To Cram By Definition

To cram by definition means “to study hastily for an impending examination”. Cramming has been a common activity of students for quite a time. While many believe that it is an effective way to study, it can have negative repercussions.

When cramming, you never remember enough information to do well on the examination. You are trying to learn everything you can in the limited time you have to study it is guaranteed that you will end up forgetting most of the information, causing your grades to suffer. Cramming can easily become a habit, which means it’s not just your upcoming test that will be affected, but many others as well.

written by Grant Bulaong

photo courtesy of Richelle Lim

DLSZ Ranks No. 3 in the UAAP Season 2013

This UAAP season is getting more exciting for De La Salle. The Green Archer is ranking number 1 and our very own DLSZ Junior Archers is in number 3. The junior archers are hitting it big with 9 wins and 4 loses! Ever since round one, their biggest opponents have been National University, who has  taking the lead and Ateneo De Manila University for second. While Far Eastern University is  at number 4. Our team has  won all the games with the exception of the 2 leading teams.

Their last game of round 2 will be on the 13th of September, Friday against FEU. This will surely be a nail biting game. Win or loose, the Junior Archers will be part of the final round which is composed of the top four teams . With a lot of focus and teamwork , DLSZ's Junior Archer has a very strong change if winning. We have several excellent players in Subido, Melencio and Quinito. It is rumored that our very own Subido is going to part of the mythical 5 for this season. Truly a lot of reasons to be proud. ANIMO La Salle!

written by Michelle Orbeta

No Exemptions

This is really controversial among the many who really strive hard to be exempted, but unfortunately, that won't happen anymore. To give leeway to the new KPUP grading system, exemptions are no longer need because the grade for the 3rd term final exams is needed to satisfy the whole grading chart the the teachers needed to fill up. Or else, that would just be a 0 if so. So with that being said, all students moaned and even cried about the announcement of no exemptions, and to my point, we should all strive hard to get the high grade, because it's for our own good, and for our future.

written by Jonah Delgado

Why LEAP is unfair

Zobel Athletes represent the school in various school competitions and tournaments and because of this they train after class and compete in different schools at certain times they may miss class just to compete in a competition. A program named (Learning experience athletic program) has been made to cater review classes for these Athletes considering that they may miss class due to competitions or lack time to study and review due to training time. LEAP is like a review class that is strictly only for athletes teachers of a specific subject are selected and they are assigned to teach after class in a selected classroom.

I honestly find this unfair because other students like Org officers,musicians,performers,
and SRCC officers they also miss class for their activities,and they also compete and represent the school outside of Zobel yet they dont get any review classes? If the point of LEAP was for the students who represent the school athletically to be able to catch up with their studies what about those who represent the school through leadership? Performing? Academics?

The Athletes may be representing the school but that isn't enough of a reason for them to be the ONLY ones to receive special review classes . I believe that other students who represent the school may it be in Academical contests,Performing arts and Leadership activities should also receive review classes after all athletes aren't the only ones representing and making the school proud.

Hopefully in the future review classes would be made to cater not just Athletes.


written by Nikki Bagatsing

Thoughts on KPUP Grading System

 As we all know, the new KPUP grading system is composed of four different parts: Knowledge, Process, Understanding, and Performance. Knowledge covers the facts and information taught. Process tests how students assess or process the knowledge taught to them. Understanding is how the students understand and explain the lesson after processing it. Performance is the product or outputs of the students. As changes are added, we should expect some effects as well. Being a second year high school student myself, I have experienced the good and bad sides of this grading system.

  First of all, it had a good effect on the students in terms of giving effort in academics. Why? The answer is simple. All the graded seat works, quizzes, and long tests are now called assessments, and therefore they carry the same weight in terms of grading. This will enable students to study more and be  more conscious about their grades.

  On the other hand, it may also affect many people like me. Since seat works are given to students very often and they weigh a big part of our grades, it tends to stress the students out because it is just like having a quiz every other day. Another thing is that the process and understanding parts of the assessments can be subjective to some people. It did not affect me directly, but it did to some of my classmates. It is hard to get a concrete answer to those questions because not everyone has the same opinion and way of processing knowledge on a certain topic. Therefore it can give some students a hard time to adjust.

  In addition, school work just doubled this school year. A lot of students are already stressed out due to the amount of projects they have. I personally think that KPUP is affecting this indirectly. As the number of projects increase, the risks of not submitting them on time will also increase. What happens if no output is submitted? Students will have to say good bye to the 30% of their grades. Therefore, I think there should be a balance between the KPUP grading system and the amount of work given to the students, especially because this is just the first year of implementing KPUP.

written by JP Lee

Brother Martin Sellner FSC Returns to DLSZ

After more than 10 years from the first time he stayed in DLSZ, Br. Martin Sellner FSC returns to DLSZ as a consultant for grade school and high school Science laboratories.

You will see Brother Martin go around the campus greeting every student who happens to pass by him with a smile. He also meets up with the birthday celebrants, students and Lasallian Partners, to give them stampitas.

We hope that Br. Martin would stay with us, helping the students and continuing the Lasallian mission. Glad to have you back Br. Martin!

written by Kevin Saulog

DLSZ Implements KPUP

De La Salle Santiago Zobel School started the implementation of the new grading system, KPUP this academic year 2013-2014. KPUP stands for Knowledge, Process, Understanding, and Performance. This is in response to DepEd's directive to adjust the educational system.

Under the KPUP system, entry level for formal education is Kinder, followed by six years of Primary Education, four years of Junior Highschool, and two years of Senior Highschool. This system is to provide sufficient time for students to learn and prepare for eventual employment. This is also DLSZ's response to upkeeping the Philippine standard of education at par with international standards.

written by Mariella Carlos

Math Whiz

I interviewed a math wizard Named danie evan about her experience in her Math Tournament last August 3, 2013.

So the first question I asked her was how she got in and her steps

on how to win the tournament, she told me this

"I qualified for the month-long training. I have been training for a long time,

my first training session was held during summer.  After that i was assigned to

compete in the 9th Singapore International Math Contest (IMC) which was held lastAugust 3, 2013. This was thanks to an organization called the math trainers guild (MTG), Philippines this would have not been possible without them. I basically just Prayed before the test."

I then ask her if she really does like math or is it just for the grades, but if so why do you like it?

She replied to me with this, "I like math because there's always a certain answer. Numbers are easier for me to understand compared to words. I guess i've been exposed to it at a young age so i feel, comfortable in it."

I guess the moral of this story is if you want to achieve your best you have to do your best because the only one stopping you is you. Out of more than a 100 people who joined the contest she scored in second place, she might not have won in first place but 200 is a big number and she scored second place. She didn't win but she did her best and tried her hardest. If you are failing math just study harder and do the best you can possibly achieve and remember another problem is just a another chance for you to do your best.

written by Ramon Catane

photo courtesy of Diane Mendoza

Why you need to add a little extra

 School gets tougher and more complex as you move to another chapter. As you are pressuring yourself with lessons, discussions or anything related to academics, have you decided on any organizations or clubs to join? Don't want to? (whether you are too busy to ace a perfect 100 on your card, your parents didn't allow you or you are just plain lazy) keep reading because these facts can change your mind. First reason is that you can apply what you've learn in class. It is never okay to say that you can lead a group if you've never experienced it, even if your teacher discussed the things that you should know to be a great leader.

Government officials don't just appear out of nowhere, majority of them were trained in their clubs in school during their grade school/ high school years. If you know you have the potential to lead a certain group, why not join the school council. Not only that you will lead, but you get the chance to listen to your people and be able to work in a community. (Who knows you might be the next president) Second is you'll be fit and healthier. You can't just stay at home and review your lessons while lying in bed or sit all day in class listening (unless it's P.E.). Try to break a sweat and join the team. Not just because of the credit you get but you can live a better lifestyle. By living a better lifestyle, you can have the ability to store energy that you might need in your club or studying. Another fact is practicing with a group can make you more confident. Third is that extra-curricular activities can make you a better student and person) Learning is not about the perfect grade you get in every assessment but is also about taking a break and do your hobby. Study says that you can't just sit all day and memorize (especially the periodic table) your brain needs to relax and absorb the things you've learn. Another thing is that in class, there are different kinds of students with different interests, so you don't really get to talk to them that much. Notice when you go out for lunch or recess, the basketball team are always together, as well as the debate team and the school council are in their own groups. This is because it is always best to surround yourself with people who has the same interests as you are. Some say that it is hard to look for people who is similar to you, that is why there are different kinds of clubs out there. Fourth, School would be so much fun and you can express more of yourself. Having an art gallery with your artsy club mates after class? Even if you're having a book report, a graded recitation and a long test on that same day, you wouldn't really mind the dreadful school hours because you have something to look forward to. You'll also be inspired to finish all the assigned tasks. Fifth, College and Companies who looks forward on hiring you or granting your application will look not only on your academic records but also your extra-curricular activities.

These things will prove what kind of person you are: How well can you do in time managing, how responsible you are, what are your prioritize and other qualities that can add up on why should they hire or accept you. And lastly, you might discover the things that you wanted to do for a living. Who would've thought that famous celebrities would discover their talents from joining the school play? Or those Editors-in-chief from joining the school paper. Your future is bigger than your final grade so go out and explore. Being smart is not base if you are part of the top ten most outstanding pupils, it is also base on how you interact with people. Extra-curricular activities can lead and open many opportunities. While you are still young, you should know your interests and hobbies to fit in the right club and be more comfortable and confident in working with the people part of it. You don't learn everything from your teachers and textbooks but in the world you are in. Don't let the school year end without going out of your comfort zone.

written by Camille Geguera

photo courtesy of Margarita Dela Cruz

Leadership

What makes one a leader? Well some of the qualities are the following: Responsible, Quick Thinker, Confident, Firm, Positive, Honest, Confident, Encouraging, A good listener, Dedicated, Persistent and many more. If you have at least half of the qualities listed, you have the capacity of becoming a leader. It is not about being popular and bossy. It's about being respectful,inspiring and motivating others to be a better team. Some people were born as natural leaders, but majority takes years of hard work to furnish their leadership skills.

To be a leader, you should learn the basics which is to learn to talk and learn to listen. Speak with confidence and believe on the words you give out. How can your group mates believe that your plan would work if you don't sound so sure. Don't bark orders (unless you're in the military). You have to persuade your group mates to do their best and not make them think on how bad you are in leading and eventually you would lose their respect. Always ask for the opinion and ideas of your group mates, this would show that you respect and care for their ideas. Not because you're the leader, you get the credit of choosing for the team. Create the best team. You don't wanna be the only who's doing all the work, and you don't want your team to think that they didn't do anything to contribute to the tasks that were assigned. Discover your teammates' weaknesses and strong attributes, then assign them on the perfect position that suits their talents. Not only that the work would be less tougher, but your team would get to enjoy the work they're doing. Allow your other team mates to step on the spotlight.  Always lead by example. You don't set the do's and don't's if you, yourself can't follow it. Arranging a lunch meeting? Be there in the location 10 minutes earlier than the time you agreed. Your team mates would see how responsible you are in leading. Action speaks louder than words as others quoted it. Think and take action. Who wants a leader who doesn't even know what is the task assigned to the group? Leaders need to take courage and stand by the decision they're making. Leaders are also human beings who makes mistakes. So you should be able to admit the mistakes you committed. This way, your team mates would see you as an open-minded person. Don't ever blame your team mates on the failure of the whole team. It's all for one, one for all after all. You don't put in your head that because you are the leader, you are the greatest among your team. It may be because your teacher or team mates trusts you in the role given. So don't brag, instead don't let them down and do your best every time. Challenge yourself to aim high and do all things positively. written by Camille Geguera

Young and Impure

You told me "I want you to be mine",
Don't you think we need more time?
15 and still aging,
as of now, love isn't worth aching.
I want to enjoy my youth,
hoping you will too.


You told me you'd never give up, you said you'd always be a friend.
Why did we come to an end?
I believed every single word,
but it cut me like a sword.

From that day on, I never trusted.
For I am the girl you lusted.
At this age love isn't profound,
you have to wait for it to be found.

written by Gabbi Sevilla

Buwan ng Wika

During August 30, 2013, we celebrated the Buwan ng Wika. Every August, the school selects a date on the month of August to celebrate the Buwan ng Wika. In this event we celebrate the Filipino culture and know how great it is. We did this by wearing Filipñiana attire , it will show that we have distinct clothing from other cultures. We also had the salo-salo. The salo-salo is where we bring Filipino and eat together. This shows the great Filipino foods and shows that Filipinos have a spirit of sharing. This event in our school showed us the great culture of the Philippines and how it is unique from other cultures.

photo courtesy of Monique Daryanani

written by JM Cifra

Waves

Looking for something you can't even find
Speaking something that's out of your mind
Can't believe I thought you were mine
The stars at night, oh yeah they shine

Waves I try to row past through
The things I owed you were way past due
 a disease that just goes through the roof
Does it need anymore proof?

The things I need are not here
How could something bright not be clear
Pains that come but I don't know why
Waves come shake my world then pass by

Pressure bursting at the speed of light
That push me moving side to side
Could it be that you were mine
The stars at night, oh they shine

written by John Uy

SF Recollection

         August 13, SF had their recollection.  All of them got closer to God, and closer to each other. Recollections are meant for getting closer to God and realizing things that you should not take for granted. Before the recollection, the students of SF had a confession. So that they would be relieved of all their sins before they have their whole day of being together with God.

        The students of SF started their recollection by reading verses from the bible, and sharing pandesal and water with each other. Each group had different amounts of water and pandesal, so all of them learned how to share with one another. After that, they had games. The games brought SF closer, and made them trust each other. After the games, they had their lunch break. Then, they had a family session. Everyone shared their family problems. Mostly everybody cried. The last part of the recollection was The Holy Eucharist. 

          After the recollection, they had their outreach. They were closer already because of their recollection. Each  one of them knew a little bit more about each other. Everyone was smiling and having a good time helping the less fortunate. 

written by Joshua Santos
photo courtesy of Cheeni Dy