VOICES

As Keys gets ready to welcome students back for another exciting academic year, our dedicated faculty members are busy planning new lessons and engaging classroom experiences. We spoke with three passionate educators, Bb. Harlene Moral and Bb. Harvi Rentoria from the Filipino Department and Teacher Junlou Arcayos from the CLE/PE Department, to learn about their preparations, new strategies, and what they are most looking forward to this year. 

Filipino teachers Bb. Harlene Moral (L) and Bb. Harvi Rentoria (R) are both ready to share their expertise in Secondary School this academic year.

T. Junlou Arcayos (middle) poses with fellow PE coaches at Dumlao Sports Center.

How are you preparing your lessons for the upcoming school year?

Bb. Harlene: As cliché as it may sound, this school year marks a new beginning for me as a new addition to the IB Department. Embracing a new role also means doubling the effort I normally exert when preparing for my classes. This year, to be ready, I am doing three major things — reading, setting clear objectives, and outlining! I am exposing myself to more literary texts by reading many works of excellent writers, whether local or foreign ones. It is also nice to reread works I already had before. Secondly, goals are important! What do I want to impart to my students? How can I use the curriculum to guide me on this? These are the questions that help me set my objectives. Lastly, outlining my class’ activities is a must-do prep as well. This is to make sure that I don’t miss any important stage of learning and teaching when I go to the classroom. It’s challenging, but it is fun!

Bb. Harvi: I am preparing by reviewing the curriculum and making sure my lesson plans are aligned with the learning goals of Keys. I also design activities that connect Filipino to the daily lives of students, so they can see the value of our language beyond the classroom. Part of my preparation is gathering stories, poems, and instructional materials that highlight Filipino culture and identity. I want my lessons to be interactive and meaningful. My goal is to make learning Filipino something my students will truly enjoy and appreciate.

T. Junlou: I’m focusing on a few key areas. First, I’m reviewing and updating my curriculum to ensure it aligns with the mission and vision, the latest standards and best practices of the school. I’m also incorporating more differentiated instruction strategies to meet the diverse needs of my students. Additionally, I’m integrating interactive tools to make lessons more engaging. I’ve been reviewing on last year’s outcomes, gathering student feedback, and attending professional development workshops to continue improving my approach. My goal is to create a more inclusive, dynamic, and supportive learning environment.

What new approaches or strategies do you plan to try in your classes?

Bb. Harlene: This year, I want my students to experience more collaborative tasks that will help them acknowledge the importance of them learning together. As a teacher, I need them to know that their individual contributions matter in class. I am also challenged to help the students strengthen their confidence and speaking skills; therefore, I want to try activities such as round table discussions and socratic seminars. I want to keep the inquiry-based approach as well to continue to advocate for students’ voice and agency. It is also important for me to level-up my level of questioning every year to ensure critical thinking of students. 

Bb. Harvi: This year, I plan to introduce more collaborative and performance-based activities where students can truly learn by doing. They will work together to write poems that connect with social issues and cultural appreciation, and perform role-plays from Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo that relate to today’s realities. I also want to integrate technology through interactive activities and multimedia presentations to make the lessons more engaging. By combining tradition with modern tools, I believe students will connect with Filipino in a deeper and more meaningful way. Most of all, I want to build a safe and supportive space where they feel confident and free to express themselves in our language.

T. Junlou: I plan to implement more student-centered learning strategies to encourage critical thinking and deeper engagement. I also want to make better use of different tools to provide timely, targeted feedback and adjust instruction as needed. Additionally, I’m incorporating more collaborative learning opportunities to build communication and teamwork skills. Another focus is integrating social-spiritual learning practices into daily routines to support students' well-being and classroom culture. I’m excited to see how these approaches can enhance academic performance and spiritual growth.

What are you most excited about as you welcome students back?

Bb. Harlene: I love Filipino literature! Therefore, it makes me excited to teach it to the students. Also, rereading literary works I read when I was younger is so fun, as I see them now in a wider, newer, and more mature perspective. I am looking forward to sharing with them the love and appreciation I have for our own literature. And though this is my first time handling IB classes, this is not the first time that I’ll be working with the Grade 11 and 12 students. What makes me excited the most? To be given the opportunity to teach my previous students again!

Bb. Harvi: I am very excited to return to teaching here at Keys School after a few years away. Being back feels like coming home, and I look forward to sharing once again my knowledge and passion for Filipino with the students. I am eager to see their creativity and curiosity, and to guide them in discovering the richness of our language and culture. I am also excited to build a strong classroom community where every learner feels valued and inspired to use Filipino with pride. Most of all, I am grateful for the opportunity to grow alongside my students as we celebrate who we are as Filipinos.

T. Junlou: I’m most excited about reconnecting with students and building a positive classroom community from day one. There’s something really energizing about the start of a new school year, fresh opportunities to inspire curiosity, set new goals, and create meaningful learning experiences. I’m looking forward to getting to know each student, learning about their interests and strengths, and helping them grow both academically and spiritually. Seeing their excitement, creativity, and potential always reminds me why I love teaching.

Bb. Harlene, Bb. Harvi, and T. Junlou show the Keys commitment to excellence. They bring innovative approaches, true care for students, and a focus on continuous improvement. Their careful preparation and enthusiasm promise an engaging and transformative 2025-26 academic year for all students. 

As our faculty works on their preparations, one thing is clear: students will return not just to updated curricula and new strategies, but to classrooms led by passionate teachers who are dedicated to their growth and success.