STUDENT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Nneka Marie C. Solis
SDO Coordinator
sdo@adi.edu.ph
Ateneo de Iloilo–Santa Maria Catholic School seeks to form leaders whose actions are inspired by love and service. Constant efforts are invested to realize this vision, recognizing the significant roles these leaders will assume after high school. Clearly, the four walls of the classroom alone are not enough to achieve this; hence, the Student Development Program was created.
The formation of students as servant leaders follows a dynamic process: activities begin with self-awareness, progress through collaboration with others in groups, and ultimately guide students to become engaged citizens of society. The program exists to provide opportunities for the concretization of Filipino, Ignatian, and Christian values, which are essential in students’ search for the “Pearl of Great Price” (Mt. 13:45–46).
The Student Development Program complements the Academic Curriculum, reinforcing the school’s mission to offer a Jesuit-Catholic education and formation. The program emphasizes Servant Leadership, carried out through three components: Clubs and Organizations, Co-Curricular Activities, and Sports. These components provide spaces for students to hone and exercise their God-given talents and skills, using them to glorify God by rendering service whenever it is needed and wherever there is a call to lead.
Core Responsibilities
- Develop the leadership skills of the students through service-oriented and community-based projects and involvement. (Competence, Conscience, Community, Character, Compassion)
- Foster collaboration, confidence, and self-expression within safe and respectful communities of our students. (Community, Character, Compassion)
- Nurture the students’ God-given gifts—including talents, skills, and interests—and apply them in service to the People of God as a faith response. (Community, Conscience, Character, Christ-centeredness, Compassion, Competence)
- Promote appreciation of heritage and cultural diversity, including Ilonggo, Filipino, and Chinese traditions, among our students, through intercultural dialogues and activities. (Culture, Compassion, Community)
Program Offerings
A. Clubs and Organizations
Clubs and organizations serve as small communities within ADI-SMCS where students are welcomed, valued, and given the chance to express themselves, develop their talents, and cultivate a strong sense of shared ownership. Most importantly, these groups help students acquire the skills and values needed to become persons for others.
Every student in ADI-SMCS (Grades 3-12) is required to be a member of one club or organization. Each club or organization is assigned a club or organization moderator and meets once a week to pursue activities that allow students to discover, hone, express, and share their God-given skills, talents, and potentials.
The school offers various clubs (e.g. Arts and Soul, Knights of the Altar) and organizations (e.g. The Ripples, Student Council), all of which provide meaningful avenues for self-expression, leadership formation, and community involvement.
1. Club Membership
Club membership is compulsory for all students. Each student may join only one club to maintain a balance between academic responsibilities and club activities. In exceptional cases, a student may become an honorary member of another club; however, they must remain an active participant in meetings and official activities of their primary club.
Membership is valid for one school year, and students may transfer to another club at the start of the school year. When choosing a club, students are encouraged to consider their skills and interests. Some clubs may require auditions or try-outs, though transfers are allowed until the official membership list is finalized.
Students are encouraged to propose new clubs aligned with the school’s ideals. Proposals must be submitted using a proposal form and meet the necessary membership requirements for review and approval. Clubs are primarily student-initiated and student-led, with guidance from assigned moderators. Some clubs may undergo changes, reinvention, or rebranding each year depending on student interest and availability. Each club is supported and supervised by a club moderator.
To provide variety and cater to students’ diverse interests, clubs and organizations are grouped into the following classifications: Cultural, Performing Arts, Technology, Interest, Academic, Entrepreneurship, Spiritual, Service, Sports, and Scouting.
2. Club Grading System
Each student is given a club grade at the end of every trimester (GS/JHS) and semester (SHS) in letter equivalents. The performances of pupils shall be described in the report card, based on the Level of Proficiency for Club Graces as shown in Table 1.
Table 1. Level of Proficiency for Club Grades
| Percentage Range | Letter Grade | Level of Proficiency |
|---|---|---|
| 99%-100% | A+ | Advanced |
| 96%-98% | A | Advanced |
| 93%-95% | A- | Advanced |
| 90%-92% | B+ | Proficient |
| 87%-89% | B | Proficient |
| 84%-86% | B- | Proficient |
| 81%-83% | C+ | Developing |
| 78%-80% | C | Developing |
| 75%-77% | C- | Developing |
| 73%-74% | D | Beginning |
| 65%-72% | D- | Beginning |
B. Co-Curricular Activities
Co-curricular activities provide opportunities to enrich and complement the different subject area offerings, and at the same time, opportunities for students to apply learning in the classroom after being exposed to various situations and diverse venues of learning by participating in the different academic-based school events and competitions.
The objective of this program is to develop students’ leadership skills and potential through participation in various contests and competitions to gain self-discipline and personal pride (self), camaraderie and teamwork (others), and eventually to give service to society as “agents of change.”
Activities are designed to enrich the pupil’s learning experience across subject areas. These activities aim to provide intellectual, social, spiritual, and creative formation, ensuring the fullest possible development of each student, and encouraging the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of school life. It will also instill in them the Jesuit ideals of developing character by forming men and women of competence, conscience, and compassion.
C. Sports
The Sports Component of the Student Development Program supports leadership and character formation through athletic activities. It not only focuses on the skills development of student-athletes but also aims to form them as servant leaders and agents of nation-building. The program seeks to help students develop leadership values while honing their sports skills for themselves (self-awareness, discipline), for others (collaboration, sportsmanship), and ultimately for society (citizenship)
The program also strives to develop student-athletes who excel in various athletic events and represent the school in local, national, and international sports tournaments. However, success in tournaments and competitions is not the ultimate goal. The primary purpose is to form student-athletes in the tradition of excellence, loving service, and magis, for the greater glory of God.
Office Personnel
John U. Trompeta
Sports Coordinator / SDO Staff
Zilfah Denyce R. Lao
SHS SDO Staff
Mary Jane P. Arenga
JHS SDO Staff
Christine Dhal H. Segundera
GS SDO Staff