A TEACHER'S DAY SURPRISE

We celebrated World Teacher's Day twice today..One was at INCAT this morning and another at the Laoag City Amphitheater in the afternoon.The latter brings a smile not only because of the party attended by all teachers in Laoag but because of an unexpected award given to me.  I was one of the mentors given recognition by DepEd.  I was particularly cited for "invaluable support and cooperation for the programs and projects of the Department of Education and her services beyond the call of duty specially in improving the competency and proficiency of students in the English Language".

I was totally clueless before my name was called.  I had been feeling so tired after weeks of preparation for  our school's English Olympics which was held yesterday (my Reader's Theater team from the Junior class won 1st place).  I was one of 2 awardees for English today.

But there are other things that supersede the award. I have received greetings from former students ( both from P.I. and abroad).  The most striking gift I have received is a poem given by my former student , Gladys Gacho Domingo, currently the Principal of Ablan Elementary School.

BLESSINGS FOR A TEACHER

to Mrs. Ritchelle Blanco Dejolde 

May your gift of teaching awaken

minds to new ideas and expand

hearts beyond boundaries.

May your desire to educate evoke

the unique gifts of each student

and the deep desires of each heart.

May your love of learning lead

students to awe and wonder

at their participation in 

our sacred universe.

May your story-telling inspire

imagination and creativity

and your examples lead

to those you teach 

to be generous and noble.

And, as you bless your students

on their way,

may you delight

at the gift your life offers to 

the future.

Thank you dear Teacher.

You are a part of who I am today.

sgd.  Gladys Gacho Domingo

World Teacher's Day

5 October 2010