lea Maratita. She is also the school’s Business Office manager.

Monette Ladao will serve as the class adviser for the Kindergarten class.

Florinda M. Chavez, adviser for the 1st and 2nd grade, is the most seasoned faculty in the ESFDB team.

Mary Rose Lucero, adviser for the 3rd and 5th grade, is another seasoned faculty.

Rounding out the ESFDB team is 6th to 8th grade adviser Edward Maratita Jr.

“The opening, once again, of the Catholic school (Eskuelan San Francisco de Borja) is a testament to the staying power of Catholic education. Here we are, 27 years later, and excited to begin another school year,” said board chair Edward C. Maratita, Jr.

“As we begin the 27th year of the existence of ESFDB, we celebrate their continued academic excellence, which has been publicly recognized over the years in the national and local competitions, and by the support of parents and students who have chosen and benefited from Catholic education,” added Maratita. “We owe the success to Carmen Atalig for her efforts to lead ESDFB to academic excellence.”

Maratita stated, “The school year 2016-2017 offers another challenges but, if the past 27 years have taught us anything, it’s that we must continue to hold onto what is essential, and to be open to what we need to do.”

The administration, faculty, staff, and students started school on Aug. 22 and their Holy Spirit Mass will kick off the new school year on Aug. 26 at 6:30pm at the San Francisco de Borja Church. The Mass will be officiated by newly installed Bishop Most Rev. Fr. Ryan Jimenez.