“Remember the days, we set out together with faith?” the first line of the song echoed in the air. And as these children sang their song with tears in their eyes, memories of the past were coming back. It seemed like it was just yesterday when a plan of putting up a campus of the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai International School (PNJKIS) in Calinan was made. Soon enough, a Japanese descendant-run school was finally built in Durian Village, Calinan, Davao City. In June of 2006, the first school year of PNJKIS Calinan begun. It started with only 7 pupils in Nursery and 8 pupils in Kinder with only 2 teacher Miss Cherry Grace Martil for basic academic subjects for Preschool and Mrs. Evelyn Jagmoc, for the Japanese language. The following year, Preparatory level was opened to complete its Pre-School Education. From then on, another level was added each year to continue what has been started by the first batch of enrollees.
After nine years of learning, it was with so much happiness to know that from a group of 8 Kinder pupils, now ready to face the next stage are 22 Grade Six pupils. Seeing these grown up children wearing their white togas brought back the times when they were still the little boys and girls, learning to readand write their ABCs and counting their 123s, enjoying singing and dancing, playing and running. Nine years went by so fast. Their most awaited day has come. March 24, 2015 marked another milestone in the history of PNJKIS Calinan. The first batch of graduates marched their way to the aisle. Everybody was excited for this was the first ever commencement exercise of the school. The members of the Board of Trustees graced the memorable occasion. This event was even made more special with the presence of the people behind their success, their teachers, friends and parents. A heartfelt ceremony was held to start the event with Rev. Father Elvie Bordios, DCD as the celebrant. It was followed by the graduation rites to which the students were presented to the President of the Board of Trustees and finally recognized as newly graduates of the institution. Fulfillment and pride were curved in their smiles as they received their diploma, awards and medals. Unspoken words of gratitude were clearly written in their face. It was enough to know how happy they were. Continue reading “PNJKIS Calinan’s Nine-Year Journey towards the Road to Success” by: Carmen C. Apigo
The High School Department is confronted with a very challenging season as the K to 12 curriculums gradually unfolds. We have now 1st year level coined as Grade 7 and the 2nd year level as Grade 8. Several changes are taking place most especially in the grading system because the grade/year levels like Grade 1, 2, 7 and 8 will now have letter-grade such as follows:
Advanced (A+) 95% and above
Advanced (A) 90% – 94%
Proficient (P) 85% – 89%
Approaching Proficiency (AP) 80% – 84%
Developing (D) 75% – 79%
Beginning (B) 74% and below
For a country like the Philippines we need to level up in the area of education so we can compete globally. Not everybody has the full grasp of this new curriculum but we in the academe are trying our best to bring the message of change to our students and parents.
This year the High School Department is blessed with 547 students, 141 of which are graduating.
On June 20 to July 4, 2013 our student named Eurel Bandoy, of 4th year level was the lone representative from the Philippines in the Japan Language Program for High School Students in Kinsai, Japan together with the other 41 students from USA, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and other countries. It was an educational tour where learning cultural lessons such as Ikebana and Calligraphy was part of it. The whole delegation also visited the places of Nara, Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima. Eurel came back to Davao bubbling over with her experiences which she will never forget in her entire life.
Last September 2 and 3, thirty-five (35) Indonesian educators came to visit PNJKIS as part of their benchmarking activities in the Philippines. It was a great privilege to accommodate them here in our school and exchange our best practices, concerns as well as our culture.
Our Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts remained to be active in participating the council’s activities. On September 9 to 15, thirty-eight (38) Boy Scouts participated in the Davao-wide Jamborette in Malagos. PNJKIS was awarded as 2nd Place for the Biggest Delegation. This month of November, it will be the Girl Scouts turn to have their Davao-wide Encampment in CampCorazon and we are hoping to have a number of girls who will take part.
During the 21st Recorder Ensemble Competition in Calinan, on October 5, 2013, PNJKIS-High School level bagged the 1st Place.
As an institution, we will continue to do our best in molding the lives our of students despite the very challenging transformations in the area of technology, behavior, attitude and views in life. It maybe very tough but by God’s grace we can do it.
In behalf of Mrs. Mallari, in my capacity as PNJK-IS and MKD Chairman of the Board and as Secretary of the Federation, allow me to give a summary of the events that took place in the past year in the three entities that are under the umbrella of PNJK Inc.
PNJK-International School for school year 2013-2014 had a student population of 1289 from kinder to high school.
PNJK-IS financial standing ending April 30, 2013 as audited and submitted to BIR is:
Revenue: P32,730,889.40
Less Administrative Expenses: 32,138,86l.63
Excess Revenue over Expenses P696,545.34
Let us go to our college the Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku. The student population for year 2013-2014 has reached 356 composed of first and fourth year students.
For those who are not yet informed as to what are the courses offered kindly take note of the following: Bachelor of Science in International Studies, Bachelor of Science in Social Services, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Bachelor of Science in Math/Bio, Science and English, Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship, Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
The financial statement submitted and audited shows the following figures:
Cash Flow Statement
Cash Receipt from students PHP 12,379,367.55
Cash paid to suppliers, teachers & employees (11,943,650.33)
Cash generated from operations 435,717.22
Cash Receipt from Donors –
Rent Income –
Purchased of equipment, furniture & fixtures (466,562.00)
Interest Received 7,693.86
Total (458,868.14)
Net increase (decrease) in cash (23,150.92)
Cash at beginning of period 326,083.27
CASH AT END OF PERIOD PHP 302,932.35
As far as the Federation is concerned, this is what I can state here:
If you recall last General Assembly in 2013 there were officers from the different cities like Manila, Cebu and Iligan who attended the event. Of course with the number of attendees in the general assembly it is obvious that we have the biggest number of members compared with the other chapters.
The Federation under the leadership of our own member Mrs. Ines Mallari in coordination with the leadership of our chapter has been attending celebrations of Bonifacio Day and Rizal Day just to make the public aware of our existence.
Last January 16, 2014, we received an invitation coming from no less than the Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines, His Excellency Amb. Toshinao Urabe to attend the New Year’s Celebration of Japan held in his residence in Makati. He acknowledged our presence, as in fact we were introduced to other high ranking officials of Japan who were around during the celebration.
At this juncture, let me thank the members present who took time to attend the general assembly and we hope to see you in 2015 our 35th General Assembly.
April 14, 2014, in the evening, PNJK-IS team arrived at Kansai Airport, Osaka, Japan. In a few minutes, the bus owned by the Japan Foundation Japanese Language Institute, Kansai, came on schedule.
Upon reaching the Institute, each was handed an envelope containing instructions as regards the schedule of classes, trip to Kyoto, the use of our IDs and meal time.
The following day, we underwent orientation and self-introduction ceremony. Hee-jeong Shin san was our emcee and took the liberty of introducing to us the composition of the staff in the Learning Section. Her English is flawless but of course Nihongo was used most of the time.
The Vice-Director of Japan Foundation Akihiko Murata San gave his welcome address. The word “lucky” was given emphasis in his message. Truly, we were lucky because not only was the weather very cooperative but the sakura flowers were still in full bloom. You see along the avenue trees bearing sakura flowers of various colors.
The next was the tour of the center. We were ushered to two storey buildings where classes are held. You see students from other countries in the classroom and even in corridors during their free time. We then proceeded to the canteen and how to order food during meal period. The security area was part of the tour as well as the exterior part of the edifice. The facilities are so impressive that all basic needs are within your reach.
In the afternoon classes intended for our group commenced. What is admirable is that all of the staff and teachers can speak English. You will be amazed how good they are and so courteous, kind and accommodating. Evening of the second day the group went out of the Center. A bus is there for the use of the occupants of the center. There is a schedule when the bus leaves the Center and the time it goes back. The ride was free provided the destination is the Namba area. It was fun to explore in unfamiliar area and how to put into use the little knowledge that you have in Nihongo.
April 16, 2014 was the trip to Kyoto. Shin san was with us, so gorgeous that you feel baffled why a native of Korea is in Japan working just like any ordinary Japanese without any qualms. We had a tour guide. A good one and can crack joke without changing facial expression. At times you find yourself believing in what he just said.
My task is the visit to Golden Pavilion in Kyoto. The other name of the Golden Pavilion is Kinkaku. The visit took place on April 16, 2014. It was an exciting and enjoyable trip with a lot of souvenir shops lined up along the pathway going to the site. We were forewarned by the tour guide before proceeding to the temple that we should be alert at all times lest one or more will be lost due to the presence of hundreds of tourists composed of students who were on field trip, group of Japanese adults and foreigners like us.
Kinkaku (The Golden Pavilion) originally was known as Rokuon-ju Temple. It is a zen Buddist temple. Because of its fame the former US President George Bush visited the site and took photos of a very unique heritage of Japan.
The Golden Pavilion is surrounded by a man-made lake and can be seen at a distance. The temple is a three-storey edifice and each floor has different designs. Koto Nobu residence style can be found at the
first floor while the second floor is samurai style and the third is zen style. The ceiling is covered with gold. About 20 kilos were used. Installed on the floor is black lacquer and because of its reflection goldis very prominent. On the side of the floor ashes are kept. Buddhist ashes and bone are stored on that side. Looking closely at the Golden Pavilion square miniature carved on the wall is noticeable. Those represent about 200 thousand set of real gold leaf weighing 20 kilos assessed at more than 700 million yen.
The Golden Pavilion is accessible only to the King and the Prince. No other person is allowed to enter the said temple. On top of the temple is an oriental phoenix, a symbol of happiness. According to some, Phoenix represents shogun that looks after Japan.
After the temple we were ushered to a bonsai tree which is 600 years old. In the beginning it was so small but shogun loved it so much that he planted it on the spot as photographed and has grown that big yet still considered as bonsai.
There is a tea house right within the area where the Golden Pavilion is located. The kinkaku is especially beautiful when seen from the tea house late in the afternoon sun. This view is reflected in the tea house named Sekkatei (Place of Evening Beauty).
At the temple is a statute of the Buddhist Deity Fudo-Ryo-o. It is believed that the statute was made in the 9th century. Though hidden from the public view, the image has long been revered for its miraculous powers. Open door rituals are held on Setsubun early February and on August 16.
April 17, 2014 was the day of proving to all of the success of the learning session. All participants were asked to state in the Japanese language the experience encountered in Kyoto. Though not perfectly delivered, there was, to my assessment, 80% satisfaction of the performance of everyone. Our graduation came to an end with memories that will forever be cherished by each. The generosity of Japan Foundation Japanese Language Institute in allowing the group to stay is highly appreciated. We have witnessed the patience and understanding demonstrated by the teachers and staff to all who are still struggling in learning the language as well as embracing the culture that we aim to inculcate to our students and even to our members of the family. Preserving the heritage is one and what is most important is time consciousness. To me time is gold. We can more if time management is well observed.
Let me thank the management of Japan Foundation Japanese Language Institute for this rare opportunity allowing us the use of the center and study the language even for such a short stint and the chance to see Osaka, Japan more so the preserved heritage in Kyoto. Thank you so much – from the PNJK International School Group and we hope to see you all in one of your visits in our place.
In May 2010, during the PNJK, Inc., General Assembly, PNJKIS Calinan was one of those who gave updates of the school’s status and on-going activities. That time Calinan had 137pupils, operating from Preschool to Grade I and a six room building was already constructed. It was occupied by the Grade I class, Library and the Administration office.
To continue in providing the pupils with quality and high standard education, the PNJK, INC. has initiated the construction of a new building. The new building houses four new rooms. One of these is the Home Economics Room which will be used by the Grade IV pupils for their HELE Subject. This will help the pupils be more equipped with their skills. Another room is the Science Laboratory Room.Having a Science Laboratory with apparatuses is a big contribution for the pupil’s learning. Their knowledge will not be limited to the books, rather they can now apply the theories they have accumulated inside the class. The other two rooms are used for the classrooms of Grades III and IV. The association is again looking forward to constructing another two classrooms for the S.Y. 2013 – 2014 to cater the increasing enrolment of pupils.
INCREASE IN ENROLMENT RATE
Seeing the improvements of the PNJKIS Calinan, the enrolment increases. This is a good indicator that the school is making a mark on the community. The number of pupils has increased to 241 which were 201 in the previous school. To cater this increase, the school is already staffed with eleven teachers, two Nihongo teacher, and two office personnels. One of the Japanese Language teachers is Mr. Kenzo Yanaka, a NISVA volunteer from Japan.
IN AND OFF CAMPUS ACTIVITIES
One of the major activities in every school year is the Phil – Japan Festival. This year it was celebrated last October 4, 2012 and series of activities were done successfully. Another major activity hosted by the school every year is the 20th Recorder Ensemble Competition sponsored by the PNJK, Inc., in coordination with the Tokyo Kichijoji Lions Club and Japan – Philippines Volunteers Association.
Our school activities are no longer limited in the school campus. The school participates actively in the barangay activities such as chorale singing competition (in which our pupils won as the champion) and in sports. Involving our pupils in such kind of activities has developed their talents and social skills.
“Remember the days, we set out together with faith?” the first line of the song echoed in the air. And as these children sang their song with tears in their eyes, memories of the past were coming back. It seemed like it was just yesterday when a plan of putting up a campus of the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai International School (PNJKIS) in Calinan was made. Soon enough, a Japanese descendant-run school was finally built in Durian Village, Calinan, Davao City. In June of 2006, the first school year of PNJKIS Calinan begun. It started with only 7 pupils in Nursery and 8 pupils in Kinder with only 2 teacher Miss Cherry Grace Martil for basic academic subjects for Preschool and Mrs. Evelyn Jagmoc, for the Japanese language. The following year, Preparatory level was opened to complete its Pre-School Education. From then on, another level was added each year to continue what has been started by the first batch of enrollees.
NEW BUILDING
