MANILA, Philippines - On Oct. 4, despite overcast skies and light showers, 65 Grade 4 Xavier students and their parents gathered at Xavier School Nuvali in Calamba, Laguna for their green activity, “Xavier Trees 2011: Plant a Tree, Plan a Future.” With Xavier School Nuvali opening by June 2012, the Grade 4 parent representatives of Xavier School thought it best to start their annual outreach program with an environmental activity right at their “backyard.”
After finding out that the new campus in Nuvali would be needing hundreds of trees, they decided this would be an appropriate service activity for their children. Not only will the students be helping the school create a “green” campus, they will also be learning the value of trees in nurturing a healthy environment. At the same time, the experience can deepen their sons’ pride in and sense of belonging to the larger Xavier community. The outdoor activity would be a great opportunity for family bonding as well.
Aside from collecting funds to purchase 50 African Tulip saplings, the event also raised excess funds for the school’s scholarship program. The donation will help Xavier School Nuvali attain its target of providing financial assistance for up to 25 percent of the student population — boys and girls who are unable to bear the cost of tuition. In this regard, the activity is also promoting the school’s “man for others” motto, with Xavier students and parents helping provide education to poor but deserving children.
With trowels and tree tags in hand, the Grade 4 students and their parents, siblings and yayas went to their assigned locations to plant their respective trees. This will serve as their lasting legacy for future generations of XS Nuvali students to enjoy. After the tree planting, the families enjoyed the games and food prepared by the parent representatives.
Xavier School thanks the Grade 4 parent representatives, led by Wilson Sy, for their efforts in planning and organizing this activity. For those interested to enroll in Xavier School Nuvali, applications are now being processed for Kindergarten and Grades 1 to 3. Contact the registrar at 7230481 loc. 385 or email registrar-mail@xs.edu.ph. Application forms are also being released every Thursday to Saturday at the Evoliving Center, Nuvali.