Learning from QUT inspires DJALMCS community

by Enerio E. Ebisa, QUT alumnus 2015

It was in May 2015, when I

got the Australian awards for
a benchmarking visit to the
different education
landscapes in three states
namely, Queensland,
Melbourne, and Sydney. I
thought I was dreaming. I
could not believe it myself
that I was on foot in a country
which has helped the
Philippines for many years.

While in Manila during the

briefing, I heard a lot about
Queensland University of
Technology. My thoughts
dreamed of a place beyond
my imaginations. I ran out of
pictures in my mind as to what it looked like. I prevented myself from
checking online because I did not want to spoil my excitement. In short, I
waited until I arrived in Brisbane.

That was night time, 9 in the

evening. I breathed the fresh air.
I was delighted. I said, I had
conquered my wildest dream of
being in a foreign land. Things
started to be different: time,
lane, sight, environment,
language, people. Until I was
brought in a cozy apartment,
Quest River Park Central
Apartment, then I started the
countdown.

My nerves were still jumping

anywhere. I sat on the couch and
my thoughts went vague. What
would I do here? How could this
place help me? What lies ahead?
I did self reflection. I kneeled
down and prayed.
The next day, Mr. Sacriz, a QUT fellow, toured us to the common destinations
for our comfort. We strolled over the river, sipped coffee at the corner,
oriented us about the schedule. We passed by Queensland University of
Technology at George St. opposite the river before reaching the apartment.
We got our IDs both the University and the bus.

I started to travel using the bus

and sat in a class at Kelvin Grove
with Deborah Henderson. I
learned so many things about the
program. We were in a course on
educational innovations, updates,
and best practices. I was amazed
by the program. Every day, we
had many resource speakers
discussing about Queensland
education. I got many lessons and
insights from them. I was
impressed.

We had workshops. I played the

role of a student. I learned new
things. I participated by giving my
soul into it. I enjoyed the experience. I told myself I would apply the things I
learned in the Philippines. And these are some of the many things I learned.

First: the value of time, for us Filipinos, we do not take it seriously most of the
time. But in QUT, I
witnessed how
important every second
was. I observed that the
training matrix was
followed religiously. It
was very consistent from
day 1 to end. My
goodness, it was such a
learning experience.

Second: the value of

fellowship. The success
of a program lies on
good planning, staffing, and fellowship. Putting together workmanship has
created a tailored-fit program worthy of emulation. It was really different. I
saw how concerted the effort was. It worked. It did work.
Third: the value of giving your best. Hats off to the management, I just love
the orchestrated endeavor. The speakers were excellent. Their ideas were
goose bumps. My heart was engaged. My mind was mesmerized. My hands
were busied. My feet were moved.

Fourth: the value of

visiting other schools.
My notes were filled
with hundreds of
adjectives. I was in
awe. I wondered and
wandered. I listed to
the school heads how
they managed the
school. Although far
from our schools in
the Philippines in all
aspects but I
considered the ideas.
When I get back, I will try to apply new ideas, I thought to myself.

These learning were compounded by the willingness to make a difference in

the school where I am running. Guided with the impressions I got from QUT,
I transformed the mindset of my teachers gradually. I tried to integrate new
ideas, especially the four dimensions I have enumerated earlier. I told them
that we would contextualize these best practices in our school.

Day in and day out, we somehow changed how we regarded time. We used
our strengths and unified our work. We set a new dimension. We
benchmarked other schools. We followed the ideas from QUT. We believed in
each one of us. I told them, QUT is our inspiration. I was sent there because of
a purpose. And that purpose is to transform our school, for a better school.

The faculty started to share that vision. Everyone in the community knew the
schools direction. The stakeholders engaged one another. The local and the
national government also took part in some ways. I saw how everyone
worked together. Punctuality both learners and teachers was practiced.
Collaboration among each other was maximized. Stepping their best feet
forward was the slogan. Trying new ideas was applied.
Hard work and perseverance paid off. The school was then awarded by the
Mary Lindbert International Gintong Parangal Para sa Edukasyon in
cooperation with the Department of Education Central Office for practicing
the values which contributed to the success of the departments national
thrusts. It was
truly
remarkable.
We did not
think this
award would
be given to
Doa Juana
Actub Lluch
Memorial
Central
School, my
school.

Because we
were so
engrossed with the four dimensions of learning, the school continued to make
a difference in the lives of the learners by reaching out the different
stakeholders just to bring quality education. As a matter of fact, Ian Stuart of
Ithaca Creek State Schools in Melbourne donated some of his Science
equipment to the school and visited the school for two times. He had able to
continue the Atomic
Theory program with
the teachers and the
learners in the school.
More science
equipment were
received by the school
which are now used
by the teachers in their
Science classes. Such a
wonderful blessing
indeed.

A year after in 2016,

the school broke
another record in the history of the Division of Iligan City in the annual
search for the Best National Brigada Eskwela Implementors nationwide
where the school won the exceptional category. This award recognizes the
strong support of the stakeholders in preparing the school for the school year.
Truly, there is truth in the statement that when it rains, it pours.
 The formula of the four dimensions
becomes the motto of the school
today. We translated this to: I do.
You do. We do. This bears the true
spirit that in school everybody
should serve and think for others
always. And of course, these four
dimensions would not only end
here but would be part and parcel
of government service.

The school now is also reaching

other schools in the region. Other
schools came to visit some of the
best practices and got new ideas
especially in the management of the
school programs, projects, and
activities. The school becomes
known to many and it has changed
its status from a swamp into an
oasis. Forward as we go. QUT our way of saying Thank You!

Note:
Enerio E. Ebisa
School Principal III
Doa Juana Actub Lluch Memorial Central School, Philippines
Metrobank Outstanding Teacher of the Philippines 2014
Australian Awards 2015