Something unpredictable has disrupted the whole world. Plans have been cancelled, timetables, deferred and schedules, messed up. It’s COVID-19!  As declared  a global pandemic, It has brought tragedy in such a short span of time - millions are being infected, death tolls are rising, and economies are falling.  No one has expected such to happen in this age of highly advanced technology!

 

The pandemic scares humanity. Fear is inevitable. The normal colds or coughs, as declared Covid symptoms, when manifest bring panic at an instant.  Next thing you hear, the person quarantines, and then gets a swab test if symptoms worsen. The process heightens anxiety.  

 

Anxiety, distress, fatigue, and some have become depressed in this trying time.  But despite  this catastrophe, each one is trying to cope to survive and go on with life amidst on and off calls for lockdowns and health protocols.  

 

Covid-19 brings new normal in lifestyle, policies in the government, including the educational system.  This new normal calls for so many changes. At the onset of lockdown protocols, SouthHill Management has endeavored to cope with the changes in order to ensure continuity in its operation and mandate to the studentry.  From the usual face-to-face classes, the school has switched to an online learning management system. Prioritizing the safety and health of everyone leads to the shift to the new platform, Schoology. This learning network has enabled students and teachers to conduct academic discussions in virtual classrooms.

 

Learning in the midst of a pandemic is indeed a challenge to SHSI Faculty and Management. Aside from the new arrangement in schedules and some  modifications in the curriculum, there is a need to consider and prioritize on mental wellness of the students as well. Thus, the Guidance Office created a Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), a support program to help  the students in managing their mental and emotional being. 

 

The Schoology is on a virtual platform, but while students are basically at home school, different clubs were established to ensure continuous development in other aspects of students’ lives. The co- curricular activities serve as a deviation from the academic life and everyone is given a chance to have fun and have more fellowship with their classmates even inside their homes.

 

With the pandemic, the home becomes everything to every student.  The eight-hour school time has become a 24/7 life at home.  No classmates, but zoom mates.  But despite the temporary physical separation, South Hillians’  intellectual and emotional connectedness continuously thrive. Indeed, let us not cease from learning and making the most out of these trying times. 

 

South Hill, along with its numerous coping measures in this new normal, amidst the global threat of the pandemic shall strive more to survive. Together, students and teachers alike,  will continue to adhere to its core values of  truth, charity, justice, and excellence!