Ever since the start of the pandemic, the whole world has gone on lockdown. Schools have encountered difficulties when relying on virtual sessions to continue education. However, it is apparent that Southville still manages to have an organized and safe environment even with online learning, and supporting the school in this endeavor are its non-teaching employees or NTEs.
Though at times overlooked in a setting dominated by teachers and students, NTEs supply all the necessary behind-the-scenes help for everyone else on the campus. To show how much the school appreciates them, Southville prepared a small event just for them to give them a smile on their faces in these trying times.
From February 15-16, 2021, the Basic Education and International Baccalaureate (IB) Student Councils prepared and hosted the first online NTE Day Celebration showcasing the students’ appreciation toward them even during quarantine. Monarchs were able to commemorate the hard-working nature and heroism of NTEs amid the ongoing pandemic in this successful virtual event done entirely through Zoom call.
According to Grade 8 Level Representative Matthew Mariano who hosted the Grades 6-9 program, this event still had to push through even though physical interactions were limited. He says, “Because of the ongoing pandemic the school was not able to celebrate [a live] NTE Day. However, the Student Council planned many [online] activities and made sure that the NTEs would enjoy their day.”
Ms. Patricia ‘Pat’ Belleza, the Basic Education Student Council Moderator, details that in the process of making this online NTE Day a success, a careful amount of things were considered such as time management and the organization of employees to celebrate. Likewise, the number of NTEs and specific programs were divided for Grades 3-5, 6-9, 10-12, and IB. This also helped identify the number of prizes to offer for the employees.
To have a prosperous event, both Councils discussed together what activities they can do to make the day memorable for the NTEs even with how chaotic current events are. They gathered everyone’s suggestions and comments to come up with the activities, and it was decided that a Deal or No Deal game, a raffle, and a video presentation were to happen. After they decided on the activities, they delegated tasks to make sure every member had contributed to this project. Basic Education and IB Council Presidents Changmin 'Charles’ Yoon and Yannika Bata respectively assigned specific tasks as well as deadlines before the February celebration occurred. Since the programs were to fall from Monday to Tuesday, the Councils’ members had a dry run on a Friday that had them practice the whole program, check on the PowerPoint presentation, finalize the games, and test the music.
The NTE Day festivities began after each batches’ Morning Assembly. Select Council Members and NTEs entered the video meeting, and the hosts for the four programs kicked off the celebration. Though several non-teaching employees faced connectivity issues, they were still able to joyfully participate in their special day.
The online activities followed with the first being Deal or No Deal. Two NTE representatives were chosen to play the game following the same procedures as its real-life counterpart; they selected an initial case unknowing of its set value, then picked other cases offering set amounts of money until they. The process went on and on unless the NTEs scored a deal with one case or ended up with the one they chose at the beginning. Each case filled with cash is legitimate and not just imaginary points, so NTEs made careful decisions while students flew suggestions on the chatbox.
The following activity was the Raffle Promo where a digital wheel containing names of the employees present was spun and whoever was lucky enough to be selected earned a real cash prize. With over 30 names on the wheel and only a few spins available, each one excited many with nervous yet hopeful emotions.
To conclude the NTE celebration, there is no other heartwarming gift than a short appreciation video. The Councils prepared a compilation of selected members showing their love and appreciation through personal messages. No matter from what branch of the school, the student leaders offered touching words of gratitude that made some NTEs thank them back through the chatbox. After some final remarks, the event ended with cheerful feelings around.
From this experience, Level Representative Mariano was able to see the NTEs enjoy the council-prepared activities for them which made him happy as it accomplished the main goal of making NTEs feel loved and appreciated. He learned that a simple gesture of kindness can make someone’s day. He expounds, “In every situation, we learn from it and we always find ways to improve it.”
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