The corporation entered into an agreement with the St. James Catholic Church through Fr. Juan Tugadi for the use of Saint James Hall -- a one-storey, three-room building -- for classrooms. The second and third year students occupied this building. The first and fourth year levels were added in 1947 and 1948, respectively. On February 13, 1948 the school was given government recognition. In 1950 the school's name was changed to Subic Educational Institute. On May 3, 1951 the school officially became a Catholic institution under the auspices of the Columban missionaries who were encharged by the bishop of Iba. It assumed its present name of Saint James High School.
In March 1960 the school erected its first concrete two-storey building. Financial support for its construction came from Bishop Henry Byrne, Fr. Edward McKenna and Columban Missionaries. More buildings and facilities were constructed through the years, thus increasing the number of classrooms from 9 to 34. A new playing court was added, and a stage was donated by then Mayor Dangal Z. Guevara, Sr. (Prior to that, school activities had been held in the town's public plaza.)
The construction of the first year building was realized during the tenure of Fr. Teodoro Bacani in 1977. When Fr. Frank Mina became the director in 1980, an additional extension composed of four classrooms was built. During Fr. Juan Pastor's administration, the practice house was constructed. As part of its expansion program and to further serve the community, Fr. Esteban started the kindergarten level in 1985.
In 1968, Fr. Edward McKenna entered into an agreement with the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception for school administration. The superior of the sisters assigned Sisters Elise, Lutgardis, Florence and Gemmi to the school.spices of the Columban missionary order.The turn of the millennium marked rapid changes in the school: improvement of the computer laboratory, a newly air-conditioned library, a science laboratory, restoration of fourth-year floor with air-conditioned classrooms, renovation of the second-year building, a new stage and flagpole, an evergreen garden, a new canteen, a state-of-the-art conference room, an audiovisual home theater, and intercom connections among offices. Many of these improvements were realized through the partnership of Msgr. Cris Cacho, Fr. Audie Mozo, Jr., Sr. Rosa Mendoza, SFIC and the Saint James School Alumni Association, together with the Faculty, Parents, Teachers and Friends Association (PTFA).Ever since the first batch of only 6 students who graduated in 1948, St. James has produced successful graduates who are now in different fields of endeavor -- government, business, industry, military, and media -- and who have contributed much to the country's development.
The school emphasizes excellence in its core curriculum and multiple social outreach programs. Senior students extend catechetical services to public elementary schools in different barrios of Subic. Faculty and students assist in the Alay-Kapwa Program. Reforestation projects were started in Nalamesa and Tamayok reservoirs. Students give assistance to NAMFREL-PPCRV (Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting) during elections\.
Vision, Mission and Goals
[edit] Vision
Saint James School envisions a Christ-centered, dynamic and effective school community.
[edit] Mission
The school is committed:
- To grow continuously in spiritual, personal and professional life;
- To develop competent and caring academic and support personnel for the total formation of its students;
- To develop self-directed and responsible students who are academically and vocationally equipped and ready to serve others; and
- To produce citizens and leaders who are Maka-Diyos, Maka-tao, Maka-buhay at Maka-kalikasan.
[edit] Goals
- To avail of opportunities for ongoing spiritual, personal and professional growth
- To keep abreast of and be actively involved with current educational, religious, economic, political, socio-cultural, ecological, scientific and technological thrusts, trends and issues
- To continuously upgrade and enrich the curriculum to meet demands for societal moral transformation, academic excellence and vocational technological aptitude skills which are globally competitive
- To establish an Integrated Christian Formation program which helps benefit the entire school community;
- To establish an effective financial management system to facilitate the realization of the vision, mission and goals of the Institution
[edit] History
[edit] Early years
Saint James School was established in 1945 as Subic High School by five incorporators-- Francisco Arana, Ireneo Reyes, Cecilo Panaligan, Felipe Custodio and Jose Molina. It was originally founded as a non-sectarian high school for lower middle-class students in the Subic environs.
The corporation entered into an agreement with the St. James Catholic Church through Fr. Juan Tugadi for the use of Saint James Hall -- a one-storey, three-room building -- for classrooms. The second and third year students occupied this building. The first and fourth year levels were added in 1947 and 1948, respectively. On February 13, 1948 the school was given government recognition. In 1950 the school's name was changed to Subic Educational Institute. On May 3, 1951 the school officially became a Catholic institution under the auspices of the Columban missionaries who were encharged by the bishop of Iba. It assumed its present name of Saint James High School.
In March 1960 the school erected its first concrete two-storey building. Financial support for its construction came from Bishop Henry Byrne, Fr. Edward McKenna and Columban Missionaries. More buildings and facilities were constructed through the years, thus increasing the number of classrooms from 9 to 34. A new playing court was added, and a stage was donated by then Mayor Dangal Z. Guevara, Sr. (Prior to that, school activities had been held in the town's public plaza.)
The construction of the first year building was realized during the tenure of Fr. Teodoro Bacani in 1977. When Fr. Frank Mina became the director in 1980, an additional extension composed of four classrooms was built. During Fr. Juan Pastor's administration, the practice house was constructed. As part of its expansion program and to further serve the community, Fr. Esteban started the kindergarten level in 1985.
In 1968, Fr. Edward McKenna entered into an agreement with the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception for school administration. The superior of the sisters assigned Sisters Elise, Lutgardis, Florence and Gemmi to the school.
[edit] Mount Pinatubo’s challenge
When Mt. Pinatubo erupted on June 15, 1991, St. James was among the worst hit of schools in the province. Its five buildings and all facilities were heavily damaged. Classes resumed only after several months. During this period the faculty and students extended services to Saint James Parish Relief Center. School director Fr. Roque Villanueva led the rehabilitation of both the parish and the school.
Donations for the reconstruction of the school and scholarship for displaced students trickled in. Major donors were the Columban fathers, Fr. Tom Jurgens, Catholic Educators Association of the Philippines (CEAP), Caritas Manila, Franciscan Renewal Foundation, Saint James School Batch '66 and Lea Salonga. Subic mayor Manuel Molina contributed to the school garden improvement and basketball court, while Mayor Leonardo Guevara contributed to the reconstruction of the volleyball court. In 1992, under Fr. Roland Almo, the second floor of the third-year building was restored.
[edit] Saint James today
The turn of the millennium marked rapid changes in the school: improvement of the computer laboratory, a newly air-conditioned library, a science laboratory, restoration of fourth-year floor with air-conditioned classrooms, renovation of the second-year building, a new stage and flagpole, an evergreen garden, a new canteen, a state-of-the-art conference room, an audiovisual home theater, and intercom connections among offices. Many of these improvements were realized through the partnership of Msgr. Cris Cacho, Fr. Audie Mozo, Jr., Sr. Rosa Mendoza, SFIC and the Saint James School Alumni Association, together with the Faculty, Parents, Teachers and Friends Association (PTFA).
Ever since the first batch of only 6 students who graduated in 1948, St. James has produced successful graduates who are now in different fields of endeavor -- government, business, industry, military, and media -- and who have contributed much to the country's development.
The school emphasizes excellence in its core curriculum and multiple social outreach programs. Senior students extend catechetical services to public elementary schools in different barrios of Subic. Faculty and students assist in the Alay-Kapwa Program. Reforestation projects were started in Nalamesa and Tamayok reservoirs. Students give assistance to NAMFREL-PPCRV (Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting) during elections.
Years and sections
First Year
- O'Dea
- O'Connell
- O'Kelly
- O'Brien
- O'Malley
Second Year
- Conneely
- Lyons
- Clay
- Auburn
- Moran
] Third Year
- Murtagh
- Curry
- McKeating
- Duffy
- Bennett
] Fourth Year
- Henrybyrne
- Mulkerins
- McKenna
- Quigley
- Flynn
School organizations
- The Central Board of Students (CBS) is the highest governing body of students. All its provisions are contained in its constitution and by-laws.
- Speech Club (formerly known as the Literary Club) seeks to help the students develop their communication skills in both oral and written English through such activities as oratorical contests, essay writing contests, extemporaneous speaking contests, debates, play fests and seminars on journalism.
- Young Journalists Club publishes The St. James Gazette. It is the official publication of the school. Through the Gazette, students are given the opportunity to develop their power of self-expression.
- SAMASAFIL seeks to develop a deeper understanding, greater appreciation of and higher regard for our national language through contests, lectures, seminars, and other activities.
- Religious/Values Club seeks to develop a true Christian spirit among the students through the formation of an attitude of social awareness and service. It seeks to build among its members the spirit of community living, aware of its responsibility for the upliftment of the needy sectors of the community.
- Young Analysts Club seeks to develop a wider and deeper interest in mathematics through seminars, symposia and other mathematical contests.
- Young Scientists Club seeks to promote awareness of the various branches of natural science through activities as symposia, seminars, field trips and research activities.
- MAPEH Club organizes and supervises athletic activities which serve as practicum for the different skills learned in the MAPEH program, and fosters opportunities for the development of the value of friendly competition, dedication, and sportsmanship.
- Kamalaysayan (Social Studies Club) seeks to promote social awareness through activities which expose students to current problems and encourage them to respond to these problems within their present life situation. It seeks to give students opportunities to interact with other persons and supplement activities and projects which are current social and cultural interest and importance.
- Homemakers Club (TLE Club) seeks to prepare young girls to be responsible and efficient home managers and mothers, and boys to fathers and partners in the task of building a happy Christian family.
Yearly activities
Initiation Day
- Celebrated in the middle of June, this day is for welcoming the newly-enrolled students (1st years & transferees) into the St. James family. Sometimes, Initiation Day is celebrated on the same day as Independence Day.
Club Formation
- Headed by the Central Board of Students, all of the clubs gather in the church for the yearly oath-taking. Prior to that is the club formation on campus, where students choose the organizations they wish to participate in. During their meeting, the members are listed and they choose a new set of officers.
Feast Day
- The school celebrates the feast day of St. James every year on July 25, in honor of its patron and namesake. Different games and activities are held, supervised the schools various organizations.
- The school holds activities and programs to commemorate and honor our national language. In line with the celebration, the school holds contests for the students to show their talent and skill in using the Filipino language.
Halloween Party
- During this event, celebrated just before Halloween, the students dress up in scary costumes and have an award for Mr. and Ms. Halloween. Sometimes there are also contests for best band.
Lighting of the Christmas Tree
- Christmas is a very important event for the entire Catholic Church, and St. James, being a Catholic school, celebrates the spirit of Christmas wherein the school facilitates the lighting of the big Christmas tree.
Lolo and Lola's Day
- In the spirit of Christmas giving, the school traditionally has a program to give gifts to Lolos and Lolas, especially those less fortunate.
Values Days
- The school holds a choral fest where each class competes by singing a prepared Christmas song.
SST Days
- This celebration is supervised by the Kamalaysayan or Social Studies Club. Picture Perfect is held in the morning with 10 participating groups. The following day is for the annual Histo-quiz. In the culminating activity, selected students from the different curriculums perform in relation of SST’s theme, the environment. A symposium is also held.
English Days
- Starting in school year 2007-2008, school principal Sister Rosa Mendoza promoted a new policy of speaking English on campus in order for students to gain proficiency and have more opportunities in the future. English Days are held to underline the importance of English language skills.
Field Demo
- During this MAPEH celebration, every class of every curriculum prepares a Filipino dance number, in order for the students to show their talent and to promote original Filipino dances.
TLE Days
- A Pista sa Nayon is held, where the students can show their talent in cooking. There is also a program called the Food Exhibit where selected students cook different meriendas and sell them to the other students.
Science Days
- The students conduct investigatory projects dealing with various modern issues, with the help of the teachers.
Foundation Week
- Celebrated every February, this commemorates the founding of St. James School. Officers from different clubs organize booths for the whole week of celebration. Parents' Day, Juniors and Seniors Prom Night, and the Coronation of Mr. and Ms. St. James is also observed during Foundation Week.
Intramurals
- The school holds yearly Intramurals to ensure that students are not only molded mentally, socially, and spiritually, but also physically. The Intramurals are led by the advisers and coordinators of the MAPEH Department. They assign 5 teams composed of different sections from every year level, with teachers to guide and train them.
- The Intramurals last for a week. It starts with elimination games and practices for the cheer dance. The games are: basketball (boys); volleyball (boys and girls); badminton (boys and girls); sepak takraw (boys); table tennis (boys and girls); darts (boys and girls); standing long & high jump (boys and girls); scrabble(boys and girls); chess (boys and girls); and cheer dance (boys and girls from each team). There is also a Mr. and Ms. Intramurals contest, where they choose representatives from each team to act as muses and escorts.
- The last two days are for championship games. A parade is held on the last day, led by the teachers with their corresponding teams, and muses and escorts. The students then present their energetic cheer dances. The celebrations ends with the recognition of the winning teams.
Recognition Day
- Apart from the graduation of the fourth year students, Recognition Day is also celebrated to recognize and award outstanding students from the lower year levels. During the ceremony, these honor students receive certificates of recognition.
