Parents' Handbook SY 2023-24

PARENTS’ HANDBOOK
SISIDLAN INSTITUTE PARENTS’ HANDBOOK

SY 2023-2024
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................... 6
ABOUT SISIDLAN.......................................................................................................................... 7
Child ......................................................................................................................................... 7
Culture ..................................................................................................................................... 7
Community .............................................................................................................................. 7
Contribution............................................................................................................................. 8
THE HANDBOOK .......................................................................................................................... 9
WALDORF EDUCATION.............................................................................................................. 10
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE ................................................................................................. 11
SCHOOL HOURS AND TERM DATES ........................................................................................... 12
Term Dates 2023-24 .............................................................................................................. 12
School Hours 2023 - 2024 ...................................................................................................... 12
WHAT DOES THE SCHOOL ASK OF PARENTS? ........................................................................... 13
STATUS OF SISIDLAN ................................................................................................................. 15
WAIVER...................................................................................................................................... 16
AMBAGAN SYSTEM ................................................................................................................... 17
CLASS ADMIN ............................................................................................................................ 18
Class Liaison ........................................................................................................................... 18
Class Treasurer....................................................................................................................... 18
Choosing the Class Admin Team ........................................................................................... 19
GENERAL GUIDELINES ................................................................................................................... 20
REVIEW PERIOD ......................................................................................................................... 21
Munting Hardin...................................................................................................................... 21
Grade School.......................................................................................................................... 21
Fees ........................................................................................................................................ 22
ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY ............................................................................................. 23
Absences ................................................................................................................................ 23
Late Arrivals ........................................................................................................................... 24
2
REPORTS AND PTCS ................................................................................................................... 25
CLASS MEETINGS ....................................................................................................................... 26
WHAT ARE CHILDREN ALLOWED TO WEAR AND BRING TO SCHOOL? ..................................... 27
CLOTHING .............................................................................................................................. 27
TOYS AND OTHER ITEMS ....................................................................................................... 29
FOOD...................................................................................................................................... 30
PROCEDURE FOR ARRIVING AND COLLECTING CHILDREN ....................................................... 32
MORNING .............................................................................................................................. 32
DISMISSAL .............................................................................................................................. 33
HEALTH AND SAFETY ................................................................................................................. 35
ILLNESSES ............................................................................................................................... 35
SAMPLE ABSENCE LETTER...................................................................................................... 36
CANCELLATION OF CLASSES ...................................................................................................... 37
TYPHOONS ............................................................................................................................. 37
HEAVY RAINFALLS .................................................................................................................. 37
USE OF ELECTRONIC MEDIA ...................................................................................................... 38
POLICY FOR VARIOUS AGE GROUPS ...................................................................................... 39
USE OF ELECTRONIC MEDIA AT SCHOOL ............................................................................... 40
EXCLUSION AND SUSPENSION OF PUPILS ................................................................................. 44
Reasons for Suspension and Exclusion .................................................................................. 44
Before Suspension or Exclusion............................................................................................. 45
Exclusion ................................................................................................................................ 46
COMMUNICATIONS................................................................................................................... 48
Communication Platforms ..................................................................................................... 48
Communication Guidelines for Parent Concerns .................................................................. 49
DATA PROTECTION POLICY ....................................................................................................... 52
Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 52
Data Processing ..................................................................................................................... 52
Collection of Information ...................................................................................................... 53
Procedure for staff................................................................................................................. 53
Storing, using and disposing of personal data securely ........................................................ 54
Electronic data ....................................................................................................................... 54
Hard copies of data................................................................................................................ 54
3
Taking personal data off site ................................................................................................. 55
Copying personal data ........................................................................................................... 55
Emailing personal data .......................................................................................................... 55
Sending personal data to DPA regulated countries .............................................................. 56
When staff leave the school .................................................................................................. 56
Data formerly held on personal computers .......................................................................... 57
Internal security ..................................................................................................................... 57
If there is a security breach ................................................................................................... 57
Confidentiality ....................................................................................................................... 58
Right to Privacy ...................................................................................................................... 58
Right to Damages................................................................................................................... 58
Contact Information .............................................................................................................. 58
MUNTING HARDIN GUIDELINES ................................................................................................... 59
WHAT IS MUNTING HARDIN ..................................................................................................... 60
OBJECTIVES OF THE MUNTING HARDIN ................................................................................... 61
MUNTING HARDIN SETUP, ACTIVITIES, DAILY RHYTHM ........................................................... 62
THE DAILY TIMETABLE OF ACTIVITIES ................................................................................... 63
OTHER PRACTICAL RULES .......................................................................................................... 64
Things to Bring Daily .............................................................................................................. 64
Punctuality ............................................................................................................................. 64
Tired, sleepy, and hungry child.............................................................................................. 65
Picture taking ......................................................................................................................... 65
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS ......................................................................................................... 66
Before the Birthday Celebration............................................................................................ 66
During The Birthday Celebration ........................................................................................... 66
After the Birthday Celebration (only if needed) .................................................................... 67
EXPECTATIONS FROM THE ADULTS .......................................................................................... 68
GRADE SCHOOL GUIDELINES ........................................................................................................ 69
HOME VISITS.............................................................................................................................. 70
CLASS TRIPS ............................................................................................................................... 72
Regular Weekly Trips ............................................................................................................. 72
Field Trips............................................................................................................................... 72
Camping ................................................................................................................................. 72
4
Class Trip Forms ..................................................................................................................... 73
Class Trip Rules ...................................................................................................................... 73
Class Trip Needs ..................................................................................................................... 74
FESTIVALS .................................................................................................................................. 76
Annual Festivals ..................................................................................................................... 76
Attendance ............................................................................................................................ 76
Festival Fees........................................................................................................................... 77
General Guidelines ................................................................................................................ 77
MEAL PROGRAM ....................................................................................................................... 78
Standard Flatwares ................................................................................................................ 78
Leftovers ................................................................................................................................ 78
Second Servings ..................................................................................................................... 78
Extra Food .............................................................................................................................. 79
Payment ................................................................................................................................. 79
Potluck Meals ........................................................................................................................ 79
5
INTRODUCTION
ABOUT SISIDLAN
ABOUT SISIDLAN
Sisidlan Institute has its roots in homeschooling where it started as a small Steiner-
Waldorf homeschooling group in June 2015. It slowly opened its doors to more families who
wanted a Steiner-Waldorf education for their children. Everyone contributed to the cost of
running the homeschool group according to their capacity. As more families wanted to join, the
original group of parents and teachers decided to take the huge leap to form a school even
though they did not have the land or the money. In 2019, Sisidlan Institute came to being and
was registered as a non-stock, non-profit corporation. Our aim is to become a sustainable and
accessible Steiner-Waldorf educational institution for families from different socio-economic
backgrounds. We are guided by its 4 Primary Principles called the 4Cs – Child, Culture,
Community, and Contribution.
Child
As an educational institution, S.I. provides a child-centered and holistic approach to
education. We uphold the philosophy that education is a healthy and balanced process,
seeing and nurturing the child's whole development: the Head (mental), the Heart
(emotional), and the Hands (physical).
Culture
We celebrate local and world culture, nourishing the children with stories woven by our
forebearers, giving them a strong anchor grounded by our history, destiny, and truth. As
a community, we also incorporate local practices and traditions into our system, to
make it more true to our identity.
Community
We are a place for children and families from different socio-economic backgrounds –
from the poor to the financially-capable. Our community, which we call the Bayanihan
composed of the teachers, staff, and parents, works together towards our vision. Our
leaders are composed of a circle of core volunteers who constantly undergo intensive
Steiner-Waldorf education training, and lead the whole school-community together.
They are the Board of Trustees (BOT) and the *Dap-ayan, which represents the
Teachers’ and Administration Circles.
Back to Table of Contents 7

ABOUT SISIDLAN
Contribution
We practice Ambagan, a contribution and honesty system wherein everyone in the
community genuinely shares resources, time and effort, to sustain and operate the
school, while also in partnership with institutions and organizations who support our
cause, all working together to bring meaningful learning to the children.
_________________________________________________________________
*Dap-ayan is a place made out of rocks positioned to cover a circular flooring. Around the
flooring are also rocks formed as a circle arranged like back rests or walls. The place is
traditionally used by Cordillerans as a meeting area for elders and chieftains to address their
community’s needs and issues.

THE HANDBOOK
THE HANDBOOK
This Handbook forms part of parents’ contract with the school. It applies to all the
children, teachers, parents and other members of Sisidlan Institute’s Bayanihan. This contains
information and brief summaries about the policies, procedures, practices and culture of the
school, which serves as a guide towards clear structures, and smooth communications,
transactions and operations. At the heart of this Handbook is supporting the children’s quality of
education and everyone’s safety and welfare.
It is important that all the adluts in the community familiarise themselves with the
information given in this Handbook, as prerequisite to handling and supporting the daily life of
the school, as well as envisioning the long-term picture for Sisidlan Institute.
The school reserves the right to correct, adjust or add any additional information as may
be appropriate throughout the school year. Any changes in information or additions will be
noted and the community will be informed about it.

WALDORF EDUCATION
WALDORF EDUCATION
Coming Soon.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
Coming Soon.

SCHOOL HOURS AND TERM DATES
SCHOOL HOURS AND TERM DATES

Term Dates 2023-24
Habagat Term/Term 1 2023
3 July (Monday) – First Day of Term
1 September (Friday) – End of Term
4 September (Monday)-15 September (Friday) – Habagat Break
Amihan Term/Term 2 2023

18 September (Monday) – First Day of Term
27 October (Friday) – School Ends for Half-Term
30 October (Monday)-3 November (Friday) – Half-Term Break/Health Break
6 November (Monday) – Back to School

15 December (Friday) – End of Term
18 December (Monday)-5 January 2024 (Friday) – Christmas Term Break
Tag-init Term/Term 3 2024

8 January (Monday) – First Day of Term
16 February (Friday) – School Ends for Half-Term
19 February (Monday)-23 February (Friday) – Half-Term Break/Health Break
26 February (Monday) – Back to School

5 April (Friday) – End of School Year
Click the link for the detailed SCHOOL CALENDAR.
School Hours 2023 - 2024

Munting Hardin:
9:00am - 12:00pm Monday to Friday
Class 1:
CLasses 2, 3, 4 & 6:

WHAT DOES THE SCHOOL ASK OF PARENTS?
WHAT DOES THE SCHOOL ASK OF

PARENTS?
The PARENTS shall strive to carry out the values of Waldorf education and of SISIDLAN in the
home, including but not limited to the following:
• Regular daily rhythm that includes regular mealtimes and early bedtimes;
• The right amount of sleep based on the recommended time for the specific age group,
i.e., for Munting Hardin 11-12 hours, for lower grades 10-11 hours, for upper grades 8-
9 hours;
• The allowed amount of screen time, which includes mobile devices, computer,
television, movies/videos, is lower or does not exceed the recommended time for the
specific age group.
• A balanced healthy diet of whole and natural food throughout the day that does not
include processed/fast food that is high in preservatives, artificial sweeteners and
colorings; and foods high in sugar except when needed or as prescribed by a doctor;
• Avoidance of sensory overload (such as visiting malls, loud music, full schedule with
various extra-curricular activities, etc.) on a regular basis.
• Use and cultivation of Filipino as the primary language of the child, along with the home
language of the parents if other than Filipino.
The PARENTS shall to the best of their abilities and capacities:

• Work towards understanding the principles behind Steiner Waldorf Education through
self-study and/or by attending trainings and talks offered through the worldwide Waldorf
community or as organized by the school;
• Become familiar with the school’s rules, policies and procedures and respect and follow
them and encourage one’s children to do so;
• Respond to communication from the school and from the teachers promptly, and
maintain an open and honest communication with the teachers about their child’s health,
family circumstances and anything else that might affect the child’s behavior and the
family’s participation in school activities;
• Participate in the administrative and operational tasks for the class by taking on a specific
role or supporting one’s co-parents in their roles, such as but not limited to collecting,
disbursing and reporting of class funds, liaison between the teacher and parents of the

WHAT DOES THE SCHOOL ASK OF PARENTS?
class, and coordinating with other classes and committees. At the same time, volunteer
as lead person and/or as member of the different working committees or groups based
on one’s skills, capacities, and interest;
• Attend class or school-related activities that require the involvement and participation of
the parents such as but not limited to the following: Parent-Teacher Conferences, Class
Meetings, Home Visits, Bayanihan Meetings, Bahaginan and Festivals; and
• Support fundraising initiatives, activities and events organized by the school and/or for
the benefit of the school, and help in organizing, planning, and implementing, together
with fellow parents, fundraising activities on behalf of the school.
The PARENTS shall carry out the following:

• Grant SISIDLAN permission to use the likeness of the children in a photograph, video and
other digital media, without payment or other consideration, to claim copyright, and to
edit, alter, copy, exhibit, publish and distribute these photos and/or videos for any lawful
purposes.

STATUS OF SISIDLAN
STATUS OF SISIDLAN
Sisidlan does not hold a government Permit to Operate or a Government Recognition as
mandated in the 2011 Manual of Regulations for Private Schools in Basic Education of the
Department of Education. Given its status, Sisidlan is not able to issue its students official SF9
(formerly Form 138) Learner’s Progress Report Card and SF10 (formerly Form 137) Learner’s
Permanent Academic Record. It is also unable to issue the Learner Reference Number, the
permanent student identification number issued to students undergoing basic education, for
first-time students (Kindergarten).
Students enrolled in Sisidlan who wish to become part of the Philippine formal school
system will need to take the Philippine Educational Placement Test as an independent
homeschooler.
Sisidlan also offers its students in Kindergarten or students who have an existing LRN
and an updated SF10 the option to enroll with a service provider it has partnered with where
the student’s official school records will be kept and maintained.

WAIVER
WAIVER
It is hereby understood that upon the child’s enrollment in Sisidlan Institute, the parents
and/or guardians are already aware and therefore agreeable to the special nature of Steiner-
Waldorf Education, particularly on its emphasis on the conduct of regular outdoor activities as
an essential part of the curriculum. The said awareness commences at the admission process, i.e.
During the assessment and evaluation of the child, during which this special nature of education
is explained to and discussed with the parents and/or guardians, and culminates to the
agreement by the latter when they decide and in fact, enroll their child or children in the school
(SI).
In view of the above, the parents and/or guardians equivocally grant their consent to the
said activities, such as but not limited to: weekly nature walks and outdoor play, regular farm
visits, trips to the gym for sports and to the pool for swimming, various field trips, and annual
camping trips, and make a waiver in favor of Sisidlan Institute, its respective trustees, staff and
teachers, of and from any and all claims whatsoever arising or which may arise by reason of the
child’s participation therein, including any claims due to personal injuries or illnesses excepting
any such claim resulting from and/or arising out of the gross negligence of the school (SI) its
respective trustees, staff and teachers. However, for activities that will require extended periods
of stay, specifically overnight or longer than one (1) day, then the school will issue individual
consent and waiver forms for the approval and compliance by the parents and/or guardians, prior
to the holding thereof.
In the event of any such complaint on the ground of gross negligence as stated in the
preceding paragraph, the same must be done in writing and addressed to the School
Administrator, and must be filed within five (5) working days from the date of the incident.
Finally, the parents and/or guardians authorize the school nurse or doctor of Sisidlan
Institute, and the class teacher/s to initiate and endorse the child for proper medical attention
as may be deemed appropriate by said representative in case of any injury or illness suffered by
the latter while in school or during outdoor activities, and release Sisidlan Institute, its respective
trustees, staff and teachers from any claim arising out of any medical treatment the child may
require at the particular time. If the parents and/or guardians are not amenable to this, their
position must be stated in writing.

AMBAGAN SYSTEM
AMBAGAN SYSTEM
Coming Soon.

CLASS ADMIN
CLASS ADMIN
While it’s the task of the class teacher to carry out and implement the curriculum, parent
involvement and support is crucial in the accomplishment of this task. For the parents to
provide this support, the class is organized and represented by two parents who act as Class
Liaison and Class Treasurer respectively.
Class Liaison
The Class Liaison is the bridge between the class teacher and the parents, making sure
that support and assistance is always available for the class teacher and the class in
general. Given the important role of the Class Liaison in the life of the class, it is
important that the Class Liaison cultivates a positive and collaborative class culture
among the parents.
The responsibilities of the Class Liaison are as follows:
• Organize the class parents in coordinating offsite class activities such as the class
camp and field trips.
• Serve as the bridge between the class teacher and parents regarding the needs
of specific class activities connected to the Main Lesson and Subject Lessons such
as the class play and regular trips to parks, and school events such as season
festivals.
• Make sure that class parents are aware of announcements from the class teacher
and the school in general.
• Assist new families to help them integrate easily in the community.
• Assist the Class Treasurer in the collection of the fees when needed.
• Attend the meetings of the Parent Circle and coordinate with other Class Admins.
• Support the class teacher in other ways that may be needed in relation to the
class.
• Able to serve at least one school year.
Class Treasurer
The Class Treasurer handles the class funds, which is collected from the parents and used
for specific school and class activities. Timely disbursement and reporting are critical to

CLASS ADMIN
maintain trust within the class. It also must be stressed that the utmost cooperation of
the class parents in paying their dues on time is essential.
The responsibilities of the Class Treasurer are as follows:
• Open a bank account for the class together with the Class Liaison.
• Come up with the budget for class activities and determine the contribution of
each parent based on the budget.
• Collect the fees for class events such as class camp, field trips, and others, and
for school events such as festivals.
• Disburse collected fees as stipulated in the budget and remit to the school bursar
the fees collected for school-wide events.
• Come up with a regular report to be submitted to the class.
• Assist the Class Liaison in organizing the class parents when needed.
• Attend the meetings of the Parent Circle and coordinate with other Class
Admins.
• Able to serve at least one school year.
Choosing the Class Admin Team

Anyone from the class can volunteer as Class Liaison and Class Treasurer as long as they
meet the following:
• Has fulfilled or completed all previous commitments (monetary and non-
monetary)
• Does not have a child who needs constant or notably exceptional support from
the parent/s or guardians (whether enrolled in Sisidlan or not), which will hinder
the parent from committing fully to the tasks
• Is in good and healthy physical and mental condition required to fulfill the tasks
that come with the position
• Can communicate effectively and build relationships with the class teacher and
all the class parents
• Preferably an old parent (someone who has been in the community for at least a
year), but if none of the old parents are able to take on the position/task, the
class teacher will approach new parents to ask if they can commit to take on the
position

CLASS ADMIN
GENERAL
GUIDELINES

REVIEW PERIOD
REVIEW PERIOD
The Review Period allows the school and the parents to observe the child as part of the
class and the larger school, and to assess if the school is able to meet the needs of the child. This
basically means that the children are being monitored more closely and assessed on a daily
basis to see how they are adjusting to their new environment and to identify any behavioral
issues. There will be regular informal reporting on the progress of the child during this period.
Munting Hardin
For all children, whether new or returning, the first two weeks of the first term is the
probationary period or what is otherwise called the Review Period.
• At the end of the two weeks (Friday of the second week), the teachers, after
having consulted their recommendations with their Mentor, will meet with the
parents of those children who are undergoing difficulties and whose needs the
school might not meet and inform the parents of their decision, which can be
any as follows: the child will not be accepted, the child will be accepted but with
conditions that the parents must fulfill, or the term of the Review period will be
extended for another specific period of time. The parents must make
themselves available for this meeting.
• The Review Period may be extended several times but must end within one term
and extensions will no longer be given. The decision of the teachers is final.
• The decision and the reasons for the decision and any agreements reached
between the teachers and the parents must be stated in writing and submitted
to the parents for signing within three days. The parents, after all corrections
have been made if any, will return the signed final document the following day.
• If parents feel that the school is not the right match for their child, they must
request for a meeting with the teachers within or at the end of the two week
period. After the teachers have been informed of their decision, the parents will
inform the School Administration through writing the following day.
Grade School
For all new students including children from Munting Hardin who move up to Class One,
the first term (three months) is the Review Period.

REVIEW PERIOD
• Most of the time, the teacher will discuss a child’s progress with the Teachers’
Circle and make a decision after a full term. However, depending on the
situation of each child especially those children who are having problems
adjusting in class, the teacher and the parents may after a minimum of three
weeks decide. The decision of the teacher will be consulted with the Teacher’s
Circle and will be discussed with the parents.
• At the end of the Review Period, the teacher will decide in consultation with the
Teachers’ Circle whether a child will be accepted, will not be accepted, will be
accepted with conditions that the parents must meet, or the term of the Review
Period will be extended. The Review Period may be extended three times and
cover the entire school year.
• Possible reasons for not accepting a child are the same as those under
Suspension and Expulsion.
• For children who will not be accepted or accepted with conditions or given an
extension of the Review Period, the teacher, accompanied by a colleague, will
have a meeting with the parent to discuss the decision and to state the reasons
of the decision. The parents will be given 3 days to decide if they are amendable
with the conditions of acceptance or with the extension. The parents must give
their decision in writing to the School Administration. However, the decision of
the school not to accept the child is final. The School Administration will send a
letter the following day to the parents of the final decision as discussed with the
parents or after the School Administration receives the acceptance of the
conditions by the parents.
• If the parents decide to withdraw their child at any time within or at the end of
the Review Period, the parent must inform the Class Teacher first. An
agreement will be reached between the teacher and the parents on the specific
end date. The parents will then write a formal letter of Withdrawal stating their
decision and its reason to the School Administration.
Fees
In the event where the family has been asked or withdraws from the school within or at
the end of the Review Period/First Term, the family will be required to settle their
committed financial contribution on a pro-rated basis. If the Review Period extends
beyond the first term, the family will have to settle their contribution in full whether the
child completes the school year or not.

ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY

Absences and lateness can have a detrimental effect on the child’s interest and progress
in school and can cause undue anxiety and stress on the child. Children who frequently arrive
late or are often absent can have trouble integrating into an activity that is already underway
and can be disruptive to the whole class. It is the responsibility of the parent to make sure the
child comes to school every day and on time. The school will make it a point to remind parents
of this responsibility by reiterating the importance of regular and punctual attendance and its
repercussions when this responsibility is not upheld. Lateness and absences will be recorded in
the child’s year-end report.
Absences
• Children are required to come to school every day.
o Attendance is likewise mandatory for all school and class events, including but not
limited to class field trips, class camps, and festivals.
o The only acceptable reason when a child cannot come to school is when a child is
ill, or when there is an accident, bereavement or similar events in the immediate
family.
o Vacations, family gatherings, and other similar occurrences, even if teachers are
notified, are considered unexcused absences.
• When a student incurs more than 5 unexcused absences during a term, a parent
conference with the class teacher in the presence of the TC Head will be called where a
decision will be reached whether the child will still be allowed to continue or not.
• When a student incurs excused absences of more than 20% of the prescribed number of
school days within a school year or a term, the student will not be given any credit unless
the student will make up the missed lessons through special projects or as may be
discussed with the class teacher upon the approval of the Teachers’ Circle Head.
• Parents must inform their child’s teacher when their child will be absent from school and
why.
o For children who are absent due to illness, a medical certificate from a doctor is
not required. If the authenticity of the illness is in question, parents will be asked
to provide medical evidence.
• Upon the child’s return, parents must send an email to the school Admin
(sisidlaninsitute@gmail.com) regarding the absence for our records (refer to section on

Illnesses). It is a legal obligation for the school to be satisfied with the authenticity of the
reasons provided for an absence. Otherwise, the absence will be recorded as unexcused.
Late Arrivals
• Munting Hardin starts at 9:00am. Children should be in school by 8:45am-8:55am. A
maximum 10-minute extension is allowed for latecomers. Children arriving after the 10-
minute extension will not be allowed to join the class anymore and it will be marked as
an unexcused absence.
• Grade School starts at 8:15am. Students are expected to arrive in school by 7:45am –
8:00am. Children who arrive at school after 8:15am will have to go to the Admin Office
and wait until they are allowed inside their respective classrooms. Children who arrive at
8:45am or 30 minutes after the start of class will not be allowed to join the class anymore
and it will be marked as an unexcused absence.
• Parents are required to inform their child’s teacher if their child will be late and why.
Habitual or excessive tardiness impacts negatively on both the individual student and the
class as a whole. In such a case, the parent may be asked to keep a child at home until
the cause of the lateness is addressed.

REPORTS AND PTCs
REPORTS AND PTCS

Coming Soon.

CLASS MEETINGS
CLASS MEETINGS
Class meetings are an important part of the school year. They provide an opportunity for
teachers and parents to come together to discuss class-specific concerns, such as:
• A review and evaluation of the previous term (when applicable) looking at the
accomplishments and challenges;
• The pedagogical background for the class level;
• Parent Education through lectures, group studies, and other forms covering relevant
topics for the class;
• Important plans, dates, and schedules for the upcoming term;
• Parents’ tasks for upcoming events or class needs;
• Preparations needed such as those for class trips and class plays;
• Discussion of policies and procedures; and
• Other concerns that may arise.
As class meetings are an important part of the school year, all parents are required to attend
and participate. All class meetings will be held in-person and will be scheduled at a time that is
convenient for everyone.
The dates for all the class meetings will be announced at the beginning of the school year and
will be indicated in the class calendar. However, the teacher may call for special or emergency
class meetings if there are urgent class matters that need to be discussed.

WHAT ARE CHILDREN ALLOWED TO WEAR AND BRING TO SCHOOL?
WHAT ARE CHILDREN ALLOWED TO

WEAR AND BRING TO SCHOOL?
It is our goal to create an environment that allows children to learn. The moment they
step into the school premises, we want them to be ready for this task. It is important that the
environment we create allows the children to concentrate on their lessons without unnecessary
distractions. This is the principle that has guided us in all the choices we have made – from the
physical arrangement of the classrooms to the materials the children use to the arrangement of
one activity to the next, to name a few. However, these alone are not enough. The children
themselves, through the help of their parents, need to come to school physically ready and
prepared through what they wear and what they bring with them.
CLOTHING
Children’s clothing should be simple, modest, neat and appropriate for the
weather. Clothing should allow for movement. Outdoor shoes (such as rubber shoes or
running shoes) may be required for games and outdoor play as needed. Shoes with
wedges or high heels are not allowed. Indoor shoes should be worn inside the school
building. Non-slip socks may be worn in class with the teacher’s permission. Slippers are
not allowed as indoor shoes.
Long hair must be tied back and kept out of the face during classes. Sunglasses are not
allowed indoors or outdoors (sun hats may be worn for sun protection when outside)
unless needed for a class or presentation with permission from the teacher. Hooded
jackets are allowed when the weather is cold, provided the hood is not worn on the
head when indoors. Clothing with strong and controversial statements (whether
political, cultural, sociological, religious) are not allowed.
Munting Hardin
Children should wear:
• Solid-colored clothing/items in pastel shades
Children should not wear:
• Clothing with cartoon/movie characters and figures, slogans, large logos
• Jewelry of any kind

Classes 1 - 5
Children should not wear:
• Clothing with slogans, cartoons, large logos
• Crop tops and off shoulder tops
• Skirts and shorts above mid-thigh
• Dangling jewelry and shirt pins
• Nail polish, dyed hair, make up
• Tattoos are not allowed. Temporary tattoos must not be visible.
• Smart watch or digital watch. Analog watch is allowed beginning Class 3.
Classes 6 - 8
Pupils are expected to come to school in appropriate, modest, practical clothing
that does not inhibit their full participation in their lessons and is not offensive to
anyone.
• Jewelry is to be kept at a minimum and must be removed for movement
activities and other classes where it could be hazardous (ex. Science class)
• Dyed hair and tattoos are not allowed. Temporary tattoos must not be visible.
• Make-up is to be kept at a minimum and should not be obvious.
• Nail polish may be allowed only occasionally, but with teacher’s consent.
• Body piercings (other than in the ears) are not allowed.
• Smart watch may be allowed with teacher’s consent.
Parents, Teachers & Staff

Adults are expected to come or enter the school appropriately dressed. Clothing
should be practical, inoffensive and modest. It should be appropriate for an
environment where there are very young children and impressionable young
students.

Please note that individual teachers may apply other restrictions on what
children can wear in their classes if they feel it is necessary and appropriate.
Parents will be informed separately and in a timely manner.
Blatant disregard for these rules may result in suspension or exclusion from
school after the appropriate warnings are given.
TOYS AND OTHER ITEMS

Munting Hardin
Toys, books, or other accessories from the house are not allowed to be brought
to school as this may cause disharmony among the children and create an
opportunity for the child to argue with the adults.
Classes 1-5
Toys and books from the house are not allowed to be brought to school unless
permission has been granted by the Class Teacher for a specified purpose.
If a child brings any of these items to school, the Class Teacher will confiscate
them and will return it to the parent of the child during dismissal.
Classes 6-8
Middle school students can bring any current book they are reading which they
can read during their spare time, but these must be appropriate reading material
for their age group.
With regards to electronic devices, please refer to the section on Electronic
Media.

FOOD
The children’s ability to participate fully in their lessons is also largely affected by food
and nutrition. Having a good breakfast is required before coming to school.
There is essentially no need to bring food in school because Sisidlan has a Meal
Program. But if there are children who must bring food as coordinated with the Class
Teacher, all snacks or lunches brought to school should be healthy and unprocessed or
lightly processed, this includes food brought for special occasions such as birthdays.
Munting Hardin
We ask that parents only send their child with their bottled water. Other food or
snacks must be kept inside parents or guardians’ bags and should only be given
to the child after dismissal time.
Classes 1 - 5
Children are not allowed to bring:
• chocolate bars, candies and similar sweets*, gum, processed chips
• sodas (softdrinks) and other fizzy drinks, artificial fruit juices
• yoghurt drinks that are not high in sugar and does not contain artificial
colors and preservatives
• any heavily processed food that includes artificial colors, flavorings, and
preservatives
*There may be occasions when the teacher will allow the class or specific
children some sweets. This will be the teacher’s decision based on pedagogical
needs.
Classes 6 - 12
Children are not allowed to bring:
• chewing gums
• sodas (softdrinks), energy drinks, caffeinated drinks
• any drink containing alcohol

• any heavily processed food that includes artificial colors, flavorings, and
preservatives
With fewer restrictions, older children are generally given freedom to choose
what food they bring to eat/share at school. It is expected that they are aware
that other children in school do not have this freedom and that food can affect
their health and activities. Staff will advise and restrict what students eat/drink if
necessary.
Parents, Teachers & Staff

The adults surrounding the children in school and with whom the children have
shared meals should model the right eating habits.
At any point in time, any drink containing alcohol is not allowed within the
premises of the school.

PROCEDURE FOR ARRIVING AND COLLECTING CHILDREN
PROCEDURE FOR ARRIVING AND

COLLECTING CHILDREN
MORNING
Munting Hardin
• The gate will be open strictly from 8:30 to 9:10 am.
• Vehicles must drive up to the designated drop-off area.
o For those who are arriving using public transportation, do not linger
outside the gate.
• Parents must walk with their child until the receiving area and wait until teachers
receive the child.
• After the teachers have received the children, parents are requested to leave the
premises immediately.
• If you arrive before 8:30, please find a place to wait somewhere nearby.
• After 9:10 am, both pedestrian and side gate will be locked, and latecomers
won’t be able to come in, so please arrive on time.
Grade School
• Vehicles may stop in front of the gate to drop off the students.
• Once the accompanying adults have ensured that the students have entered the
school premises, the vehicle must leave immediately to make way for other
incoming vehicles. Drop offs must be quick and efficient to avoid congestion and
creating traffic.
• All students should be in the school premises at least 15 minutes before they are
to be received by their respective class teachers and classes begin. This will allow
them time to settle down from their travel, warm up, and interact with other
children. They are not to enter any classroom until their teacher receives them or
unless they are called by their teacher.
• Their belongings should be properly and neatly placed in their assigned spaces.

• Children will be advised by their teachers how to come into the building and their
classroom as this will vary from class to class. Parents may wait with their children
until the bell rings and the teachers gather the children.
• It may be that parents will need to bring or drop off their children to school earlier
than 7:45am due to unavoidable circumstances such as work schedule or the
number coding scheme. If this is the case, parents must wait with their children
on the school premises or entrust their child with another parent. This is to avoid
untoward incidents from happening as there will not be teachers or staff available
to supervise them.
• After students have been received by their respective teachers, parents should
not stay or loiter around unless they have official business, i.e. attend meetings or
study groups, have volunteer work in the school or unless an arrangement has
been made beforehand with the Admin Office.
• For latecomers, parents must accompany the younger child (Class 1-2) until the
Admin Office while older children can be dropped off at the gate and parents can
leave as soon as they have ensured that the child has entered the school
premises.
DISMISSAL
Students must be picked up by a parent or guardian, unless another individual has been
designated, in writing, by the parents. The Family Contact Form, which parents are
asked to update annually, includes information about other authorized adults who may
pick up a child from school. If the child will be picked up by an adult who is not included
in the Family Contact Form, the parent must email the school at
sisidlaninstitute@gmail.com and inform the child’s teacher. Individuals other than the
parents or guardians may be asked to provide identification before the child will be
released to them. Parents are also expected to brief designated adults about the
school’s policy on collecting children.
Munting Hardin
• The gate will only open from 11:45 am to 12:15pm.
• Vehicles must drive up to the designated pick-up area.
o For those who are arriving using public transportation, do not linger
outside the gate.

• Parents should wait until the children have changed into their going home
footwear and are already carrying their properly packed bags before
approaching them.
• When the parents or adults who are assigned to pick up the child are delayed
due to an emergency or unforeseeable circumstances, the parents must contact
the teachers and inform them of their estimated time of arrival. The teachers
and staff are not available for extended or after-school care.
• To encourage punctuality and respect for time, an on-the-spot token fee will be
required from the child's parent/guardian beyond the 12:15 cut off. The rate of
said token fee is as follows:
o 50 pesos beyond 12:15-12:30 (1st 15 mins)
o 100 pesos every succeeding hour
GRADE SCHOOL
• Parents should find a proper parking for their vehicles during pick-up. Vehicles
should not be parked in front of the gate with the engine running and on hazard
mode.
• Parents may wait inside the school premises until their child comes out of the
classroom and is ready to leave. Parents are asked to keep their voices down
especially if they arrive before class dismissal.
• Children must be picked up no later than 30 minutes after dismissal time. If the
parents are unable to pick up their child within the allowable time, parents must
inform their child’s teacher what time they will arrive to collect their child.
o Class 1 students must be picked up by 2:00pm. Parents who are unable to
pick up their children during this time shall be required to avail of the
After Care Program.
o Class 2-6 students must be picked up by 3:15pm. Beyond these times,
there will be no teachers and staff to supervise the children. The school
will not be held liable for any untoward incidents/ accidents that will
happen to the child.

HEALTH AND SAFETY
HEALTH AND SAFETY

ILLNESSES
Sick at Home
Children should be kept at home when exhibiting symptoms that would hinder
the child from fully participating in school activities. If the child has fever, severe
colds, cough with phlegm, other childhood illnesses, and other potential
contagious illnesses, the child must be kept home for their sake and in
consideration of the rest of the children in school.
In general, a child should only be sent back to school if the following conditions
are met: it has been 24 hours after the fever has disappeared, the child is not
developing any new symptoms, and is fit to engage in regular school activities.
For Munting Hardin, the child should be kept home until the child has been
free from fever, cough, and cold and other symptoms at least 48 hours and with
no observe rashes. Contagions spread more readily the younger the child
because of their less mature immune systems.
When a child is sick and must stay home, parents must inform the teacher about
the child’s situation including the symptoms the child is experiencing before the
start of classes. Parents should inform the teacher each day the child is away.
Upon the child’s return to school, parents must send an email to the class
teacher regarding the absence (see attached sample letter for absences) for the
school’s records.
Sick at School
If the child becomes sick at school, the parents will be asked to pick up the child
from school and brought home immediately for proper health care.
Parents will be notified immediately if their child has become ill and needs to go
home. Sick children will be comforted, kept safe and under close supervision
until they are collected.
If a child has had to go home prematurely due to illness, please see above
guidance for the child’s return to school.
If any infectious or communicable disease is detected at school, the school will
ascertain who among the children and staff are the close contacts and will
inform the parents of these children immediately through a phone call. The

HEALTH AND SAFETY
Bayanihan will then be informed about the situation via email as soon as
possible.
Head Lice
When a case of head lice is discovered, the child concerned will not be isolated
from other children and there is no need for them to be excluded. Parents will
be informed in a sensitive manner, other parents will be notified in writing, and
all will be given advice and guidance on treating head lice.
Staff will check themselves regularly for lice and treat whenever necessary.
For MUNTING HARDIN, children with hair lice will not be allowed to participate
in school classes until their condition is appropriately treated.
SAMPLE ABSENCE LETTER
Subject Heading: Absence Letter (Name of Student)
This is to inform you that (name of student, class level) was absent from (start
date to end date) due to the following reason/s: (state reason for absence)
Thank you!
Parent’s Name

CANCELLATION OF CLASSES
CANCELLATION OF CLASSES
TYPHOONS
Classes from Munting Hardin to the Grade School are automatically cancelled with the
issuance of Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals (TCWS) #2-5 by the Philippine Atmospheric
Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) for Quezon City.
Parents do not need to wait for an announcement from the school.
GRADE SCHOOL
With the declaration of TCWS #1 over Quezon City by PAGASA and the
announcement of the cancelation of classes by the LGU, the school will
determine whether classes will be canceled or will push through. The school will
make the announcement by 12:00mn of the class day. Parents will be informed
through Telegram and through their mobile numbers (if needed).
It is still the decision of the parents to send their children to school. Absences in
this situation will be considered excused. The parents must inform the teacher
and the reason for the absence of their child.
MUNTING HARDIN
Classes in Munting Hardin will be automatically cancelled with the issuance of
TCWS #1 by PAGASA. Parents do not need to wait for an announcement from
the school.
HEAVY RAINFALLS
With regards to HEAVY RAINFALL, classes from Munting Hardin to the Grade School are
automatically cancelled with the declaration of the suspension of classes by the Quezon
City LGU due to the issuance of Orange and Red Rainfall Warning from PAGASA.
In cases where there is exceptionally heavy rain, the school will decide if classes will be
cancelled by 5:00am.
If the TCWS or the Heavy Rainfall Warning is issued at a time when the children are
already in school and classes have already begun, the school shall announce what time
the children will be picked up. Parents will be informed through Telegram and through
their mobile numbers (if needed).

USE OF ELECTRONIC MEDIA

Sisidlan is committed to developing children’s capacities for independent and clear
thinking, a healthy relationship with their environment and other people, and purposeful,
positive action. Based on many scientific studies and research, continuous exposure to
electronic media especially at a very young age has a debilitating effect on the development of
these capacities.
Electronic media in this policy includes electronic content delivered in both analog and
digital formats such as video and audio recordings, computer games, mobile apps, social media
and websites. It also includes any equipment or devices used to deliver electronic
communication such as mobile phones, computers (desktops, portable computers, tablets),
television, cinema, and all other video and audio devices. This policy also covers any emerging
communications technology and its applications. While the focus is on electronic media,
caution must also be placed on permitting exposure to other forms of media, which are
intended for adult consumption such as print media (newspaper and magazines), outdoor
media, and radio (news and recorded music).
It is important that every parent in the Sisidlan community do their part to create an
environment at home that supports and reinforces the principles and spirit of Steiner Waldorf
education and its view on child development. The school expects parents to give their best
effort with respect to implementing this policy throughout the year and not just when school is
in session. To support the community in this effort, the school encourages an open dialogue
with the teachers and among class parents where questions and challenges can be exchanged
in an unjudgmental manner and where viable approaches can be worked out. Teachers will
also constantly reach out to parents and will conduct frequent conversations individually and as
a class.
The consequences of disregarding this policy have a far-reaching effect on the entire
community. The effort of one family may be diminished by the non-compliance of another
family as the impact of electronic media is easily passed on to other children, showing up in
their play, conversations, behavior, attitude, language, and inner life. Given this, the school
reserves the right to ask parents to remove or alter a child’s media exposure when it is
observed that this exposure undermines their education and the education of other children.

POLICY FOR VARIOUS AGE GROUPS

EARLY CHILDHOOD THROUGH CLASS 3 (AGES 3-9)
Children in Early Childhood until aged 9 (or until Class 3) should be given the gift
of a media-free childhood. Children should have zero exposure to electronic
media during these stages of their development.
It is important for children to learn to be creative and imaginative. Their actual
environment should contain various stimuli which challenges their imagination,
aids in the development of their physical bodies, and gives them direct
experience of the world. Anything which takes away from children the inner
exertion of building their own personal imaginative pictures, which does not
encourage movement, and which takes them away from going out into nature
should be excluded from the child’s environment. The development of language,
especially the language of the land where one is born is also of utmost
importance during these ages. Children need to be with people with whom they
can have conversations and people who can tell them stories.
CLASS 4-6 (AGES 9-12)

Children from Class 4-6 should not be exposed to electronic media in their daily
lives. They should not play video or computer games and they should not watch
television, movies, and videos on a daily basis. If it is unavoidable, some amount
of electronic media can be allowed to enter children’s lives. It is recommended
that children in these age groups are only allowed a maximum of 5 hours weekly
and only during weekends. However, children in this age group should not
engage in social media (they should not have their own accounts on social media
sites or messaging services), they should not be allowed to surf the internet, and
they should not have their own smartphones, tablets, and computers.
CLASS 7-8 (AGES 12-14)

During Class 7 and 8, the child begins the important task of building up one’s
own identity, and with this comes the interests in establishing social
relationships. With the development of thinking, children now require logical
answers to their questions and the first steps toward freedom in their own
thinking are taken. Parents need to support these emerging capacities but the
tasks of parents to guide their children into these uncharted territories remain as
important as ever.

At this age, it is appropriate that children have a gradual and guided introduction
to the application and use of electronic media. Children need a healthy balance
between freedom, independent action and clear rules and guidelines from
adults. Time limits on the use of electronic media should be talked about and
agreed upon. However, the amount of time children can spend on electronic
media should be limited to weekends. Only schoolwork-related use should be
allowed during the weekdays.
Some guidelines for this age are as follows:
Video/Online Games:
Children should not have access to video and online games. These are
addictive and can seriously affect the students’ output and interest in
their education. The social life of the class is also affected.
Social Media and Messaging Sites:

Children should not have their own personal accounts. Teachers may
sometimes communicate with individual children and the class via
messaging apps but this will be done through the account of the parents.
Internet Use:
Children’s use of the internet should be restricted to schoolwork-related
research. Parents should install parental controls on their devices. The
use of the internet should also be done in the presence of an adult.
Television/Movies:
It is important that parents are aware of the audiovisual content to which
their children are exposed. Parents are urged to preview or do their own
research on movies, television shows, and user-generated video content
to make informed judgement and decisions.
USE OF ELECTRONIC MEDIA AT SCHOOL

1. Teachers sometimes use digital media in Classes 1-5 to show videos and presentations
as part of the lessons. These videos have been discussed with the Teachers’ Circle and
are used only when it is deemed as necessary given the lesson objectives.
2. The curriculum in Classes 1-5 includes an introduction to the use of computers including
how to navigate the online world and e-safety issues. Students will be asked to bring
their laptops and will be given internet access for this specific purpose.

3. Teachers use digital media to record their work and to take photos or videos of the
children’s work such as oral presentations, play rehearsals as aid in assessment and
other educational purposes.
4. Staff and volunteers use electronic media in fulfilling administrative tasks.
Rules and Guidelines for Students

1. Students in Munting Hardin, Classes 1-5, and Classes 6-8 are not allowed to have
smartphones, tablets, video games, digital cameras, smartwatches and other media with
internet access within school premises
2. Students who violate this policy will have their devices taken away. The device will be
returned at the end of the school day after the parent has been notified and after
disciplinary consequences. Set by the class teacher.
3. Grade School children who travel to school by themselves are allowed to bring mobile
phones to school with their parents’ permission. They must hand them to their Class
Teacher on arrival at school. The Class Teacher will return their phones only at the end
of the school day when the child is about to leave school.
4. Grade School children who need to phone home or their parents will obtain permission
from the teacher and will be allowed to use the mobile phone of the office.
5. Children in Classes 6, 7 & 8 may sometimes be asked to bring their own laptops for use
under the supervision of the teacher for school-related work.
6. Mobile phones are not allowed on school trips unless otherwise allowed by their
teacher and under certain rules.
Rules and Guidance for Parents

1. Parents should minimize the use of their mobile phones, especially for surfing the
internet when visiting the school. We encourage parents to interact with one another,
with the teachers, and with the children. We as adults should be models on the use of
digital devices.
2. Mobile phones of adults while at school should be in silent mode at all times. When
adults must make or answer phone calls, they should step away from the children and
must keep their conversation to a low volume.

3. We strongly recommend that parental guidance and careful vigilance be exercised in

monitoring older children’s (Class 6-8) activity on the Internet and these issues will be
discussed regularly at parents’ meetings. We also advise parents to discuss them with
their children’s teachers and with other parents.
4. Parents are encouraged to study about the damaging effects of electronic media and
how to guide their children to safely navigate their way in the digital landscape. Sisidlan
will draw parents’ attention to it regularly via written communication or parents’
evenings.
5. While we expect parents who enroll their children in Sisidlan to follow and implement
these policies, we cannot enforce them. However, when the teacher observes that
exposure to electronic media impedes the children’s learning and affects the class in
general, we expect the parents to work towards altering or completely withdrawing
exposure to electronic media. If parents do not cooperate, these are possible grounds
for exclusion.
6. Although teachers know who among the children in their class are regularly exposed or
overexposed to electronic media, it will be assumed that children in general have some
exposure to it. Teachers will address E-Safety issues through an age-appropriate
approach aligned with the curriculum. If the teachers feel it has gotten out of hand,
teachers will call the parents’ attention.
General Guidelines for Parents & Staff

1. Staff (Teachers, Admin Staff, and Volunteers) should not use mobile phones in the
classrooms and other areas in the school premises accessible to children except to call
someone in an emergency, to receive and answer phone calls or messages that is work-
related, or as indicated in Item #3 in Use of Electronic Media in School.
2. Staff may not be “friends” with students on any social networking site. Class 6-8
teachers may create chat groups in school-approved messaging apps with the class for
faster communication.
3. In our yearly MOA, parents give the school the right to take photographs and recordings
of class activities and individual children participating in school activities for use in
online and printed publicity materials.
4. Individual photographs or recordings of children who are in the school temporarily and
are not part of the school for whom consent has not been given should be deleted.

5. Adults (parents and guests) are not allowed to take photos with their smartphones or
digital cameras of the school and the children in school. If the adult would like to take a
photo of a class activity or of one’s child in school, permission must be obtained from
the Class Teacher or the Teachers’ Circle Head.
6. Photographs or recordings made at school must not be posted on any social media
except on the school’s website or Facebook or other social media pages maintained by
the school.
7. Emerging technologies not specifically mentioned are not allowed at school until their
usefulness and safety has been studied and assessed.

EXCLUSION AND SUSPENSION OF PUPILS
EXCLUSION AND SUSPENSION OF

PUPILS
When a student commits a serious breach in discipline such as repeated acts of
vandalism, violence, disruptive or abusive behavior and other acts that bring harm to fellow
students, teachers and staff and/or that lead to the destruction of school property and for other
reasons such as blatant disregard of the school policies and the MOA and when the school can
no longer support the needs of the child, a student may be suspended or excluded permanently
from school even when the Review Period has ended and the child has been accepted into the
school.
To exclude a child permanently is a serious matter and must be used only as a last resort in
response to serious and/or repeated breaches of the school’s Code of Conduct or when all
efforts towards resolving the reasons for the move to exclude have failed. Due to its grave
nature, any decision to exclude or suspend a child is discussed and acted upon by the Teachers’
Circle with the approval of the Teachers’ Circle Head.
Suspension is the act of a school to deny or deprive the child of attendance in classes for a fixed
period of time. Exclusion is the act of the school to exclude or drop the name of the child from
its school rolls, thereby enrollment is terminated.
Sisidlan will not recommend for the expulsion of a student, which as defined by the Department
of Education is a penalty where a child is excluded from admission to any public or private
school in the Philippines, subject to the approval of its office.
Reasons for Suspension and Exclusion

1. The child commits unacceptable behavior which would pose a threat to the welfare of
the child and other students in school. Such behavior includes but is not limited to:
• Blatant and persistent disregard for the school rules and Code of Conduct
• Acts of violence or serious threats of violence
• Using abusive and inappropriate language
• Indecent behavior
• Damage to property
• Use/possession/supply of illegal drugs or alcohol
• Carrying an offensive weapon

2. The child has educational needs which the school has found that it is unable to meet
given its present situation.
3. The parents do not fulfill their monetary and non-monetary commitment to the school,
despite due diligence on the part of the school to remind the parents; and in general,
the parents’ disregard of the policies as stated in this Handbook and in the MOA.
4. The parents do not cooperate with the school or refuse to work with the teachers in
addressing the child’s difficulties or problems.
5. The school discovers that important and relevant information about the child was not
disclosed by the parents at the time of the interview.
Before Suspension or Exclusion

When any of the above situation takes place and are considered as minor offense, the
Class Teacher with the guidance of the Teachers’ Circle will do everything to work with
the child and the child’s parents to resolve the child’s difficulties and/or behavioral
problems.
For problems involving the parents such as issues of default on one’s obligations, the
situation will be handled directly by the School Administrator.
The following process will take place:
Minor Offenses
First Offense: A warning will be issued in writing. The Class Teacher, depending
on the age of the child, will work with the child and the parents to address the
situation.
Second Offense: Suspension of 1-2 days
Third Offense: Shall be treated as a less grave offense and thus will be for 3 days.
Less Grave Offenses

First Offense: Suspension of 3 days
Second Offense: Suspension for 4-6 days

Third Offense: Shall be treated as a grave offense and thus suspension will last
for 7 days.
Grave Offenses
First Offense: Suspension for 7 days
Second Offense: Suspension for 10 days but not more than a year
Third Offense: Exclusion
The parents will be informed by phone (if the suspension is immediate) and in writing
(email) within 3 days from the date of the incident/report of the following:
• The decision and the reasons for the suspension
• The start of the suspension and the period of suspension
• The right of the parents to put their case in writing to the Dap-ayan
• Any intention to proceed to exclusion
• Tasks or conditions will be set which must be completed before the student can
return to school. These will be made clear to the student and the parents.
In every step of the way, the goal of suspending a child from attending classes is to give
the child and all adults surrounding the child – the parents and the teachers and staff of
the school – the chance to seek a positive resolution to the problem.
Teachers will consult other professionals outside the school where appropriate
especially if the intervention of a professional is seen as a possible solution to the
problem and that the principles and methods of these professionals support that of the
school.
For grave offenses where there is enough reason and evidence to believe that the safety
and welfare of other students and staff are at risk, steps towards the exclusion of the
child will immediately be taken.
Exclusion
If the decision to exclude a child has been made by the Teachers’ Circle, the following
processes will take place:

1. The Teachers’ Circle Head will inform the parents by phone and this will be followed
by a letter within 3 working days of the incident/report. The child will immediately
be kept out of school.
2. The parents will send their written reply within 3 working days upon receiving the
letter acknowledging the situation.
3. A meeting will be called between the school and the parents. The notice for a
meeting will be sent within 3 working days upon receipt of the written reply of the
parents.
4. The meeting will be recorded, and a minute of the meeting will be issued and signed
by all the parties. The school will provide all the details and will include all actions
that have been taken, previous suspensions, and all disciplinary measures.
5. The decision for the exclusion will be sent in writing to the parents within 3 working
days of the meeting.
6. If the parents wish to appeal against the decision to exclude their child, the parent
must do so in writing within 7 days after the decision letter has been received.
7. A meeting with the Dap-ayan will be arranged within 7 days of the receipt of the
appeal from the parents.
8. The Dap-ayan will hear the case for exclusion from the Teachers’ Circle as
represented by the Class Teacher and the Teachers’ Circle Head and the appeal from
the parents.
9. The Dap-ayan will make their decision and will confirm this in writing within 3 days
of the meeting. The Dap-ayan will either uphold the decision of the Teachers’ Circle
to exclude the child or will overturn it. If the Dap-ayan decides that the child should
return to school, the parents will be given the date of return in writing as well.
10. The decision of the Dap-ayan is final and executory.

COMMUNICATIONS
COMMUNICATIONS
One of the core values of Sisidlan is openness and transparency. Information about the
operations and administration of the school is available to parents and teachers. For the free-
flowing exchange of ideas and information, frequent and open communication between all
parties involved is the key.
Communication is a two-way exchange where both parties alternate roles with each
other. When we engage in conversations with an attitude of interest and respect, we are given
the opportunity to truly meet the other person and, in the process, meet ourselves. This is the
foundation of every relationship and relationships are what make up a community.
It is a shared responsibility between the school and the parents to engage with each
other with respect and inclusivity. We listen with an open mind; we speak out of empathy and
sensitivity. We strive to understand; we ask questions. We create a healthy community through
the way we communicate with each other.
The school will endeavor its best to communicate clearly, effectively, and timely. At the same
time, it expects parents to respond in the same way. Our goal is to make the channels of
communication simple and effective.
Communication Platforms
There are several ways that parents receive communications from the school:
Bayanihan Meetings are held twice a year – one at the beginning of the school
year (first weekend of July) and another towards the end of the year (last weekend of
February). These meetings focus on the administrative and operations aspect of the
school. The Dap-ayan presents financial updates along with fundraising targets, plans
and policies for consultation, and other matters that fall under the Economic realm.
Time is also devoted for updates from the Teachers’ Circle. This is the chance for
parents across the different classes to meet and interact with fellow parents and with
the teachers and staff of the school. Members of the Bayanihan are required to attend
these meetings.
Class Meetings provide the opportunity for teachers to share updates about the
class, the curriculum, classroom activities and other concerns that involve the class.

COMMUNICATIONS
Class meetings are held several times throughout the school year, the schedule of which
are indicated in the School Calendar well in advance. At least one representative per
family is required to attend each meeting.
E-mails are sent throughout the year for enrolled families addressing various school
matters such as announcements and reminders about meetings, festivals, and various
events; fundraising matters; minutes of meetings, updates on policies and others. It is
the responsibility of all parents to read all communications from the school sent via
email.
Telegram is the Messaging App used by the school. Parents are asked to create an
account in Telegram. Once considered officially enrolled, parents will be added to the
various groups in Telegram – Bayanihan group, class groups and various groups that
Sisidlan maintains. All communication, photos and other files exchanged within the
group are considered confidential and shouldn’t be shared outside the group where it is
posted.
Communication Guidelines for Parent Concerns

Class Teacher
The work of the teacher can only truly be effective when a strong relationship
exists between the teacher and the parents. This relationship must be built on
mutual trust and respect. Difference of opinions is part of the process. But as
long as both parties are committed towards resolving differences, this can only
strengthen the partnership.
To this end, all classroom concerns the parents of a child might have must be
directed to the teacher. It is the responsibility of the parents to make sure that
the teacher hears it first and to share this concerns in a respectful and non-
judgmental manner. It is the responsibility of the teacher to listen to the
parents’ concern in an objective way. It is a shared responsibility of both parents
and teacher to engage in constructive dialogue and to enter it from a place of
trust and respect.
When a parent seeks to have a conversation with the teacher, the parent must
request for an appointment with the teacher and both parties must make it a
point to find a common schedule within one week of the request. Do not try to
“catch” the teacher with one’s concerns during drop off and pick up as this is not
the right time to have a meaningful discussion. Mornings before class begins are
reserved for the teacher to prepare the classroom and receive the children.
COMMUNICATIONS
Informal Resolution of Parent Concerns

When the parents believe that their concerns have not been addressed by the
teacher and remain unresolved, they may approach the corresponding
Department Coordinator, who will then schedule a meeting with both parties
within a week.
The Department Coordinator will then work with the teacher and the parents
towards the goal of resolving the concerns of the parents.
This facilitated conversation will include another colleague who will take down
the minutes of the meeting. The minutes of the meeting will be submitted to all
parties concerned within 3 days. All parties will be given another 3 days to
comment or approve the minutes of the meeting.
The next step is to bring up the matter with the Teachers’ Circle Head.
Formal Resolution of Parent Concerns

If the parents’ concern cannot be resolved in an informal basis, then the parents’
next recourse is to put it down in writing as a formal complaint and address it to
the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees. After considering the complaint, the
Board of Trustee will decide on the appropriate course of action.
In most cases, the Chairperson or the appointed Board of Trustee member will
have a meeting with the complainant(s). This meeting will be scheduled within 7
days of receipt of the written complaint. If possible, a resolution will be reached
at this stage.
If further investigations are needed before the Board representative can reach a
decision, the complainant will be informed about this, and a timeframe will be
given. The timeframe must not exceed more than a month.
Minutes of all interviews and meetings conducted in relation to the complaint
will be kept and checked by all parties concerned.
Once the Board representative is satisfied that all relevant facts have been
considered, a decision will be made. The Board representative will report the
decision to the BOT. The decision and its reason will then be relayed to the
complainant in writing.
The decision of the Board will be final.

COMMUNICATIONS
Discontinuation of Enrollment
After all the steps have been taken and the parents feel that they cannot work
with the school anymore, then it is a disservice to the child for both parties to
continue the enrollment of the child. Without mutual trust and respect, both
parties will not be able to maintain a working relationship which is so essential to
the task at hand. Sisidlan then may request that the parents find another school
that will align with their principles. Attempts to engage other parents against
the school will be taken seriously and will cause the school to ask the family to
leave.

DATA PROTECTION POLICY

Introduction
Sisidlan Institute (the school, SI for brevity), aims to uphold and protect the privacy of all
its community members, both in the physical and virtual sense of the word. It
understands however the necessity for the staff, students, parents and visitors to
provide personal information in order for the School to fulfil its stated purpose and
commitment in educating children both now and into the future. To that end, the school
undertakes to ensure that personal data is kept, processed and used securely and
responsibly, in accordance with the regulations and measures set by the Data Privacy
Act of 2012, while promoting the culture of privacy it has adhered to since its inception.
The intention of this policy1 is not to restrict the legitimate use of personal data, but to
raise awareness of what information we collect about people and why we need it, so
that we do not ask for or store information that we don’t need, or share it with people
who don’t need to see it. The procedures are laid down to enable the staff to continue
to fulfil to the best of their ability their commitment to the children in their care, toward
the school, their colleagues, the children’s parents and visitors as well as friends who
attend or participate in the school activities.
Pursuant to the law, this policy will guide the following acts: collection of personal
information, storing of the information, sharing of information with third parties,
justification on its collection, sharing and storage, disposal of information that is no
longer needed and giving notice to parents and guardians as to what information is
being collected, why, for how long it will be kept, with whom it will be shared and how
they can access their own and their children’s data.
Data Processing
When the school receives and handles personal data, it, through the staff, becomes
data processor. In our school, all staff are data processors, therefore, all staff must
understand how to handle data in accordance with school policy and develop good
practice out of this understanding.
1
This policy is drawn up with pursuant to: RA 10173. Acknowledgment of the wordings used, and
credit to the ownership thereof, go to the following schools after which this policy was patterned
after, namely St. Michael Steiner School upon which the foregoing is largely referenced from; UP-
Diliman; and Philippine Science High School

The school is responsible for ensuring that data is handled according to its policy and
procedures. Decisions about how staff process data are made by the Dap-ayan, acting as
the Data Controller, and ratified by the Trustees. The Data Controller is responsible for
the following and appoints a Data Protection Officer (DPO) to act on its behalf in the
following : monitoring how data is being handled in the school; devising their own
procedure for doing this; advising staff in a ‘troubleshooting’ capacity; enabling people
to have access to their own personal data (Subject Access Requests or SAR); reporting
and handling security breaches; ensuring that staff are trained in data processing and
that regular training is made available to everyone; creating and updating this policy and
procedure for handling personal data and notifying staff of any changes; ensuring that
the procedures in this policy are followed; updating the Policy for the Processing and
Retention of Personal Data as needed and notifying staff of any changes; keeping a
record of the hardware on which each staff member is storing personal data; ensuring
permanent destruction of hard copies of material containing personal data; and taking
possession of external hard drives, memory sticks and email accounts of staff when they
leave the school permanently.
Collection of Information
Sisidlan Institute collects personal data of students, including those provided during
their, admission, information acquired or generated upon enrolment and during the
course of their stay with the school.
These personal data or information are about personal circumstances and contact
information such as but not limited to name, home/ residence addresses, parent’s email
addresses, telephone number/ mobile numbers and other contact details, family
history, previous schools attended, emergency contact information, academic
performance, disciplinary record, medical record, etc. This is in order for the school to
make a complete and proper assessment prior to admission. Upon enrollment and
during the course of the student’s stay with SI, information which have been previously
submitted are confirmed/ collected for purposes of updating information such as but
not limited to name, home/ residence addresses, parent’s email addresses, telephone
number/ mobile numbers, emergency contact information, etc.
Information in connection with disciplinary incident, including accompanying sanctions

is likewise collected.
Procedure for staff

Personal data about staff, pupils, parents and visitors must not be disclosed to any third
party, either deliberately or accidentally, except under the conditions laid out in the
Policy for the Processing and Retention of Personal Data.
Storing, using and disposing of personal data securely

All personal data provided to the school about staff, pupils, parents, visitors or anyone
else, must be held and used securely in order to prevent accidental disclosure to third
parties.
Electronic data
School-related personal data must be stored securely on password-protected hardware.
Electronically-held personal data must only be used on password-protected/encrypted

hardware.
Information about how long different items of data may be kept is in the Policy for the
Processing and Retention of Personal Data
When electronically-held personal data reaches the end of its retention period, the user
(data processor) must delete it from their password protected/encrypted computer,
external hard drive or memory stick. In practice, this will only need to be done at the
end of a school year in most cases.
If no other copy of the deleted data exists, the record of data destroyed must be
completed and passed to the DPO.
Hard copies of data

Hard copies (paper) of documents containing personal data must be stored in files or
folders in a locked filing cabinet in the school office.
When hard copies of data are no longer needed the user should post them into the
personal data disposal box in the school office for disposal by the DPO.
Hard copies of information handed out at meetings, e.g. meeting agendas, finance
information, must be returned to the person who issued them at the end of the
meeting. They are then responsible for disposing of them as above.
Hard copies of personal data must be disposed of by the DPO who will follow the
procedure in the Policy for the Disposal of Personal Data.

Only school staff are authorized to access these areas of the school. No unauthorized
personnel are allowed into the areas unaccompanied.
Taking personal data off site

The school acknowledges that staff need to do a considerable amount of work at home
in order to fulfil their duties, and that this will sometimes involve taking hard copies of
personal data off site. To ensure that personal data is secure and legitimately used
under all circumstances, taking of the same off site will be allowed only when such data
is necessary in order for you to carry out the work or activity it is intended to be used
for; the personal computer or tablet is password protected at all times while using
personal data; the personal data is not transferred to any hardware that is not
password-protected/encrypted at any time; public wifi or internet providers are not
used to access or send personal data (e.g. in a café or library) as these are not secure
and such personal date will not be disclosed, either deliberately or accidentally, to any
third party except under the conditions laid out in the Policy for the Processing and
Retention of Personal Data.
Since information on paper cannot be secured in the way electronic data can, personal
data (other than pupils’ work) are not taken in the form of paper documents off site
unless it is absolutely necessary. In such cases, the person should keep these data in
their possession at all times and return them to school to be stored properly.
There must also be a record on who is taking the hard copies, by filling up a Personal
Data Removal form on the filing cabinets in the office.
Copying personal data

It is sometimes necessary to make copies or scans of documents containing personal
data, for example, when application forms arrive, they are copied and given to the
relevant teachers. Copies must be handled in the same way as the originals. In such a
case, when the staff is making a copy or scanning any document containing personal
data, he or she should record its creation as well as its disposal accordingly.
Emailing personal data

Emailing of addresses of staff, parents, pupils and visitors must be held in the address
book in the school email account, not the staff’s personal one.
If emailing personal data to colleagues, and to third parties, the school email address
must be the one used.
If emailing personal data to third parties must do so using your school email address.
Personal email addresses must not be used to send personal data under any
circumstances; if this happens accidentally, or if someone else’s personal data is
received via your personal email address, the email must be deleted and a reply
requesting that the sender uses the school email address must be made.
Sending personal data to DPA2 regulated countries

Personal data is sometimes sent to countries where the DPA does not apply, e.g. when
pupils move to those countries and the destination school asks for references and
records to be sent. In this case, the Data Controller, or SI, must assess whether it is safe
to send the information. In most cases, the safest way to transfer the information is to
send it to the parents who can then pass it on to the new school.
When staff leave the school

When they leave the school, they no longer have a legitimate reason to hold personal
data relating to people in the school community. The DPO will take possession of or
delete their school email address and its contents (sent and received emails, address
book), and ensure that school-related personal data is removed from your computer,
memory stick and/or external hard drive and store the information as is appropriate in
each case.
They will also be asked to return hard copies of any school-related personal data in their
possession, as they are contractually obliged to do.
2
The Data Privacy Act has counterpart or equivalent legislation in other countries,
like the General Data Protection Regulation, (GDPR) in EU
Data formerly held on personal computers

Data stored on personal computers will still be retrievable from the hard drive even
after you have deleted it. Any computer that has ever held school-related personal data
should be returned to the school at the end of its useful life for secure wiping and/or
disposal. This is a contractual obligation.
Internal security
Some data needs to be available to all staff in order that they can do their work; some
does not.
Staff should be aware of who needs to have access to the data they hold and process
and not disclose it to anyone who does not need to see it. e.g. by leaving documents
open on open laptops or sending emails to all staff unnecessarily.
Electronically stored, password-protected, encrypted data will be safe from accidental

disclosure in the school as well as externally.
Hard copies of data to which access needs to be restricted, e.g. Child Protection files,
should be kept in separate, locked files in the school office or the Finance office. (See
Safeguarding and Child Protection policies)
If it is necessary to print or photocopy personal data, the staff or any person authorized
to do so must be present in the office to collect it when it comes out of the machine,
and, if there is a ‘log jam’ of work and the person can’t wait, to delete it until he or she
can be there.
If there is a breach of security, you must inform the DPO and co-operate in the personal
data Breach handling procedure
If there is a security breach

If anyone in the community becomes aware of any breach of security involving personal
data, you must inform the DPO immediately and co-operate in the Personal Data Breach
Handling Procedure.

Confidentiality
After the student completes or finishes his or her education in Sisidlan Institute, he or
she is considered an alumnus, and the personal information will remain private and
confidential. The staff shall operate and hold personal data under strict confidentiality.
Right to Privacy
As provided by the Act, the student, student, parents, or guardians may object to the
processing of their personal data, may request to access their personal information,
and/or have it corrected, erased, or blocked on reasonable grounds. For the details on
the matter. The person concerned \ can get in touch with the Data Privacy Officer at
contact details below or at National Privacy Commission at https://privacy.gov.ph. The
school will take note of your request and shall reserve the right to deal with the matter
in accordance with the law.
Right to Damages
The student, parent, guardians and guests shall be indemnified for any damages
sustained due to such inaccurate, incomplete, outdated, false, unlawfully obtained or
unauthorized use of personal data, taking into account any violation of his or her rights
and freedoms as data subject.
Contact Information
For your concerns regarding your privacy rights, or any matter regarding Data Privacy
Act of 2012, you may contact our Data Protection Officer through the following details:
The Data Protection Officer

Contact No.: 09171080509, sisidlaninsitute@gmail.com

MUNTING HARDIN
GUIDELINES
WHAT IS MUNTING HARDIN
WHAT IS MUNTING HARDIN

The care of the young child, especially during the foundation years of life, is a significant
concern not only of parents but of everyone mindful of the brighter future of society. Such care
involves properly nurturing the child's healthy physical, emotional, psychological, intellectual,
social, and spiritual capacities enabled by qualified adults who clearly understand the nature of
the developing child to address their needs appropriately.
The MUNTING HARDIN is a Kindergarten program for mixed-aged children ages 3 to 6. MH offers
a 3-day Kindergarten Program for children ages 3-4 and a 5-day program for ages 5-6.

OBJECTIVES OF THE MUNTING HARDIN
OBJECTIVES OF THE MUNTING

HARDIN
MUNTING HARDIN aims to:
1. Support and guide the child's awakening and unfolding will-life through practical
activities in an environment that nurtures healthy growth.
2. Provide quality care to young children aimed at developing the foundational senses of
touch, life, self-movement, and balance.
3. Serve as co-parents to these children, sharing concerns related to parenting, child
development, child health, and the like, with particular attention given to the ideas and
indications of Rudolf Steiner and Steiner Education.
4. Conduct seminar workshops on child-related themes.

MUNTING HARDIN SETUP, ACTIVITIES, DAILY RHYTHM
MUNTING HARDIN SETUP,

ACTIVITIES, DAILY RHYTHM
MUNTING HARDIN focuses on the growing child's evolving physical, psychological, intellectual,
social, moral, and spiritual nature. We are guided by the child's developmental phases and
changing consciousness in providing appropriate toys, play equipment, activities, rhythms, and
approaches.
The young child's physical body and bodily organs are still developing. We must carefully
consider proper nutrition, care of the senses, and primary health habits. We offer a selection of
natural food prepared to nourish the life forces of the growing child. Adults guide the children
to be able to feed themselves gradually, develop a joyful attitude towards eating and
appreciate diversity in healthy snacks. Breastfeeding and bottle feeding are appropriate for only
the first year of life. For the child to fully participate in the kindergarten activities, it is
encouraged that the child is weaned from breastfeeding or bottle feeding. Moreover, imitation
by other children could also be avoided.
MUNTING HARDIN provides an environment that approximates an ideal home's warm, loving
and safe environment. The adults receive the children and engage them in various activities.
The development of movement, socialization skills, and speech are woven into all the activities.
Some of these activities are self-directed creative free play (both indoors and outdoors),
exploring nature through gardening, fostering imitation through rhymes-songs-movement,
experiencing colors through drawing, painting, and crafts; simple games; storytelling, and
puppetry.
Adults and children assist one another in practical chores such as slicing fruits and vegetables,
food preparation, buttering the bread, setting the table, cleaning, sweeping, and wiping to tidy
up.
Adults help children eventually be independent in doing things for themselves, such as eating,
dressing up, washing hands, and going to the toilet. The movement required to do these
activities contributes to brain development, clear speech, the primary senses of self-movement
and balance, coordination, focus and span of attention, and mustering one's physical vessel.
Children can develop and learn social skills through their interaction with adults and while
playing with other children. In the consciousness-filled interaction between adults and children,
fundamental human values of reverence, devotion, gratitude, respect, wonder, and awe, are
instilled and imbibed.
The aesthetically beautiful, carefully arranged, and orderly space contributes to the favorable
setup. The furniture, toys, and play equipment made from natural materials nourishes the
delicate sense of touch, engaging the children to play imaginatively— which serves as the
foundation of creative intelligence in adulthood.

MUNTING HARDIN SETUP, ACTIVITIES, DAILY RHYTHM
The rhythm of the day is a systematically arranged sequence of balanced in-and-out breath
activities that support the healthy breathing of the child. Repeating this daily rhythm allows the
child to be familiar with the order of the day and makes them feel secure and increasingly
confident. Repetitive rhythm is the basis of discipline, where a child learns there is time for
everything. Moreover, since rhythm is the basis of life, this outside rhythm of the day positively
influences the development of healthy inner bodily organs, including the heart and lungs
THE DAILY TIMETABLE OF ACTIVITIES IS AS FOLLOWS:

09:00 - 09:10 Arrival - change to indoor shoes, toilet time, citronella, drink water (10
mins)
09:00 - 10:00 Indoor free play with Activity of the Day (Baking/Cooking, Crafts,
Beeswax Modeling and Painting (45 mins.))
10:00 - 10:10 Tidy up (10 mins.)
10:15 - 10:30 Morning Circle (15 mins.)
10:15 - 10:30 Rest (15 mins.)
10:30 - 10:45 Morning Snacks (20 mins.)
10:45 - 11:30 Outdoor Play (40 mins)
11:30 - 11:45 Wash-up, toilet, change clothes (if needed), fingerplay (15 mins.)
11:45 - 12:00 Storytelling / Farewell (15 mins.)
12:00 Dismissal and Pick-up (premises must be vacated by 12:15)

OTHER PRACTICAL RULES

MUNTING HARDIN would like to ensure clear and consistent behavior in implementing the basic
principles of childcare, the relationship between adults and children, and the relationship among
adults.
We recommend these practical rules for the child's welfare and proper guidance. They include
policies regarding health, nutrition, safety, healthy boundaries concerning appropriate behavior
for children and adults, and other aspects related to child development. Consistency in
implementing these rules at MUNTING HARDIN and the home is highly encouraged to avoid
confusing the child and support their continuing progress.
We request the parents ensure that all the items listed in the "Things to Bring Daily" are in the
children's bags. Having what the child needs available supports their sense of life or well-being.
Always remember to LABEL ALL your child’s belongings.
Things to Bring Daily include:

• Water bottle / tumbler
• At least 1 set of clean clothes (pants, shirt, underwear)
• At least 1 small hand towel
• Laundry bag for used clothes
• Comb or hairbrush, hair clips/pins/hair bands for girls
• Slip-on indoor shoes (no slippers)
• No need to bring toiletries such as baby powder, baby lotion, soap, perfume and the
like.
• Raincoat, umbrella, rain boots
• All items will be taken home and cleaned or replaced (if the child has outgrown their
shoes) every end of term.
Punctuality
• The child needs to participate in the day's rhythm to benefit from the program entirely.
Thus, punctuality is a must.

• Latecomers may also disrupt the ongoing process and dynamics of the other children's
play.
• Punctuality allows the child to be familiar with the rhythms of the day and develop a
sense of security, a basis for discipline.
• Imaginative, self-directed creative free play is the first activity. It aims to nurture
imagination (the foundation of creative intelligence), sharpen motor skills and
coordination, and develop social skills through healthy interaction among children and
adults.
• The late arrival of the child disrupts the ongoing activities of the class as other children
consequently unavoidably divert their attention away from their current play and
chores.
Tired, sleepy, and hungry child

• Children must be fed a sufficiently healthy breakfast and avoid processed sweet foods,
chocolate, stimulants, and the like to avoid inappropriate behavior. Experience has
shown that a tired and sleepy child is most surely unable to play well. The child cannot
joyfully engage in various activities nor relate harmoniously with others.
• Ten to twelve hours of night sleep is ideal for a child below seven years of age. Thus,
please keep your child at home if they had insufficient sleep the night before.
Picture taking
We want to respect the privacy of every family and child. In this connection, please
refrain from photographing at Munting Hardin at all times. Parents, observers, and
visitors may not take any photographs of the children.

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
A birthday is an important event in a child's life, and only a simple but meaningful
birthday celebration is appropriate for a very young child. Too much preparation, activity,
and attention make the young celebrant prematurely self-conscious and anxious in
anticipation of what may be unfamiliar.
Please note that classes are shortened during birthday celebrations. Pick-up time is at 11:45
am.
Before the Birthday Celebration

• The Munting Hardin Teachers will ask the parents to share details about their child’s life
from birth to present, as the teachers will write the child’s birthday story using the
information provided.
• The teachers will also ask the parents regarding what food they will bring inside for the
celebration. The guidelines on what food to prepare will be strictly followed.
• Parents of the birthday celebrant may send healthy morning snacks, in addition to the
baked birthday cake that will be served by the teachers. The possible choices: snacks
with natural ingredients such as vegetarian pasta, fresh sliced fruits, and freshly
squeezed fruit juice with raw or muscovado sugar. For cakes, we prefer no sugar icing
and flowers. Additional unnatural ingredients may serve as stimulants or allergens to the
children.
• Attendees are limited to 2 adults only.
During The Birthday Celebration
Birthday Rhythm
Between 8:45 - 9:00 Parent/s leave the food and other paraphernalia with the
teachers and then leave immediately.
09:00 - 9:10 Arrival (the birthday celebrant also follows the regular
rhythm)

09:00 - 9:30 Shortened indoor free play (30 mins.), no activity of the
day
09:30 - 9:45 Tidy up, prepare the birthday story area, birthday
celebrant wears the birthday cape and crown, teacher
calls the parents to wait outside the classroom
09:45 - 9:50 Birthday Morning Circle together with birthday celebrant
(wearing the cape and crown) and the parents
09:50 - 10:05 Birthday Ceremony - Birthday story, crossing the
rainbow bridge, birthday wishes, cake blowing, picture
taking
10:05 - 10:30 Wash hands Mealtime / celebration
10:30 - 11:30 Tidy up, outdoor play (Parents may go home at this time)
11:40 - 11:45 Wash-up, gather into a circle, closing and farewell
Picture taking is done after the birthday story, before the snacks.
Parents or adults joining the birthday celebrant will have to leave after meal time
and then return during pick-up time.
After the Birthday Celebration (only if needed)

During pick-up time, the MH teachers and parents or attendees of the child’s birthday
party will meet briefly. This is an opportunity to share their feedback, ask questions
regarding the event.

EXPECTATIONS FROM THE ADULTS

1. MUNTING HARDIN being an endeavor in co-parenting demands that TRUST exists among the
parents and other adults directly involved in the care and upbringing of the child. Openness,
honesty, and a calm and objective attitude are essential to establishing and maintaining a
harmonious relationship among the parties involved.
2. Parents are required to attend the MUNTING HARDIN Parent Orientation to understand the
program and strengthen their conscious decision to enroll in Sisidlan's Kindergarten program.
3. A conversation between the child's parents, other significant adults, and MUNTING HARDIN
representatives is a prerequisite before admission and MH enrollment. Parents can ask
questions and clarify essential matters during this meeting.
4. Parents/guardians must submit the completed Application Form and settle the financial
obligations before sending the child to class. Following the defined schedule of payments will
support efficient operations and management of the logistical affairs of the program.
5. For children who need an adjustment period to familiarize themselves with the Teachers, a new
physical environment and rhythm may require the presence of a well-oriented parent. Once the
child has significantly adjusted, the accompanying adult can leave and endorse the child's total
care to the teachers. Based on experience, the adjustment may occur from several minutes to a
few days, depending upon the predisposition and preparation of the child concerned.
6. Parents and accompanying adults are encouraged to say short and quick goodbyes to their
children to support their child's inner strength concerning being left and transitioning from
home to MUNTING HARDIN.
7. Parents, grandparents, and other family members closely related to the child are highly
encouraged to go about their day without worrying about the child at the MUNTING HARDIN.
Experience has strongly shown that this contributes to the child's more effortless adjustment
and development of inner strength.
8. Observers: Observers/visitors to the MUNTING HARDIN must give a written formal request at
least two weeks before the requested date of visit.
The MUNTING HARDIN staff can grant such requests depending upon the current situation of
the children being cared for and set the most suitable schedule. Observers/visitors must be
appropriately oriented a day before the set appointment. They are expected to be at the
MUNTING HARDIN premises by 8:50 am. The late arrival automatically cancels the
observation/visit.

GRADE SCHOOL
GUIDELINES

Home Visits
HOME VISITS
In accordance with the goal of Sisidlan Institute, and Steiner-Waldorf education in
general, to educate holistically and to relate to each student in a deeper way, teachers conduct
Home Visits for every family.
The home visit is a valuable tool for building relationships between teachers and families,
and it can help to ensure that all students have a nourishing school experience.
1. Home visits will be conducted once for each student in the following situations:
• New students: This includes all students in Class 1, regardless of whether or not
they had the same teacher in Munting Hardin.
• New teachers: This includes all teachers who are new to the school or who are
new to a particular classroom.
• Families transferring to a new home: This includes families who are moving to a
new neighborhood or who are moving into a new apartment or house.
• Students who have multiple homes: This includes students who live with
different parents or guardians, or who live with other family members or
friends.
2. The purpose of home visits will be communicated to class parents/guardians at the
beginning of the school year, preferably during the parent orientation.
Parents/guardians will be encouraged to invite their class teacher into their homes. If
the parents/guardians are unable to host a home visit, the class teacher can arrange a
time that is convenient for them. The date and time of the home visit must be agreed
upon by both the family and the teacher so that it does not conflict with their
schedules.
3. It is preferred that home visits are conducted during the first quarter of the school year,
as the succeeding quarters are usually filled with events such as festivals and other
school activities. However, if this is not possible, the teacher and the family must agree
on a date and time that is convenient for both.
4. Families are encouraged to keep their homes in their usual arrangements so that the
teacher can observe the child's regular surroundings. No special arrangements or
preparations are required of the family, such as providing food or beverages.
5. To use time efficiently, Home Visits should not be used as a time for the family and the
teacher to discuss other school/class concerns. These conversations should be held
during official meetings at the school.

Home Visits
6. The teacher will keep a record of their observations from the home visit. This record
may be shared with the family if it has a significant impact on the child's school life,
whether physically, emotionally, or cognitively.
7. Home visits are an essential component of teachers' efforts to better understand the
children and their families in order to provide them with the best possible educational
support. However, it is important to remember that home visits are still subject to the
school's policies and procedures. Professional and respectable conduct is expected
between the teachers, parents, and students.

Class Trips
CLASS TRIPS
Class trips are trips to nearby or distant venues outside the school campus. These trips
are a significant part of the Steiner-Waldorf curriculum as these are meant to support the
lessons in the classroom, support the students’ development, and strengthen the social cohesion
of the class. Being part of the curriculum, all the students of a class are required to attend these
trips. Absence from class trips will count towards the total number of absences (see section on
Absence and Tardiness).
Regular Weekly Trips

These are regular trips to nearby parks where the class can play outdoor games, explore
nature as part of the lessons, and have fun in a different space. These trips can be a break
from the confines of the classroom and the school, and can provide students with
opportunities to learn and grow in new ways.
There will be a regular park destination for the classes and the parents will be informed
of this prior to the week of the trip. If there is a change in venue for a park trip, parents
will be informed 2-4 weeks in advance. This may be due to weather conditions, availability
of transportation, or other factors.
Field Trips
These are less frequent educational trips that are part of the curriculum where the class
can go to places that are significant to the lessons they are tackling such as parks, work
place of certain industries, museums, markets, etc. Depending on the grade level, these
trips can also include talks, tours, immersions, and outreach activities as avenues for
students to experience the world and integrate it with the images and concepts tackled
in the classroom.
The venues for these trips will be identified beforehand and the parents will be informed
about them a minimum of one month ahead.
Camping
This is a longer educational trip that is usually farther away from the school than other
class trips. The whole class stays in a place to immerse with a community, participate in
their daily life and work practices, and explore and study the natural environment, among

Class Trips
other activities specific to the lessons of a class. Camping trips are part of the outdoor
curriculum of Sisidlan beginning in Class 3. Depending on the grade level, there are 1-2
camping trips per school year. These camping trips are usually held for five (5) days, but
the length of the trip may vary depending on the class and the goal of the lesson.
Class Trip Forms

Waiver for camping trips
See policy on Waiver
A Class Trip Waiver and Student Medical Form are important papers that need to
be filled out and signed by a parent or guardian for a class trip that is longer than
one day. Students without a Class Trip Waiver (and Student Medical Form) will
not be allowed to participate in the class trip.
Class Trip Form for field trips and camping

A Class Trip Form is given out to the parents before an approved class trip. It lists
the names of the students, chaperones, companions, itinerary, destination/s,
departure and arrival information, transport details and necessary emergency
information.
The teacher brings important student details/ information both in soft and hard
copy during each class trip as reference for any emergency.
Class Trip Rules

The Class Trips are part of the curriculum and the school activities; therefore, all school
rules will apply during these trips. Some of guidelines specific to class trips are as
follows:
1. Students must treat chaperones with respect and obey them as they would a
class teacher.
2. All students need to be within sight of an adult at all times.
3. Students must be polite, considerate of others and use good manners at all
times.
4. The food policies of the school are to be followed at all times unless a specific
exception is made by the teacher with valid reason given to the Teachers’ Circle.

Class Trips
5. Electronic devices (tablets, hand-held gaming devices, smartphones, etc.) are not
allowed on class trips. Phones may be allowed by the teacher but will only be
used in emergencies and under the teacher’s supervision.
The Teachers’ Circle or the class teacher can add other guidelines when deemed
necessary for specific class trips. In such case, the Teachers’ Circle and the class parents
must be informed a week before the trip, at the latest.
Class Trip Needs

Funds
Expenses related to class trips are not part of the annual contribution. Taking into
consideration the objectives and the activities of the class trip, a budget will be
prepared by the class teacher with the assistance of the Class Admin. The budget
will include expenses for the teachers such as meals, accommodations, and
transportation. The budget will be divided among the number of children in the
class. All funds related to class trips will be collected and disbursed by the Class
Treasurer. A report of the expenses will be submitted to the class not later than a
week after the completion of the class trip. The class will decide on what to do
with any excess or savings from the total funds collected.
Unless a parent has informed the class teacher months in advance or during the
planning of the class trip that their child will not attend said trip, all parents will
be required to contribute to the budget of the class trip.
Transportation
Each class will arrange their own transportation system for the teacher/s and
students for all class trips. This will include (1) the vehicle/s to be rented or lent
by a family that could accommodate the class safely and comfortably, (2) driver/s
hired or volunteer/s from the class, and (3) other logistical needs such as expenses
and scheduling.
Depending on the class, the transportation can be through public means such as
buses, jeeps, etc.
Meals
Depending on the type of class trip, arrangements for the meals of the class will
be as follows:

Class Trips
• The Class Teacher with the assistance of the Class Liaison arranges the
meals of the class with the Meal Program Team.
• The Class Teacher through the Class Liaison arranges the meals of the class
with the parents who will prepare them individually per child or for the
entire class.
• The Class Teacher with the assistance of the Class Liaison arranges the
meals of the class with local people in the venue.
Our general policy on Meals, and Food and Nutrition will apply during Class Trips.
That is, only healthy and unprocessed or lightly processed foods are allowed.
Foods with chemicals, e.g., artificial colors, flavorings and preservatives, and with
high levels of salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats should be avoided. Depending on the
kind of class trip, when circumstances do not make it possible to serve healthy
meals will the class teacher allow an exception.
Communication
The class teacher will communicate with the parents through the official online
channel (Telegram app as of S.Y.2023) to give updates such as the class’ return
time or changes in the schedule, to arrange for other necessities in the trip, and
for emergencies. In places where internet reception is weak, there will be a
designated parent as phone contact for relaying these updates.
Chaperones
Together with the class teacher, another teacher must be with the class on Class
Trips to assist in watching over the students and in ensuring the safety of the
whole trip. If there is no other teacher available to join the trip, the class teacher
might ask a parent to join. The parent will be asked two (2) weeks ahead at the
latest.

Festivals
FESTIVALS
Every culture carries deep connections to the festivals it celebrates. While it provides a
reason for everyone to gather in the spirit of community, festivals more importantly also tap
into ancient and deeply universal roots and meaning.
In the Waldorf curriculum, we choose the festivals to celebrate not only as a way of
helping children connect with nature and the passing of the seasons but also to tap into the
essence of these festivals which would help nourish human qualities which are important for the
children’s health and development.
The elements of these festivals are light, food, song, and story to capture the children’s
imagination. Each celebration is held in a way that fosters wonder, reverence, and gratitude.
Annual Festivals
• St. John’s Festival
• Michaelmas
• Martinmas
• Advent
• St. Nicholas
• Sta. Lucia
• Lunar New Year
• Easter Celebration
• Peryang Pinoy
Attendance
All children are required to attend festivals and celebrations. Illness and religious
exemptions are the only allowed reasons for excused absence.

Festivals
Festival Fees
The cost of mounting a festival will be divided among all the students. The contribution
of each child will be announced in the official letter from the school weeks before the
scheduled festival. Everyone will be required to give their contribution on or before the
deadline, whether they are able to join or not. Class Treasurers will collect the fees and
remit them to the Finance Head.
General Guidelines
• Students and their families should arrive on time.
• Everyone should bring their own reusable containers, utensils and drinking bottles.
• The use of mobile phones or cameras to take pictures is not allowed. Parent
volunteers will be tasked to take photos/videos as official documentation of the
event. (Please refer to Item #5 of the General Guidelines for Parents and Staff under
Use of Electronic Media at School)
• For plays and other presentations, younger siblings of students, and other young
children and babies should be always seated on their laps or on a chair with their
parents.
• Parents of each class will be assigned specific tasks and should update/coordinate
with the Class Teacher on how they intend to do their assigned task/s.
• Clean-up is the responsibility of everyone in attendance. The school will provide
bins/receptacles for waste disposal.

MEAL PROGRAM
MEAL PROGRAM
It is the goal of Sisidlan to nourish the whole being of the children in its care. This
includes the nourishment of the physical body.
Grade School meals are served for morning snacks and lunch. We serve vegetable dishes only
using organic vegetables from Talipapa sa Sisidlan and other sources. We try to limit the use of
chemically processed ingredients in the meals we prepare. We are also able to serve children
with special diets such as gluten-free, those with certain food allergies, and others.
We require that all families avail their children of the Meal Program.
There are two serving options to choose from: regular and junior serving.
Regular serving (Php120/day): 1c rice, 1c each viand/side dish

Junior serving (Php100/day): 3/4c rice, 1/2c each viand/side dish
By default, all Class 1 & 2 children will be provided junior servings, while children in Classes 3-8
will be provided regular servings. Parents who want to avail of a different serving size for their
child/children will inform their respective Class Liaison.
Standard Flatwares
For efficiency and consistency in servings, the Meal Program uses standard flatwares
(stainless steel food trays, bowls and utensils) for all students. A one-time fee of
Php350/child will be charged for a child’s set of flatware.
Leftovers
All students should bring a spare lunchbox to use in case they prefer to take their food
home. Any leftovers, no matter how little, will also need to be taken home.
Second Servings

MEAL PROGRAM
Once everyone is served and food is still available, children may request second servings
on a first-come, first-served basis.
Extra Food
For new students who might still need to adjust to the food served in school at the
beginning of the school year, parents may leave extra food for their children during the
first three weeks. Extra food must be endorsed by parents to the class teachers. Food
will be stored away from the classrooms so that children will prioritize consuming meals
provided by the school kitchen. Beyond the first three weeks, extra food will only be
offered to children if their class teacher deems fit. Please ensure that extra food
provided are natural, healthy and can last until late afternoon with proper storage
instructions.
Payment
Payment schedule options include annually, monthly, and bimonthly. Official holidays
and class breaks will not be charged. Absences and sudden cancellation of classes will be
charged.
Potluck Meals
During school gatherings where a meal will be shared by the community, parents are
encouraged to bring home-cooked healthy meals to be shared with the whole
community.
If home-cooked meals are not possible, parents must make sure that the dish they will
bring to school are not heavily processed foods with chemicals, e.g., artificial colors,
flavorings and preservatives, and with high levels of salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats.

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PARENTS’ HANDBOOK

SISIDLAN INSTITUTE PARENTS’ HANDBOOK

Back to Table of Contents 7

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SCHOOL HOURS AND TERM DATES

4 September (Monday)-15 September (Friday) – Habagat Break

Amihan Term/Term 2 2023

30 October (Monday)-3 November (Friday) – Half-Term Break/Health Break

6 November (Monday) – Back to School

18 December (Monday)-5 January 2024 (Friday) – Christmas Term Break

Tag-init Term/Term 3 2024

19 February (Monday)-23 February (Friday) – Half-Term Break/Health Break

26 February (Monday) – Back to School

Click the link for the detailed SCHOOL CALENDAR.

School Hours 2023 - 2024

Back to Table of Contents 12

WHAT DOES THE SCHOOL ASK OF

The PARENTS shall to the best of their abilities and capacities:

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The PARENTS shall carry out the following:

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Choosing the Class Admin Team

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ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY

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REPORTS AND PTCS

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WHAT ARE CHILDREN ALLOWED TO

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Parents, Teachers & Staff

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TOYS AND OTHER ITEMS

Back to Table of Contents 29

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Parents, Teachers & Staff

Back to Table of Contents 31

PROCEDURE FOR ARRIVING AND

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HEALTH AND SAFETY

Back to Table of Contents 35

SAMPLE ABSENCE LETTER

Subject Heading: Absence Letter (Name of Student)

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USE OF ELECTRONIC MEDIA

Back to Table of Contents 38

POLICY FOR VARIOUS AGE GROUPS

CLASS 4-6 (AGES 9-12)

CLASS 7-8 (AGES 12-14)

Back to Table of Contents 39

Parents' Handbook SY 2023-24

Parents' Handbook SY 2023-24