June 2013

Welcome to the new Academic Year (2013-2014)

In the blink of an eye, summer vacation was over and it was the start of a new academic year. We were excited to see what this year would hold. As June approached, we waited to hear about our new enrolees. We were hoping for at least 50 new students (Batch Judges)… We got 57. Our total number of students from 1^st year to 4^th year is now 126. We believe that the jump in enrolments reflects the new status of the school, as we have now been accredited by CHED (Commission on Higher Education). 

It is a tradition at PCL to throw a welcome party for the new students. However, they like to really surprise the students so an elaborate scheme was devised. For the first week, one of our 2^nd year students posed as a 1^st year, attending all the orientation meetings and being quite vocal so that all of Batch Judges would recognise him as part of their batch. When an ‘urgent’ meeting was called for all of the students, some issues targeting our new students were raised and our 1^st year imposter got into a heated discussion with a 2^nd year and a 3^rd year student. Things became more and more ‘heated’ and it was clear that our new students were very worried about the situation and the type of students we have here in our school. Suddenly, the student leading the discussion, who had been doing a great job at looking concerned, shouted, ‘Welcome!’ and the party began. Batch Judges realised that none of the ‘urgent’ meeting was real, and after a few minutes to recover from the shock, they enjoyed worship, games and messages of encouragement. Filipinos really love elaborate surprises and I must congratulate all of the actors for pulling it off. 

Welcome to our new students

CHED Celebration

As has been a theme of many of my newsletters and blogs, PCL has been undergoing the process of applying for CHED accreditation. We finally achieved it and our new students, Batch Judges, will graduate from their courses with a recognised SO (Special Order). So, on June 17 we had a special Thanksgiving Service, where Dr. PalYeon Won (our Korean Chancellor and President of the Board of Trustees), representatives from CHED, Gethsemane pastors and the Paul College of Leadership family celebrated this achievement.

We have been working towards this goal for more than 18 months and while we are so happy to have attained it, more work and adjustments will be required. We really appreciate your prayers during this time.