About Us

School Identity

HISTORY OF THE NUESTRA SEÑORA DE ARANZAZU PAROCHIAL SCHOOL

The Nuestra Señora De Aranzazu Parochial School started as a preschool in 1968, the same year the puericulture center of San Mateo opened its nursery school. Classes were held in a one-room makeshift building beside the parish hall. Since it received an enthusiastic response from the Catholic parents, its enrollment increased at an unexpected rate. The Catholic Women’s League Unit of the parish was first tasked to take charge of the management of the school as part of its apostolate.

In the school year 1980-1981, the school was registered as a non-stock, non-profit corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Official Recognition was granted by the Department of Education on October 21, 1987 for the Elementary Department. The High School Department was extended Recognition by the Department of Education on July 31, 2002. Thus the school offers a complete pre-school (nursery1, nursery 2 and kindergarten), and basic education: elementary (Grades 1-6) junior and senior high school (Grade 7-12).

At present, the school is housed in a four-storey building with 44 classrooms, and offices for: Administration, Finance, Director, Registrar, HR, MIS, General Services, Printing, Property, Guidance Center, Student Affairs (elementary and high school), Cooperative, Center for Integral Evangelization (CIE), PE Room, Student Offices (Aranzes & Student Council) and five (5) faculty offices. The school also maintained assembly and meeting halls: Function Hall, Board Room, Auditorium and Gymnasium. In view of demonstrating excellence in science and technology the school developed state of the arts laboratories: two Computer Laboratories, (elementary and high school), Laboratories for Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE), Physics and Chemistry. Other school facilities that facilitates to the learning experience of the students are Media Resource Center (elementary and high school), Digital Library, Speech Laboratory, two Audio Visual Rooms (AVR), Pre-school Learning Resource Center, Canteen (elementary and high school), Prayer Room, Supplies, Clinic (for medical and Dental Services), School Garden and Veranda. In addition to the institutional growth and commitment supporting the K to 12 curriculum, the school has built an extension of a five-story facility in Senior High School located in Sta. Ana, San Mateo, Rizal. With just a kilometer walk from the main campus, the annex building houses ____ air-conditioned rooms, ___ laboratory, convertible function halls, and a gymnasium where a 360-view of the nearby localities is possible.

NSDAPS caters to the quality educational needs of the middle to the lower income Roman Catholic Church as an instrument for the continuing process of evangelization and sharing in the vision of the Diocese of Antipolo in being “a community of disciples of the Risen Christ”. The formation being given to the students includes not only academic proficiency, but more importantly Catholic doctrines, Gospel values for the Filipino Catholic way of life.

NSDAPS aims to strengthen, enrich and live the faith in Christ with Mary, Our Lady of Aranzazu, to develop academic excellence and servant leadership among Aranzan learners to become globally competitive in facing challenges of the 21st century, to uplift institutional standards by empowering personnel to offer quality services, to rekindle the family spirit by reuniting the greater Aranzan community and to enhance and sustain strong partnerships with stake-holders and related sectors to support relevant school programs and services.

School Seal

Mountain:
Symbolizes Three Things
1. Mountain in Oñate, Spain: the apparition of Our Lady occurred.
2. Geographical characteristic of San Mateo (Mountainous): The color green symbolizes vegetation and progress.
3. Christ: During the Old Testament, prophets communicated to God on mountains, same with Christ he went to mountain for prayer.

Hand with Lamp:
This is the hand of Nuestra Señora De Aranzazu that carries a lamp lighting the way to the mountain. This is the light of truth (Luce Veritatis).

Marian Insignia (on the wrist):
This a symbol for Ave Maria adapted from the Parish Marian emblem.

Red Path:
This is the way towards Christ which is lit by the lamp on the hands of Our Lady of Aranzazu. Red symbolizes Christian education. We lead our student to the mountain through this way (Christian Education)

Blue circle above the hands:
A circle is a continuous line with no end. It symbolizes unity and communion among the people of the community (Communio)



School Motto

“Communio in Luce Veritatis”

(Communion in the Light of Truth)


The motto invites the Aranzan community to be luminous sharers of the Truth,” the Good News of the Redemption of Humanity from sin. We shall strive to do this by being authentic witnesses and active sharers of the Salvific Mission of Jesus Christ through the evangelical work of Christian Education as members of a community of believers united in love for Christ and devotion to His Mother, Mary, under the title of Nuestra Señora De Aranzazu.

Slogan and Identification

I am an Aranzan: I C.A.R.E.
I Witness I am a child of God created in His own image.
I must make that image shine forth for others to see.
C Christ-like Jesus Christ is the image of God made visible to human beings like me. I become God-like by knowing Him intimately, by imitating Him closely, and by loving Him dearly, so I can serve Him actively as His…
A Arm …an Apostle sent by Him to share in His mission of saving mankind by spreading the good news of His life, works and values, to bring about…
R Renewal …through the conversion of the members of our school and parish communities under the inspiration of Our Lady of Aranzazu in the great work of
E Evangelization … the building of the reign of God in the minds and hearts of people, especially those who are not in our fold.



School Philosophy

As a Catholic, Parochial and Filipino Educational Institution, we believe that:

1. God is the center and goal of man’s life.
2. Through Mary, Our Lady of Aranzazu, as our model in her faith in God, persevering hope in prayer, maternal love, and simple and humble lifestyle, we can be faithful to the teachings of the Church.
3. Catholic education is an expression of the mission entrusted by Jesus Christ to the Church through the proclamation of the Good News and the living of the Gospel values.
4. The Parochial School is an integral part of the pastoral plan of the parish.
5. The parents and home provide the primary educational environment with the school as active partner.
6. Education is a life-long process towards the person’s holistic formation, upholding the dignity of man in a culture of life and love.
7. To achieve quality basic education, Christian Formation (Religion) must be the core of the curriculum.
8. Our graduates are agents of total human transformation imbued with basic knowledge of moral and religious truths.
9. Our school community is a responsible steward of God’s creation to promote and preserve ecological balance.
10. An ideal Aranzan is educated to be of service to others for a transformed society characterized or ruled by peace, justice and love.



Vision Mission

VISION:

We, a Catholic Educational Institution, envision ourselves as a communion of Christ’s active witnesses, with Mary, Our Lady of Aranzazu as our model in living the Gospel values to transform the Filipino society and renew the parish community.



MISSION:

We are in a state of mission of:

• Providing Christian formation among Roman Catholics with preference for the poor, with Spirituality as the core of the curriculum;

• Enhancing the role of the laity in the universal church by participating fully and actively in the life of the parish community, especially in the sacramental life and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary,

• Promoting quality basic education to mold students to be achievers, demonstrating excellence in various learning areas;

• Providing on-going formation for the total development of the administrators, faculty and staff for competence to minister to the needs of the school community; and

• Empowering parents to be committed to fostering an orderly wholesome home environment for the living and experiencing of discipleship-in-community.



School Goals

The Nuestra Señora De Aranzazu Parochial School shall realize:

1. The synthesis of Science and Faith – which will be reached by integrating all the different aspects of human knowledge through the subjects taught in the light of the Gospel; thus, Religion is the core of the curriculum.
2. The synthesis of Faith, Culture and Life – which will be realized in the growth in Christian virtues – qualities that must be witnessed in the life of a Catholic Christian.

The Nuestra Señora De Aranzazu Parochial School shall:

1. Implement directives on Catholic Education coming from Church authorities, especially the Holy See;
2. Promote the realization of the Philosophy and General Goals of Catholic Education
3. Promote the sense of Christian Community and provide opportunities for the living and experiencing of discipleship-in-community among the administrators, faculty, employees, parents and students.
4. Adopt the latest educational trends that may be suitable to the needs, capabilities and particular circumstances of the students, who mostly come from the middle and lower level of the Socio-economic strata.
5. Help form the communion of Christ’s active witnesses with Mary, Our Lady of Aranzazu as model.
6. Inculturated Gospel values, highlighting, the preferential love for the poor, simple and humble lifestyle – with Religion as the unifying core of interdisciplinary curriculum, integrating Faith and Science to a Life centered on the Lord Jesus.
7. Organize, maintain and promote wholesome academic, athletic and other educational activities in the school for a total physical, emotional, intellectual, moral and spiritual formation.



School Spirituality and Practice

Being the only church in the Philippines and in Asia carrying the title of Our Lady of Aranzazu, the people of San Mateo embrace Mother Mary as virgin of the town for more than 400 years.

ARANTZAN ZU!
The origin of Our Lady of Aranzazu dates back the fifteenth century, this was on June 11, 1469 in an obscure place in the mountains of Aloña, Province of Guipuzcoa located in the northern-most part of Spain.
A young shepherd, named Rodrigo de Baltzategui, climbed up the mountain one Saturday noon unexpectedly saw a vision of a beautiful Lady with an infant in her arms saying, “My son, go tell your father to build me in this site a tiny shrine of five thin boards and seven tiles. You will call this a shrine, I assure you that it will be famous in time, that a great number of my children will come here to honor me with songs of praise and attend holy Masses here.”

Eloquent Faith
The young boy relayed the message to his father and to the other residents of Oñate. There was a severe drought in the land and people were preparing to make a penitential procession to ask for rain. Rodrigo told them the request of the Virgin, with eloquent faith in the miracle. He insisted on this with so much faith that the people began to be curious and the excited residents of Oñate decided to climb up the mountain.

Majestic Mien
Upon reaching the place, they found the image resting on the entangled prickly branches of the thorn-tree and the cowbell hanging at the foot of the small image. The image had a serenely sweet face and of majestic mien. The cowbell was an antique quadrilateral bronze bell. The people were all astounded and believed what they saw. Everyone prostrated and did homage to the image and afterwards they went back to spread the news of the miracle. The image came to be known as Our Lady of Aranzazu. “Aranzazu” came from the Spanish word “ArantzanZu” which means thorn.

Church and Devotion
The advent of growing devotion to Our Lady of Aranzazu began back in the early Spanish era year 1596 when the Augustinians friars built the first settlements in San Mateo, Rizal. In the year August 29, 1659, the first parish in town was built under and in honor of the patron St. Matthew (San Mateo). But in December 6, 1696, the Jesuits came and gained control of the town. Thus, in 1705, a Jesuit priest, Fr. Juan Echazabal, started the devotion to our Lady of Aranzazu from Spain and changed the patron of the town from St. Matthew to Nuestra Señora De Aranzazu. After long years of rebuilding and repairing due to earthquake and war the church was refurnished in 1993. Last February 2004, the Parish of Nuestra Señora De Aranzazu was hailed as a Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Aranzazu by the Vatican, being the only church in the Philippines under the title of Nuestra Señora De Aranzazu and only sister-parish of the Basilica of Aranzazu in Spain.

Spirituality
In imitating the extra-ordinary qualities of Mama Mary the entire school community is being ushered to a life of persevering hope in prayer, maternal love, and simple and humble lifestyle.
The community is being led in expressing the mission entrusted by Jesus Christ to the Church, being faithful to the teachings of the Church, preserving the truth and Catholic traditions, protecting family, marriage and life, proclaiming the Good News and living the Gospel values, with Mary, Our Lady of Aranzazu, as our ultimate model of faith, obedience and love.
We are being directed by Our Lady of Aranzazu into the way of justice, peace and unity/communion among the people of the community and to be the luminous sharers of the Truth.
Hence, NSDAPS believers are united in love for Christ and devotion to His Mother, Mary, under the title of Nuestra Señora De Aranzazu.



Aranzan Core Values

CORE VALUES SUB-VALUES
GOD-FEARING Faith Trustworthiness, Fidelity, Piety, Prayerfulness
Peace Harmony, Unity, Orderliness, Reconciliation
SERVICE-ORIENTED Humility Modesty, Meekness, Selflessness, Acceptance
TRUTHFUL Justice Fairness, Honesty, Integrity
Wisdom Knowledge, Understanding, Good Judgment, Prudence
HARDWORKING Perseverance Patience, Endurance, Determination
Love Charity, Care, Concern, Consideration
Kindness Generosity, Empathy, Self-giving, Sharing
RESPONSIBLE Obedience Loyalty, Commitment, Responsiveness
Respect Acceptance, Appreciation, Reverence, Honor


Description of Ideal Aranzan

This description encompasses the members of the four sectors of the school community, school personnel, parents, alumni and students.


As School Personnel, are:

GOD-FEARING: He/She…
○ is a man of faith
○ pursues spiritual growth and development
○ lives the way of Christ by having a morally upright life according to the Gospel values and teachings of the Church.
○ grows in the sacramental and prayer life
○ proclaims the Good News
○ acts as model in the community
○ attends the “Gawarasal” activities

SERVICE-ORIENTED: He/She…
○ is a transformative servant-leader
○ serves as commentators, lectors/readers at the Eucharistic celebration
○ participates actively in the school’s activities
○ extends knowledge and values to students
○ has the necessary skills to contribute to the holistic formation of students is involved continuous renewal and updating
○ continues to acquire mastery of the core content, skills and values essential to the different learning disciplines.
○ continues professional growth and advancement
○ shares time, talent, and self generously to the school community

TRUTHFUL: He/She…
○ observes honesty at all times
○ is transparent in dealing with time, financial concerns and resources
○ prepares honest reports
○ conducts evaluation fair and objectively

HARDWORKING AND RESPONSIBLE: He/She…
○ strives for excellence
○ exhibits good work habits
○ adopts current trends and methodologies for effective educational leadership
○ engages in research for development and excellence
○ exercises the duties of a responsible and productive citizen as a model Christian worker
○ exhibits quality and excellence in work done
○ takes responsibility for his own learning
○ manages and organizes his time
○ is open-minded in dealing with others

As Parents, are:

GOD FEARING: He/She…
○ lives the way of Christ by having a morally upright life according to the Gospel values and Magisterium of the Church.
○ grows in the sacramental and prayer life
○ acts as model in the community

SERVICE ORIENTED: He/She…
○ attends parent-teacher conferences
○ shares knowledge, time, talent and skills with the school and parish
○ attends parent-student conference regularly
○ cooperates in school and liturgical activities for students when invited
○ is involved in various concerns of the Church
○ acts as a resource person
○ shares time in judging school activities

TRUTHFUL: He/She…
○ shows open-mindedness in dealing with academic and discipline concerns of their children
○ respects opinion of others
○ shows honesty and integrity in words and actions

HARDWORKING and RESPONSIBLE: He/She…
○ is well-informed about community and school affairs
○ conforms to the policies of the school
○ discharges duties as role model for their children
○ attends PRO-life seminars
○ supports the school in its endeavors

As Alumni, are:

GOD-FEARING: He/She…
○ participates fully and actively in the sacramental life of the Church
○ takes part in school wide celebrations honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary

SERVICE ORIENTED: He/She…
○ contributes the best of what he/she is and what he/she can do for God and country towards the promotion of social transformation
○ fulfills duties as a church member
○ is an inspiring leader in the community
○ shares resources with less fortunate through scholarships grants and community service
○ is gainfully employed and contributes to community

TRUTHFUL: He/She…
○ remains loyal to Alma Mater
○ models honesty in the community
○ identifies personal biases

HARDWORKING and RESPONSIBLE: He/She…
○ has acquired the academic preparation and basic skills needed in life
○ is a sensitive and responsible member of the community
○ establishes linkages with the school and other alumni
○ helps the school in obtaining resources for its programs and activities
○ keeps abreast of school happenings and attends them when invited
○ is supportive of alumni programs
○ is an active member of the alumni association

As Students, are:

GOD-FEARING: He/She…
○ manifests self-discipline and endurance in day-to-day living and is diligent and persevering in work and studies
○ has God as center and goal of life
○ possesses the basic knowledge of moral and religious truths necessary to develop an integrated faith and life of a Catholic Christian
○ respects the dignity of the human person

SERVICE ORIENTED: He/She…
○ commits to the value of service to the community (family, BEC, PARISH, Diocese) with special preference for the poor
○ works for justice, equality and peaceful co-existence in all sectors.
○ engages himself in helping the less privileged members of the society

TRUTHFUL: He/She…
○ continues to learn and pursues the truth
○ discerns the good and directs himself freely towards its fulfillment
○ demonstrates intellectual honesty
○ aspires to be fair and kind to all
○ recognizes and respects one’s feelings and those of others

HARDWORKING and RESPONSIBLE He/She…
○ shows perseverance in spite of failures and pressures
○ acquires skills, habits and desirable values to meet the demands of a changing society
○ uses his knowledge and skills to analyze current issues
○ is trained in the art of research and scientific activities through inquiry, experiments and open-mindedness.
○ acquires basic skills and competencies in preparation for future endeavors
○ cares for his environment for ecological balance


Code of Discipline

1. CONDUCT IN ONLINE LEARNING

Although the classroom environment is virtual (online), the standards of behavior are as important as they are in brick and mortar schools. In other words, virtual classrooms are real classrooms with real teachers; therefore, appropriate student behavior is expected. To ensure that all virtual students understand how to behave in an online environment, this code of conduct is developed and should thereby require all students to follow. This code of conduct addresses student interaction with faculty, staff, and other students, as well as their individual actions.

Interactions with faculty and other students
a. Students should address all faculty members as adults with courtesy. They are to use both the appropriate title (Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Dr.) and last name only. No other form of address is acceptable.
b. Students have the right to express themselves and participate freely in an online class. However, they are expected to treat each other and the teacher with courtesy and respect. Offensive or inappropriate language is not to be used in any form of communication e.g., emails, discussion postings, projects. The tone of emails and online conversations must be respectful. Students are allowed to disagree with each other or the instructor but must do so in a civil manner.
c. Since our online environment is a learning environment, students should not use excessive “slang” or language that they might use in other environments. Students must communicate with teachers in complete sentences.
d. Students are not to use obscene, profane, threatening, or disrespectful language or images in any communications with faculty. If emails or chats to the teacher or other students are offensive or inappropriate, the student will be referred to the Prefect of Student Discipline and can be denied access the platform until proper approval has been granted to the student. If students receive inappropriate emails from others in the class they should notify the teacher or the Prefect of Student Discipline and appropriate action will be taken.
e. Students are expected to submit work which is their own. Plagiarism or cheating will not be tolerated. Cheating includes asking other students for answers, looking up answers on an electronic device, or having someone else complete a task. If either is the case, the student may have his/her grade for the assignment/quiz lowered or may fail the subject.

2. PHYSICAL APPEARANCE

2.1. SCHOOL UNIFORM
a. Students should wear the prescribed school uniform during class days.
b. Level patch is temporarily suspended.
c. Wearing of shoes is not required.

2.2. NEW ID SYSTEM
a. Students shall be provided with I.D. card with Bar Code and QR code by the school with a uniformed strap.
b. The ID will be used for the attendance of the students. Student must wear his/her school ID during class hour.
c. Old picture will be used for the old student.
d. For new Student, submit 2x2 picture with white background to NSDAPSadmissions@gmail.com using ID Picture as Subject with complete name and grade level
e. Replacement of lost school ID is P500.00
2.3. EMAIL ADDRESS AND PROFILE PICTURE

Students must use an email address and profile picture that is appropriate for an educational environment. Email addresses that use profanity or may otherwise be construed as offensive, shall not be permitted. Profile pictures should be a head-shot of the student only and may not be offensive or inappropriate in any manner. The administration reserves the right to determine if a student email address and/or profile picture is inappropriate. Students using an inappropriate email address and/or profile picture will be required to update their user profiles.



2.4. HAIRCUT AND PROPER GROOMING
a. Girls are expected to wear a well-combed, properly kept hair. Colored or highlighted hair is not allowed. Inappropriate haircut and hairstyles are also not allowed.
b. Boys are required to maintain a conventional, decent and manly haircut. Mustache must be properly trimmed.

3. ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY

Even though limited schedule of face-to-face classes is required in online class, teachers are able to track attendance and activities online.

a. Students are expected to log in regularly using the QR code in their ID 5 minutes before their class schedule.
b. Subject teacher will check the attendance. In case of absence, the parent must send a letter of explanation via email to the subject teacher. Then, the subject teacher will inform the class adviser.
c. For excused absences, the student is entitled to make up classes which are free of charge.

IMPORTANT: All school rules and regulations are in effect during offline and online class hours.

4. ONLINE PROCESSING OF STUDENT GRIEVANCES

4.1. Guidelines for the Online Filing of Student Grievances

These supplementary guidelines, during this trying time are only temporary and shall be in effect only during this duration of public health emergency. Therefore, revisions of these guidelines could take in effect should current circumstance change, and until further notice. Furthermore, prior circulars and provisions thereof consistent with Memo and the Guidelines shall remain and valid in full force and effect, unless later revised or revoke.
Thus, the following are to be observed;

a. Students, teaching and non-teaching personnel may file complaint/s through “electronic transmission”, using the official email address of the school: (nsdaps50th@gmail.com). However, the assigned Discipline Officer in each grade level will use his/her official email address in addressing the issue.
b. These email addresses shall serve as the OFFICIAL email addresses of the department where all complaints, information and other related pleadings or submissions may be electronically transmitted.
c. The Discipline Officers shall manage these email addresses and will check constant monitoring of complaints in their respective email accounts daily.
d. Submission of all documents (complaint letter and evidences) related to the complaint must be in Portable Document Format (PDF). Photograph of the evidence with certification as “true photo reproduction” by the complainant or respondent is necessary.
e. The Discipline committee will convene for the assessment and/or investigation of the complaint as stipulated in the Student Handbook. The committee will only process those complaints with substantial evidence and supporting documents for a case conference.
f. The assigned Discipline Officer will inform both parties of the scheduled videoconferencing of case through official electronic means (e.g. email, phone call and/or text messages).
g. All complaints with merit, complied with the documents will proceed to a case conference through video conferencing.

4.2. Guidelines for the Conduct of Online Case Conference
a. The assigned Discipline Officer will facilitate the Case Conference through video conferencing.
b. The assigned Discipline Officer will schedule videoconferencing case hearings and will notify both parties through their respective email addresses and/or any other electronic means. The notification must bear the time and date of the conference and the link (access code) to join the conference.
c. The office will record the proceedings during the videoconferencing hearings as a basis for the case report. Unauthorized recording of the proceedings by any of the parties is strictly prohibited.
d. The Discipline Officer will transcribe all the minutes of the hearings. Strict confidentiality shall bind all concerned individuals during the case conference regarding details and information of the case.
e. The department will furnish decisions of all case conferences to both parties through email. However, proper proof of receipt thereof must be properly documented. Parties may secure certified true copies thereof upon proper request. The assigned Discipline Officer shall keep the hard copy of the decision as part of the record of the case.

Nuestra Senora De Aranzazu Parochial School

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