History of Our Lady Of Caysasay Academy

When the Missionary Benedictine Sisters of Tutzing founded St. Scholastica's College in Manila in 1906, they had just marked their Silver Anniversary as a religious congregation. In 1885, Pope Leo XIII gave his permission and blessing to the foundation of a Benedictine Missionary Congregation of Fathers and Sisters founded by Reverend Andres Armrhein of Beuron. Seeing the need for Sisters to help in the mission work of the Fathers, Father Armrhein started the Sisters' congregation in Reichenbach in 1885, with four young women to spread the faith in other lands. A few years later, the sisters had so increased in number that their congregation was made independent from that of the Fathers. The first Mother General elected was Mother M. Birgitta Korff, O.S.B. Within 25 years that the Mother General held her position, the Motherhouse was transferred to Tutzing, Germany. In 1955, the Generalate was transferred to Rome but the convent of Tutzing remained the Motherhouse. During those 25 years, the congregation labored in Africa in spite of repeated native insurrections which more than once resulted in the martyrdom of the Sisters. It likewise answered urgent needs and requests from the Bishops in Brazil and in the Philippines. In 1906, the first group of Sisters arrived from Tutzing and were welcomed by the Archbishop of Manila into his diocese. Since that time, the Sisters have established schools in most parts of the islands. One of them is Our Lady of Caysasay Academy, located in Taal, Batangas. The Benedictine Sisters came to Taal in 1945. War evacuees who lived in a borrowed house, the Sisters with Sister Caridad Barrion, OSB, taught piano, math and other subjects and ran a Kindergarten school. After the war, they were asked to return at the invitation of Bishop Alfredo Versoza, then Bishop of Lipa to run a school. After much consultation, the Mother Prioress and her councilors decided to accept the offer. Sister Superior Agnella Mayer, OSB, was asked to find the school with the help of Sister Caridad Barrion, OSB, and Sister Liboria Kampinan, OSB. The school was first named St. Martin's Academy. Bishop Versoza who was then staying at St. Bridget's College, wanted the school to be named in honor of the Blessed Mother, Our Lady of Caysasay. Thus, renaming it as Our Lady of Caysasay Academy. The Good Shepherd Sisters of St. Bridget's College delivered the books that were first used. They were also the ones who transported the Benedictine Sisters on April 15, 1945. Rev. Fr. Mariano Lasala, the parish priest of Taal that time, was still in the convent which he generously vacated the next day. Cleaning the dilapidated convent and preparing for the opening of an elementary school were the first principal tasks of the pioneers who were later joined by a good number of sisters. The kindergarten equipment and supplies of the erstwhile St. Scholastica's convent became assets in the old convent. Despite poverty and other difficulties brought about by the war, the sisters continued to carry on their apostolate. The concerned people of Taal, some of whom were relatives of the Sisters, took care and gave help to the Sisters in times of need. After several years, a high school building was erected under the administration of the late Sister Hyginia Peralta, OSB. This was later converted into the grade school building when a twelve-room high school building was constructed. A convent was also built for the Sisters who lived there while administering the school. With the student population increasing every year, several annex buildings were built. Through all those years, from OLCA's founding in 1945, the Benedictine Spirit and Motto Ora et Labora served as the inspiration and guide to every child, parent and teacher who entered its portals. When OLCA celebrated her Silver Anniversary in 1970, she had the first two lay principals in the persons of Ms. Mercedes Anorico (HS 1958), now Mrs. Sangalang for the grade school and Miss Tita M. Alcaraz (HS 1961) for the high school department.

The grade school department was co-educational from the start while the high school was exclusively for girls. Starting 1983, boys were accepted in the high school department. The first batch of male graduates numbered only 28. On its 48th year, on April 27, 1993, OLCA took a different course of history. The Benedictine Sisters through Mother Prioress, Sister Pia Lansang, OSB, turned over the school to the Archdiocese of Lipa in the presence of Auxiliary Bishop Most Rev. Salvador Q. Quizon, who represented Archbishop Mariano Gaviola. The Mother Superior of the Oblates of the Holy Spirit (OSS) and Sister Grace Ancheta, OSS, and representatives of the school witnessed the turnover ceremony in a simple paraliturgical service. Rev. Fr. Carlo Magno Ilagan was the first OLCA Priest Director who was assisted by the Oblates of the Holy Spirit (OSS) Sisters from 1993 to 1996. The Community of the Missionary Catechists of the Sacred Heart (MCSH) was invited to assist in the school administration and religious formation in 1996. The late Sister Mary Regina Conti, MCSH, was appointed Assistant Directress. Since then, OLCA has soared to new heights. Notwithstanding the challenges, the school was able to continuously improve the facilities and upgrade teachers' competence in order to meet the increasing demands of students in acquiring not only academic excellence but also spiritual, physical and social growth. Through open and trusting relationship with parents, the school earned the strong support and active participation of the School Home Association (SHA) and some concerned alumni. Presently, the school comprises five buildings equipped with five air-conditioned computer laboratories, three science laboratories, home economics areas, two air-conditioned libraries and a gymnasium. The newly acquired playground tools make the little Olcans enjoy their free time. As the school celebrates its 60th Founding Anniversary, Rev. Fr. Ricardo A. Panganiban, the School Director, Mrs. Tessie P. Hernandez, the Grade School Principal, and Miss Gloria L. Reyes, the High School Principal, welcomed 512 pre-elementary, 1480 elementary and 1240 high school students. With dynamism and passionate commitment to TRUTH and LOVE, OLCA administrators, faculty, staff and maintenance personnel continuously aim to produce men and women of character in the service of the Church and of society.

INSTITUTIONAL PHILOSOPHY
OLCA education is: A response to the call of the Church to evangelize by forming men and women of character imbued with Marian virtues, faith, integrity and service; A commitment to integral formation and academic excellence to prepare students for life; A mission to transform individuals to become responsible citizens who live out their Christian vocation in the service of God and society. Guided by these principles, we believe that ...

OLCA is a Christ-centered Community where all members are:

filially devoted to Mary as manifested in the integration of her virtues in their daily lives, of one heart with the school's vision and mission; committed and supportive of the school's thrusts and initiatives, committed to professionalism and excellence; active and responsible participants in promoting a safe Christian academic atmosphere service-oriented; socially involved, contributing to the betterment of society OLCA Learners are men and women of character who:

uphold and integrate Marian virtues, faith, integrity and service in their lives commit themselves to life-long learning and the pursuit of excellence foster unity in diversity as they work towards the realization of the OLCAN mission are sensitive to the needs of others, responsive to the call of the times, contribute actively in building a new world order OLCA Educators are servant-leaders who are:

highly-qualified; abreast with current trends in education, innovative, contributing to the continuing development of education learner-centered, aware of the individual differences of learners; advocates of relevant pedagogies, committed to produce functionally literate individuals who live up to their Christian vocation in serving the country service-oriented, rendering service without hesitation and reservation; responsive to the demands of the clientele appreciative of Filipino heritage, preserving valuable Filipino traditions through various learning experiences. morally upright, ethical, professional, respectful of human dignity, supportive of their coworkers and other members of OLCA community. OLCA educational experiences are processes that:

inculcate the institutional core values; instill self-discipline, respect for human dignity and responsible stewardship of God's creation develop the diverse talents and potentials of learners to the fullest consider the uniqueness of each learner, the competencies of the teachers and the resources of the community. foster independent learning, critical thinking, reflective judgment, and creative application of knowledge in daily life harness up-to-date educational resources and information and communication technology in support of meaningful teaching and learning.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
Upon finishing his years of formation, the PRE-SCHOOLER is expected to be: Academically Proficient

Efficient in communicative skills that include reading, writing, speaking

and listening Able to exhibit fine and gross motor skills Initiated to ICT Emotionally Mature

Independent in going to school Cooperative by getting along with others (through sharing and taking turns) Curious to make the most out of the learning opportunities Persistent in learning to finish what he/she has started Sensitive to the feelings of others Equipped with proper toilet training and good grooming with minimum assistance Morally Upright

Appreciative of oneself along with his/her God-given talents Adaptive of early study habits Knowledgeable of the basic prayers; prays with love and reverence Mindful of his/her actions when dealing with others Socially Responsible Citizens

Attentive to the needs of others by having the initiative to work on assigned tasks Respectful of the belongings of others Sociable as he/she strives for the feeling of belongingness Friendly and courteous to other members of the OLCA community and even to those outside the campus Accustomed to the use of "po" and "opo" We, OLCA GRADE SCHOOL educators, commit ourselves to form learners who are: Academically proficient

Competent in the English language Critical and analytical thinkers Resourceful and creative in learning endeavors Abreast and innovative with the modern technology Aware of relevant and social issues Endowed with necessary skills and competencies for the next level of formation Emotionally-mature

Anticipate achievement and achieve, rather than being "paralyzed" by feelings of inferiority Are open for correction and appreciative of affirmation Can cope with difficult situations Are self-disciplined Are able to work alone and with others

Seek role models and gradually develop as leaders Express themselves responsibly Morally upright

Are God-fearing and devoted to Mary Practice the virtues of honesty, truthfulness and trustworthiness Demonstrate distinct characteristics worthy of emulation Prefer forgiveness than revenge Socially responsible citizens

Show love and concern to the less fortunate through reaching out and sharing their resources Use their talents and skills for the service of others Participate actively in community and religious services Evaluate consequences of their actions in terms of their relationship to others based on respect, gratitude and the "golden rule". Respect rules, laws and properly constituted authority Appreciate Filipino heritage and valuable tradition The HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES of Our Lady of Caysasay Academy are expected to be: Academically proficient

Express themselves efficiently and confidently particularly in the English language Think logically and critically and evaluate reflectively Manipulate various modes of technology responsibly and effectively Are well-conversant about social concerns and issues locally and globally Are well-equipped with skills and competencies for college Are impelled by commitment to creative lifelong learning Emotionally-mature

Understand, accept and appreciate themselves and others as persons with potentials, abilities and limitations Show pliancy in dealing with conflicts and difficulties Live a disciplined and healthy affective life Know clearly what they believe in and why they believe so Are sincere, fair and straightforward with utmost tact in words and actions Manifest proactive outlook in life Morally upright

Are Christo-centric Model the Marian virtues of simplicity, humility, obedience and chastity Manifest respect for human dignity in their daily lives Live with integrity

Socially responsible citizens

Commit themselves to the noble service for the common good Are cognizant, sensitive and responsive to the needs of time Possess leadership qualities Respect authorities Are responsible stewards of God's creations Appreciate and commit to the preservation of Filipino heritage and valuable traditions

VISION
Our Lady of Caysasay Academy (OLCA), a Christ-centered learning community with a tradition of academic excellence, is a dynamic partner of the local Church in evangelization. Enlivened by Marian virtues, faith, integrity and service, we form competent men and women of character to build a humane and economically stable society.

MISSION
Inspired by our vision, we will become a premier Catholic school in the region. With our highly qualified and dedicated personnel, we offer relevant, learner-centered, values-oriented, and technology-supported programs to develop morally upright, academically proficient, and socially responsible citizens.